A/N – I Love You is by Roy Croft, the author for From This Day On is unknown. The lyrics for Close To You are by Maxi Priest. Betaing done by the amazing Anni. Check out the picture she made of Vanessa at the end. Thank you to Anna (adcgordon) as well, you saved me from my mental crisis. (; I think this one is dedicated to all the Zanessa fans out there! (: This is my take on the day we all know is going to happen one day.

Summary - He was going to become hers as well as she was going to be his. It was the way it was supposed to be. Zanessa.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything.

I wanna be close to you
And do all the things you want me to
I just wanna be close to you
And show you the way I feel

The wind was playing with her hair. The smell of the sea drifted over her and she took a deep breath. The soft sand under her feet felt tinkling and she couldn't wait until she could just lay on it and stare up to the midnight sky. She heard the subtle waves and thought that this was a moment to be saved.

She opened her eyes and was once again amazed with the view. The beach was bathing in the sunshine and the clear blue water was sparkling.

But the thing she felt a little nervous about amidst all the glory was the fact that there were people waiting for her just around the corner. All of her closest friends and family.

She felt her lips curling into a smile as she thought about the man currently in front of them all. The man she was going to marry.

She felt a hand on her shoulder but didn't turn around.

''You ready, sweetie?'' her dad asked, squeezing her shoulder and giving her a kiss on the top of her head.

She nodded slightly.

There was a moment of silence as she tried to compose herself.

Finally she whispered, ''You know, daddy, after this day, I'm not gonna be your little girl anymore.''

She felt the weight of the moment and tried hard to keep the tears from falling.

Her father hugged her from behind and whispered into her ear, ''You'll forever be my girl.''

She nodded again and felt a tear falling down her cheek. He handed her a tissue and gave her a kiss on the forehead. ''You ready?''

Once again she could only nod and give him a bright smile. She took a tight hold of the lilies in her hand and took a last deep breath, calming herself down.

Her father offered her his hand and she took it, smiling happily.

''Here we go.''

They took slow steps on the sand and made their way forward. The closer they got, the more she felt at peace.

The soft piano started playing in the background as they stepped into the open air. The wind was twirling her white dress and the sand was hotter under her bare feet.

People noticed them approaching and as one they all stood up. Everyone had bright smiles on their faces and she really hoped the photographer was doing his job, capturing moments she would like to remember even in twenty years from now.

Then she saw him. The man that was going to become hers. The man she was without a doubt going to love and cherish for the rest of her life.

His eyes caught her gaze and he gave her a bright smile that competed with the sun itself. She saw him glancing at his mother, clearly having the same conversation with her that she had had with her dad.

He was going to become hers as well as she was going to be his. It was the way it was supposed to be.

They came to the end of the isle and her dad gave her a small hug and a kiss on the top of her head. She smiled at him and turned towards the front.

She took the final steps to the rest of her life by herself until she came standing in front of him. He offered her his hand and she took it. He guided her the final step up to the standing and they came to a halt, standing by each other.

She looked at her side, seeing her two bridesmaids, her best friend and her sister, giving her small waves and huge smiles. On their other side she saw the bestmen, his brother and an old friend.

The music faded into the background as the priest said his first words. She clung to his every word, not wanting to miss a thing.

She could feel his soft grip in her hand and waited for the ceremony to be over.

While gazing into each others eyes, they exchanged vows. They had both decided to come up with something, to tell the other their true feelings.

He reached for his pocket and opened a folded piece of paper. He cleared his voice and said,

''From this day on, I choose you, my beloved, to be my wife. To live with you and laugh with you; to stand by your side, and sleep in your arms; to be joy to your heart, and food for your soul; to bring out the best in you always, and, for you, to be the most that I can. I promise to laugh with you in good times, to struggle with you in bad; to solace you when you are downhearted; to wipe your tears with my hands; to comfort you with my body; to mirror you with my soul; to share with you all my riches and honors; to play with you as much as I can until we grow old; and, still loving each other sweetly and gladly, our lives shall come to an end.''

She really should have made herself go first. It took her a few minutes to dry her tears and compose herself. With a somewhat steady voice she began,

''I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you, for the part of me that you bring out. I love you, for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart, and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out, into the light, all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find. I love you, because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple. Out of the works of my every day, not a reproach, but a song. I love you, because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself.''

She had again tears streaming down her face and she reached up to dry his too. They glanced at the priest who started his own thing again.

After a while came the most important part of their ceremony.

''Do you Zachary David Alexander Efron take Vanessa Anne Hudgens to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, until death do you part?''

''I do,'' he answered and she wondered if the back row heard it too. He put the ring in her finger and she saw it glisten in the sunshine.

He smiled down at her, squeezing her hand.

''Do you Vanessa Anne Hudgens take Zachary David Alexander Efron to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, until death do you part?''

''I do.''

It was useless to try and keep the tears from falling. She too, put the ring on his finger and gave it a little kiss, making him smile.

''I now pronounce you husband and wife. Zachary, you may kiss the bride.''

He put his hands to the sides of her head and leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips. They heard whistles from the crowd and she could feel him smiling.

They broke apart and gazed at each other lovingly. He lazed his fingers through hers and they turned towards the crowd. Everyone stood as they began to make their way together and the soft music ceased in volume.

The party that followed was something magical. The thing she would remember the most, would be the fact that not once did his hand left hers. They thanked everyone for coming and took pictures with their guests. They also took one down by the water that they were going to put out for the world to see. To see what this day meant for them and for their families.

Their friends sang them songs and they waltzed more in sync than ever before. The open bar helped with the party spirit and some guests ended up diving into the sea. They enjoyed the food and cut the cake together, with people cheering around them. Some relatives and friends gave heartfelt speeches that left everyone in tears.

The little kids ended up making sand castles and after building a huge castle with towers and a backyard, one five-year-old told her that a princess and her prince was going to live there, happily ever after.

She knew who the little girl was talking about.

Later in the evening, when the party was coming to an end, they decided to leave. They had a whole beach to themselves in an another island but it would take a boat to get there.

They stepped on the boat and waved at their guests, who where wishing them good luck and telling them to have a great time.

The ride to the island was a quiet one. The sun was fading in the evening sky but the wind was still a warm and soothing one.

They stepped off the boat and managed not to get their clothes wet. They went to sit on the sand and watched as the boat took off. They leaned against each other and circled their arms around each other.

''I still can't believe it,'' he whispered in her ear, hot breath making her shiver.

''I know,'' she whispered, caressing his side.

Suddenly he got up and started to take his shirt off.

''What are you doing?'' she gasped and got up as well.

''Well, I happen to know you have a pair of white bikinis under that lovely wedding gown...'' he said, still taking his clothes off. ''So I put a pair of swim trunks under mine,'' he said, smiling widely.

She grinned, and untied her hair, letting it fall loosely on her bare shoulders. He helped her with her gown and soon they were almost naked, running down the beach.

She hit the water screaming and dived. The sun shone just a little over the surface and made the underwater world seem magical.

She came back up to the surface and was immediately caught in the strong arms of her husband.

There they were. Two former co-stars, best friends, lovers and now husband and wife. They were alone on their private beach, enjoying the cool water and the warm summer air.

The world seemed a better place that night.

She had her arms around his neck and she was just gazing into his sparkling blue eyes.

Once again he leaned down and pressed his lips hard against hers. The scene was like from a romantic movie.

''I love you,'' he whispered, the clear blue water making his eyes more lively than ever. They were so full of life and love and she couldn't imagine herself ever tearing her gaze away from them.

''I love you too.''

And the ending was perfect.


 

A/N – Dedicated to Anni. And to our favourite couple. (:

Zac looked around and admired his handiwork. The room looked clean and comfy, the lights were dimmed and there was a faint smell of roses in the air.

Perfect, he thought, smiling. He couldn't wait until she saw the surprise in the back yard.

His cellphone started buzzing on the counter and with a big sigh after looking at the caller ID he answered, ''I swear Dylan, I'm not responsible for the things I will do if you don't stop calling me right now!'' he half shouted.

The line was silent for a moment until Dylan said, ''So, is she home yet?''

''No! Now go play with your own girlfriend!'' he said and closed the phone, putting it in his pocket.

He was giving the room it's final touches when the doorbell rang.

She's here.

He attempted to smooch down his hair a bit, checked himself in the mirror and went to the door.

She looked stunning.

She had her hand on her hip and her lips were curled up in a smile. She wore the gorgeous dress he had left at his house, her hair was up a bit messily and she was wearing her simple black high heels.

She looked stunning.

Zac blinked and shook his head. ''You look gorgeous,'' he managed.

Vanessa giggled and and showed her dress. ''So do I look like you wanted me to? Your drawing was a bit messy so I didn't know if...''

She stopped her babbling as a pair of lips met hers. ''You look perfect,'' he whispered.

She giggled again. ''But I do wonder why I have to ring the doorbell at my own house.''

''Yeah, well, I don't think my house is suitable enough for the occasion,'' he said, pulling her inside.

''What's the occasion?'' she asked, puzzled.

He just smiled and took her hand in his, leading them into the dining room.

Vanessa gasped.

This wasn't the room she had left this morning.

The lights were dimmed, there were a few candles burning on the side tables and roses were scattered everywhere. There was a round table in the middle of the room with two chairs on each side. The table was set with two long candles burning in the middle.

Vanessa smiled when she felt Zac's arms circling around her waist from behind. He buried his face into her neck and smelling her scent before resting his head on her shoulder.

''How does it look?'' he whispered.

Vanessa sighed softly and leaned her head back. ''It's perfect.''

Zac kissed her softly. ''You know, the food is getting cold.''

Vanessa giggled as he once again led her further into the room, offering her a seat like a gentleman.

Zac poured her a glass of red wine and she sipped it, sighing. This is how it was supposed to be like. Just the two of them.

Zac sat down himself after placing a plate of food in front of her. She raised her glass.

''So, what are we toasting for?'' she asked, grinning. Zac rased his glass too.

He stared at her for a while before answering. ''Us. And for the future.''

She smiled softly. ''To us.''

They both took a long sip of wine and starter to eat their dinner. They sneaked glances at each other every once in a while and Vanessa kept giggling when sipping at her third glass of wine.

''What's so funny?'' Zac asked, smirking.

''I'm just thinking how you went through all the trouble for doing this...'' she giggled.

''No I didn't. But wasn't the picture good? I spent like an hour drawing that...''

''Yes, it was very accurate. Although I think you made my boobs a bit too big,'' she giggled. ''And what was up with all the clues, it took me like fifteen minutes to finally reach your closet and see my dress in there...''

''Believe me, I got lost the first time I tried it myself...'' Zac smirked, sipping his wine.

All the giggling and laughing and maybe the wine too made him feel less nervous about it all. He finally believed this night was actually going to turn out okay.

Zac took her hand and pulled Vanessa to her feet. He left her standing in front of the backyard door.

''Close your eyes,'' he whispered and she obeyed. He took her hand once again and pulled her along.

''Watch the step,'' he reminded and Vanessa, being at her own house, had remembered it.

She was left standing in the middle of the patio and could hear Zac moving around her.

After a moment she could feel Zac standing in front of her and he whispered for her to open her eyes.

The sight left her speechless.

There were rose petals covering the floor and little candles were burning in the sides. She blinked and tried to say something.

That's when Zac smiled at her shyly and pressed a button in the remote control he had in his hands.

That's when she heard it. The familiar sound of the piano and soft drums. Their song.

''Take my hand, I'll take the lead and every turn we'll be safe with me...''

Vanessa smiled and bend back so he could catch her.

It was as if they were there. As if they had spend their every night like this. The words just came back in a rush and soon they were waltzing on the spot and singing the words they felt were their own.

Zac was taking the lead and she could tell he had been practicing. He had come a long way from their first rehearsals.

''Can I have this dance...'' they finished it together. Their words were left lingering in the air as they gazed into each others eyes.

Suddenly he bent on one knee.

Oh my God...

''Zac, what are you doing?'' she gasped, her hand going over her mouth.

''You know, Vanessa...'' he said, looking up at her. ''It's been four years now and...''

The nerves were back.

''Well, I can't imagine my life without you anymore. And there's no reason for us not to be together...''

Vanessa was going to pass out. She forced herself to breath and reached for his hand.

''Yeah, I thought through this night all the way here, and now I have nothing planned and you're probably going to remember this moment in fifty years and just laugh at my sorry ass...''

''Zac...'' she whispered.

''Oh.'' He took a deep breath. ''I'm just going to make this simple and pain free...''

He reached for a little black box in his back pocket.

Oh my God...

He opened it in front of her and looked at her nervously.

''Uh, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, will you... Will you marry me?''

She had tears running down her face and a hand covering her mouth. Oh God, oh God...

''Vanessa?'' he asked, hesitantly.

''Yes! Yes, I'll marry you. Yes, yes, yes...'' she cried out and hugged him tightly.

They were crying and laughing, not even noticing the first drops of water falling from above. He broke their embrace and with a loving smile, put the ring on her finger.

She squealed and cupped his face, kissing him hard.

And that's when the rain started coming down on them. The candles went out and they were left in the dim light coming from inside. They looked at each other, smiling, even with the cold rain pouring on their shoulders.

With a quick move he had her in his arms, swirling her around, and she giggled louder she had never before.

Oh my God...

Just when she though he was going to put her down, he scooped up her legs and started walking towards the door.

''Let's go see where the map ends upstairs...'' he whispered and pressed his lips against hers.

Oh. My. Gosh.

Couldn't imagine a beginning.

Zac couldn't control the tears anymore. When one escaped, another one would follow. The world just seemed to come crashing down on him and there seemed to be no-one to hold him upright.

He slid down the wall, ending up sitting on the hard, cold floor. He drew his knees up and hid his head in his arms.

Oh god, oh god...

The grief squeezing his heart felt surreal, the attacking pain unbearable. It was something he had never felt before.

He heard the sound of approaching heels and after a moment someone kneed to his level. Looking up he saw Ashley. Her make up was smudged by her tears and there was a look on her face that made him believe she understood.

It took only moments for them to fall into each other's embrace, mourning together for someone they had both loved with all their hearts.

Ashley could feel Zac's breathing starting to even out. Still she kept brushing his bangs and running her fingers through his hair, like she'd come costumed to with Jared.

The door to the waiting room opened and a nurse peaked her head in.

''I'm sorry miss, but there are people arriving,'' she said quietly.

Ashley nodded and stood up carefully, not wanting Zac to wake up after she'd just spent the last hour trying to calm him down.

Walking to the hallway she found three Efrons waiting for her. All of them were waiting for news, waiting for her to tell them something devastating.

After a moment Starla took a step forward. ''Did she make it?''

Her heart skipped a beat and her voice broke as she said, ''No.''

Starla's hand flew to her mouth, disbelieving. David and Dylan wore the looks of pure shock.

Ashley cleared her voice. ''I just got Zac to calm down. He's in there.''

Starla nodded and was about to go towards the room before stopping. ''Would you mind calling her family anf make sure that they're coming? We'll start calling people soon. They shouldn't hear something like this over the media...''

Ashley nodded and gestured for them to go inside.

Starla could feel her heart breaking all over again as she saw her first born.

He was laying down on the couch, looking like someone who was asleep but the silent shaking of his shoulders told them differently.

Starla glanced at David and Dylan before taking a step towards her son. She laid a hand on his shoulder, as if not to startle him.

''I'm so sorry, honey, so sorry...'' Starla whispered, as she took her sobbing son into the embrace of his mother.

David and Dylan were left looking helpless by the door.

Couldn't imagine life continuing.

There's nothing I can say to you

Nothing I could ever do to make you see

What you mean to me

All the pain the tears they cry

Still you never said goodbye and now I know how far you'd go

I know I let you down but it's now like that now

This time I'll never let you go

A week had gone by quickly and life had gone back to somewhat normal.

David and Starla didn't hang around much anymore, having to return to work. Dylan had gone back to school, too. Same happened with the Hudgens'.

Except for one.

Vanessa spent days with her boyfriend, making sure everything was alright and he wasn't bored or anything.

But after a week it was time to leave the hospital and go home.

The rest of the Efrons were there as well. It was the fact that Zac hadn't left the building for a week now and someone had leaked the word to press. So now there was like hundreds of paparazzies outside.

But thankfully they were at the front doors. Zac was going to use the backdoor where doctors and nurses came to work.

I will be all that you want and get myself together

Cause you keep me from falling apart

All my life I'll be with you forever

To get you through the day and make everything OK

Zac was walking down the hallway with his right hand around Vanessa. Starla and David were coming after them, holding their bags.

They got near the front door, hoping for the best.

Zac took a deep breath as Vanessa pushed the door open.

They walked quickly to the car, afraid someone would recognize them.

They got it and David drove away.

The Efrons were talking by the front door when the paparazzies showed up.

Starla and David left them and Zac and Vanessa got into her apartment and locked the door.

They went into the living room and went to sit on the couch, curling against each other.

After a while Vanessa looked up and found Zac staring at her.

''What?'' Vanessa asked.

''It's just...'' Zac started, trying to find the right words, ''for how long have we been dating?''

''A few years...'' Vanessa answered. ''Depends on who you're asking.''

''You,'' Zac said. ''But don't you think it's time to take another step forward?''

''A big step?'' Vanessa asked, wondering where this was going.

''A big step,'' Zac said. ''I'm already spending half my time in your house so why don't we just move in together?''

A smile rose on Vanessa's face.

''You know,'' Zac continued, ''ever since this whole thing happened I've been thinking that I want to live with you. I don't want to be alone in that big apartment. I wanna have someone to come home to.''

''And you will have,'' Vanessa said, kissing him. ''You will have.''

After a while they departed and gazed into each other's eyes.

''Now, how about we cook you something better than the crap you had at the hospital?'' Vanessa asked, getting up and heading for the kitchen.

''Sounds like a heaven,'' Zac smiled, following his girlfriend.

I thought that I had everything, I didn't know what life could bring

But now I see honestly

You're the one thing I got right

The only one I let inside

Now I can breathe 'cause you're here with me

And if I let you down I'll turn it all around

Cause I would never let you go

You think your life is picture perfect by the look of it.

Everyday there's some war going on in some far away place but it doesn't really affect you.

Every day you see the flowers blossom in the park and you think they are beautiful.

Everyday you see the clouds in the clear blue sky and you think they are there for a reason.

Everyday you see your loved ones and you can't thank God enough for sending them to you.

Everyday there's some bad guy after innocent people.

'Cause I am due for a miracle

I'm waiting for a sign

I'll stare straight into the sun

And I won't close my eyes

Till I understand or go blind

The minutes passed and there was no sign of the doctor that was supposed to come and meet them.

Vanessa and Dylan were asleep on a couch. Starla and David were quietly talking in one of the corners, unable to fall asleep. Vanessa's parents had gone to fetch them fresh coffees.

Life was far from normal. Normally they would all be asleep in their own beds, not having to worry about anything. They'd wake up in the morning and start a new day without complains.

The world was upside down.

Finally, an hour later, a knock was once again heard. Dylan and Vanessa shot up on the couch and looked like they hadn't slept at all.

The door opened and a middle aged doctor walked in. He had a patient file in his arms and stethoscope around his neck. He looked like any doctor would.

''Sorry for the long wait, we had to run some test for Mr. Efron but now we're all done.''

People in the waiting room waited for him to stop the rambling and get down to business.

''Well, I just have a list of injuries we have discovered until now but we have no explanation as to where they have come from. Once Mr. Efron is recuperating we'll get to talk to him.''

Once again the waiting room was silent, people were just waiting for the doctor to continue.

''We saw a cut in the back of his head and according to a witness in the scene he hit his head before he got into the car for the first time. It may cause a little dizziness and nausea but we'll look into it. We put his left arm into a cast as it was broken. It was really swollen so we assume he got no medication or even ice for it.''

Vanessa held her breath.

''He had a little shallow breathing once he came here but it looks like his lungs are calmed down for now. We'll look further into it. His whole body was really bruised so we think his captor gave him a nice beating.''

Starla gasped.

''His stomach is bruised too but we have yet to discover any internal bleeding.''

Dylan stared.

''He was also suffering from dehydration, so we think he hasn't had anything to eat or drink once he was kidnapped.''

David put his head into his hands.

The doctor looked kindly at them.

''I know it may not sound like it but your son was really lucky. It could've been far more worse. He will heal nicely and all that will remind him of the kidnapping is his memories. But we can't do anything for those.''

Starla had tears running down her cheeks.

''We have moved your son to a private room and we only have couple of nurses who are allowed to go in. His privacy is very important to us and we will do anything in our power to help him.''

David nodded his thanks.

''As for now you can go and sit with your son.''

I see the parts but not the whole

I study saints and scholars both

No perfect plan unfurls

Do I trust my heart or just my mind

Why is trust so hard to find in this world

Yeah in this world

Vanessa was in the waiting room alone. Her parents had let her alone with her thoughts and had gone to get them something to eat.

The Efrons were visiting their son and had been there for a while now.

Vanessa looked up when the door opened. Her mother came to the room with coffee cups in her arms and her father came behind her with the morning news paper.

Oh God.

''Someone leaked the situation to the press.''

Just what she feared.

''They don't know any details, just the fact that Zac got out and is in this hospital. So we should assume there is a nice paparazzi crowd outside.''

Just what she needed.

The door opened and the Efrons came in with sad looks on their faces.

''It's your turn,'' David said, gently.

Vanessa got up without a second thought.

It was Vanessa's time to go in. To see his boyfriend properly for the first time in days.

She pushed the door open and stopped to look into the room.

The lights were dimmed to a point were they barely gave no light at all. A TV was hanging from the ceiling and under it was a line of chairs.

Vanessa's eyes wondered to the bed.

Her boyfriend was lying down on his side, away from her. He had the covers pulled up to his chest and a stack of pillows was under his head.

Vanessa took off her shoes and placed them next to the door. She tiptoed further into the room and silently closed the door.

She tiptoed around his bed and came to a halt.

Zac's eyes were closed and his breathing was even. Vanessa knew he was asleep and she couldn't help but touch him.

She brushed his hair out of his face and ran her fingers on his cheek.

This was her boyfriend. Flesh and blood. A boy who had gone through things people should never ho through.

Vanessa felt Zac move under her hand. He started whispering things and trying to move, only to hiss at the pain it obviously caused.

''Zac?'' Vanessa tried to wake him up when he obviously needed to.

Slowly his blue eyes opened and after a few seconds came to rest on her.

''Vanessa?'' he said hoarsely and coughed a little.

He took a sip of water from the class she offered.

After a minute just staring at each other Zac raised his arms up. Vanessa took the invite and leaned down to hug him.

It was one of the most desperate hugs she had ever received. It was one of those 'Don't you ever let go' hugs.

Vanessa tightened her arms around him.

Soon Zac started to shake.

Vanessa had never really seen Zac cry, or be mad for that matter.

But she totally understood.

And she let him cry himself asleep.

I know that there's a point I've missed

A shrine or stone I haven't kissed

A scar that never graced my wrist

A mirror that hasn't met my fist

But I can't help feeling like I'm

Due for a miracle

I'm waiting for a sign

I'll stare straight into the sun

And I won't close my eyes

Late night, brakes lock, hear the tires squeal

Red light, can't stop so I spin the wheel

My world goes black before I feel an angel lift me up

And I open bloodshot eyes into fluorescent white

They flip the siren, hit the lights, close the doors and I am gone

He didn't do well in hospitals. He'd only been there couple of times but the first time had been enough.

It was when he had been around nine years old. He and Dylan had been playing around in their little tree house not far from his home.

Their tree house wasn't one of the most stable buildings in the world but it had been theirs.

It didn't even matter that one of the railings broke and he fell to the ground.

He remembered crying a lot but he also remembered that Dylan had been there but didn't make fun of him crying. That's when he knew he'd never make fun of him.

Anyway, he'd ended up in the hospital with a broken arm and a sprained ankle. And it had been far from a nice experience.

First he had had to wait for hours before anyone had been there to look at his injuries. It was the most pain he had ever been in his short life. But that really hadn't been the hardest part.

It was the fact that after getting out he had been so drugged out of his mind that it scared the shit out of him.

Zac didn't really know why he was thinking about it right now.

Maybe because for the second time in his life he had been loaded full of drugs. But now they had't left him to wait.

People kept talking to him, asking him questions, maybe even waiting for him to answer. They kept showing lights to his eyes and poking him in places they shouldn't be poking.

And it fucking hurt.

He didn't like drugs. Even when they meant to help with the pain. He liked to keep his head clear.

And it didn't really help when he felt a needle go into his arms and heard someone telling him that he'd be better once he woke up.

What did they mean by 'woke up'? He didn't really plan on falling asleep anytime soon.

In a moment his eyes started to fall shut and the sleeping thing sounded like the best thing in a while.

He just hoped Dylan wouldn't make fun of him if he was to see him now.

Now I lay here owing my life to a stranger

And I realize that empty words are not enough

I'm left here with the question of just

What have I to show except the promises I never kept?

I lie here shaking on this bed, under the weight of my regrets

David wanted to cry.

He hated to see his son like this. To see his eyes glazed over, frantically looking at the people around him. Yet David believed he didn't really see them.

Zac was openly crying, sobbing, on the gurney, whispering his friend's name and something about it hurting too much.

People kept showing David aside, telling him to leave but he couldn't move.

They had cut Zac's clothes open.

David didn't know what to think.

This wasn't the boy he had known for over twenty years. His empty eyes, broken voice, battered body... this wasn't the Zac he knew.

David let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding when he saw his son closing his eyes and relaxing on the bed.

His boy looked more young and vulnerable than ever.

I hope that I will never let you down

I know that this can be more than just flashing lights and sound

The waiting room was more quiet than ever.

They had found Zac but were no closer to seeing him than they had been an hour ago.

David had been the only one who had seen him.

They all looked up at the door when they heard a knock. For privacy reasons they had gotten a whole waiting room to themselves.

The door opened and a policeman came in.

''Efron family, correct?'' the man asked.

Next came the introductions, people shaking hands and giving each other fake smiles.

''Any news on Zac?'' Dylan asked, his patience running short.

''That's what I'm here for,'' the man stated, mentioning for them all to sit down.

Officer Smith started.

''A witness states that Mr. Efron was seen in a restaurant on Friday at 6.30 pm. Do any of you have any idea why he was there?'' The police officer looked up from his papers.

After a while a whisper came from the end of the couch.

''He was there to meet me,'' Vanessa said, slightly shaking. ''We were supposed to meet there at 6.45 pm. but he has a habit of always showing up early. Once I got there he was gone...''

Starla put an arm around her. The officer nodded approvingly.

''A waitress at the restaurant says Mr. Efron ordered a drink. Another witness says they saw him get up and stagger like he was drunk. After he left the waitress told she went to clean the table and found the drink barely touched. Our best guess is that someone put something in his drink.''

The waiting room was deathly quiet.

''Once outside an another witness saw a man coming to Mr. Efron's side, leading him into a car and driving off. The witness states that she recognized Mr. Efron immediately and took the time to remember the registration number of the car. That information soon proved to be very important.''

The officer wondered if anyone was even listening to him anymore.

''The man that kidnapped your son,'' the officer began only to look up to see their reactions, ''was a man named Matt Riley. He was 43 years old, a husband and a father to four children. He's record was clean until that day and we can only imagine what his motive might've been.''

Officer Smith closed the file in his hands and faced the people in the room.

''That's all for now. Once Mr. Efron is ready, we'll get the complete story.''

He gave the father his number and said to call him if they needed anything.

He was about to go when he remembered something.

''Oh, and Dr. Miller asked me to tell you that he'd come and see you shortly.''

He gave the family one last attempt of a supporting smile before softly closing the door behind himself.

Look around and you'll see that at times it feels like no one really cares
It gets me down but I'm still gonna try to do what's right, I know that there's
A difference between sleight of hand and giving everything you have
There's a line drawn in the sand, I'm working up the will to cross it

How could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

We're so close

To reaching that famous happy end

Almost believing this one's not pretend

Let's go on dreaming though we know we are

So close

So close

And still so far...

Vanessa's first reaction was to scream.

The sound escaped her lips before she even realised it.

All she knew was that a shot had been fired and Zac was on the ground.

Not remembering that the police had had the kidnapper as their target, Vanessa took off running.

She was barely registering Stella and Dylan running behind her.

They were as eager to get to Zac as she was.

Zac was sobbing.

He had been scared as hell for almost two days straight. It was actually too hard to believe that now he was really free.

But with the heavy, dead body on top of him he felt like he couldn't breathe. His sobbing came out between ragged breaths and he felt like dying as the weight was pressing him down.

On top of everything his injured hand was under him and he still had the scarf on. And if it was even possible anymore his whole body hurt more than ever.

And as fast as Matt had fallen on him he was rolled over.

Zac drew his hand out as he too rolled on his back, taking the scarf off.

He tried to sit up himself but soon strong arms grapped him and sat him up.

Zac was pulled into a strong embrase.

Relief washed through him as he was met with a familiar scent of his father.

He clutched the back of his shirt and sobbed against his chest like there would be no tomorrow.

''Shhh, son... It's alright. You're save now,'' David whispered to his ear.

The words were said to deaf ears as the sound of his dad's voice only made him cry harder.

You're in my arms

And all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

So close together

And when I'm with you

So close to feeling alive

Tears were running down David's face as he was holding his shaking son in his arms. The front of his shirt was soaked wet but that was the least of his worries right now.

David saw Vanessa, Starla and David approaching from one direction and the police cars and ambulances coming from another.

He whispered comforting words to his son's ear but it seemed as if he wasn't listening to him.

It broke his heart to see his eldest son like this.

As soon as the police arrived they covered the body on the ground.

The paramedics reached them at the same time as Vanessa who had outrun Starla and Dylan.

''Zac! Are you alright, honey?'' Vanessa kept asking but Zac wasn't answering.

He was still crying and only tighthening his hold of him.

The paramedics too tried to talk to him and get him to talk but Zac was too upset.

''It's alright, I'll carry him,'' David said and with a little help managed to lift his son off the ground.

The only thought he had was that Zac was too light.

During the walk to the ambulance Zac buried his face into his dad's collar and put his arms around his neck.

Not once did they see his face or his pain filled eyes.

''Dad?'' came a shaky whisper that he barely heard.

''Yes, son?'' David answered.

''Pictures...''

''Zac, it's the middle of the night and I doupt they would have gotten any leads from anywhere,'' David tried to assure him.

''Good,'' came a tired whisper.

He let out a pain filled sob as he was layed down on a gurney.

''I'll ride with him, you follow us by car,'' David said to Starla who immediatly started to make her way back to the car with Vanessa and Dylan.

David went in to the ambulance and took a seat.

He took hold of his son's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

''You're save now, son. You're save now.''

And David tried to believe his own words.

A life goes by

Romantic dreams must die

So I bid mine goodbye

And never knew

So close was waiting

Waiting here with you

And now, forever, I know

All that I want is to hold you

So close

Don't know how

But I'll get by

Slowly pull myself together

''You will not speak, you will not move. I have something in my pocket and if you as much as breath too loud it's going to be against your head in a second.''

It really doesn't help to think that it will all be over soon.

'Cause there's really no saying if you'll make it alive or not. In a moment of panic, sorrow, desperation... you start to think of the meaning of things.

In Zac's case there was only one person he could focus on.

Vanessa Anne Hudgens was standing on the same parking lot as he was and Zac knew it.

Dylan and Starla were there as well, at least that's what he hoped.

He didn't know his dad was there as well until he heard his familiar voice.

''We have the money,'' came the steady voice and just barely he remembered to be quiet.

Has our conscience shown?
Has the sweet breeze blown?
Has all kindness gone?
Hope still lingers on.
I drink myself of newfound pity
Sitting alone in New York City
And I don't know why.

David took a careful step forward. His eyes stayed straight ahead, staring into the one's of Zac's captor. He put the moneybag on the ground and took couple of steps back.

The man actually got to his knees and started to count the money. He still held the gun pointing at David but otherwise he was focused on the money.

David took a good look at his son.

Now that his captor wasn't by his side Zac was leaning against the car. His whole expression seemed down. His head was hanging and some parts of his clothes were torn.

The thing that worried David the most was the way Zac was clutching hsi hand and how he grimaced every time he moved.

What in God's name had his little boy gone through?

''Zac?'' he whispered, trying to catch his attention and hoping for a response.

The man kept counting the cash but David knew that he too had heard him.

David saw Zac raise his head at the sound of his voice.

He raised his hand to his eyes and was about to pull the scarf off his eyes. Just then the man was up in a flash.

''Didn't I just tell you something? How hard is it to follow simple rules?'' he yelled.

Then he did something David would forever see in his dreams.

He put his arm around Zac's neck and put a gun against the side of his head.

David raised his arms up as if in surrender. At the same time a sign had been made and seen.

Are we listening to hymns of offering?
Have we eyes to see that love is gathering.
All the words that I've been reading

Have now started the act of bleeding into one.

Zac could feel his heart pounding in his head. He was scared and desperate.

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. His dad had already brought the money. Where was the part of letting him go?

Matt was breathing hard next to his ear and tightened his hold of him.

It's a pleasure to meet you, by the way,'' Matt said, snickering. Zac imagined a grin on his face. ''The father of a famous son. Tell me... what's it like?''

David said nothing.

''Yeah, I bet it's as boring as it sounds. Was a day without your precious son as wonderful as you always dreamed it would be?''

David said nothing.

Zac was embarrassed.

''The thing is I can't understand what's so nice in Zac. He didn't tell me any funny stories or sing me a song. He's downright boring and now he knows it, too.''

Even when he had the scarf on Zac had to close his eyes.

''He cried like a little baby in the corner every time I came to check on him. Have you raised him right? Or are you a pathetic crybaby like him?''

Zac knew his dad was screaming in his head but was careful to keep his cool.

What happened during the next few seconds was something Zac would always remember.

A gun was fired. A bullet was heading their way, Zac could feel it in his bones. He had been certain it would go straight through his head but was so relieved when he felt nothing.

Instead he felt the man behind him move and with the force of the impact they both fell to the ground.

Matt was laying on top of him, his arms around his neck, the black gun in his right hand.

''It was a pleasure to meet you, Zac,'' Matt hissed in his ear.

Soon Zac was lying with a dead body on top of him.

Under the black scarf a tear rolled down.

So I walk up on high
And I step to the edge
To see my world below.
And I laugh at myself
While the tears roll down.
'Cause it's the world I know.
It's the world I know.

Nothing comes easily

Where do I begin?

Nothing can bring me peace

I've lost everything

I just want to feel your embrace

There's nothing worse.

You sit in the backseat of a car. You know it's a car.

You don't know if it's dark blue or bright yellow.

You can't see the inside of the car.

You don't know what the fabric of the seat is underneath you.

You hear the sound of the engine.

You know there's someone else in the car with you. You know what he looks like.

You can't see what he's doing. Is he sitting next to you? Is he in the front seat, driving the car? Is there someone else with you?

You're blinded and there's nothing worse.

Except maybe pain.

But you know you're in a car.

Take a breath
I pull myself together
Just another step till I reach the door
You'll never know the way it tears me up inside to see you
I wish that I could tell you something
To take it all away

''Do you think he's changed?''

Vanessa looked up as she heard Dylan speak.

Starla looked at his son. ''Well, it's only been a day and we really don't what he's gone through.''

It was bitch black outside. Some of the street lamps were on, some weren't. They didn't see anyone anywhere, it was like everyone knew there was someting going on.

Vanessa glanced at her side where David was sitting, leaning his head against the cool window.

''Something wrong?'' she asked, fearing the answer.

''Just thinking about all that could go wrong.''

The car came to a sudden stop.

During the ride Zac had actually cried out couple of times as there had been bumbs on the rode. His side hurt even more now than it already did.

But he didn't care about that just now. This was closer to getting home than it had been during the two days.

Someone opened the door and got him out of the car. He was put to stand beside it.

He could hear Matt breathing next to his ear.

''There is a car in front of us.''

Vanessa.

''You will not speak, you will not move. I have something in my pocket and if you as much as breath too loud it's going to be against your head in a second.''

When I hear your voice

It's drowning in a whisper

It's just skins and bones

There's nothing left to take

No matter what I do I can't make you feel better

If only I could find the answer

To help me understand

Vanessa saw him.

Zac.

Tears started to run down her cheeks but she made no move to wipe them away.

She put her hand against the window, wanting to touch him, to put her arms around him.

''Who's going out?'' Dylan asked, breaking the heavy silence.

''Me, of course,'' David said and started to get out of the car.

Everyone followed him suit but didn't go after as he started to make his way towards a man next to Zac.

Vanessa felt Starla's arms around herself and imagined they were Zac's.

Soon it would all be over.

Sometimes I wish I could save you

And there's so many things that I want you to know

I won't give up till it's over

If it takes you forever I want you to know

That if you fall, stumble down

I'll pick you up off the ground

If you lose faith in you

I'll give you strenght to pull through

Tell me you won't give up 'cause I'll be waiting if you fall

Oh you know I'll be there for you

I'm on my knees

Only memories

Are left for me to hold

It would all be over soon.

It would all be over soon.

The words kept replaying in Zac's head and he didn't even like it to stop.

For at least the tenth time the door opened and the man stepped in.

''You know what I realised just a minute ago?'' he asked.

When Zac didn't say anything the man took hold of his arms and stood him up.

Tears of agony ran down Zac's cheeks and he kept his head down.

''I realised that we were never introduced.''

Zac was actually shaking.

''Hi, I'm Matt,'' the man said with the slimiest voice he could master.

Zac stayed quiet.

Matt hit him.

Zac hissed at the sudden pain in his jaw.

Matt offered his hand to shake.

Zac took it.

''I'm Zac,'' he whispered.

Matt leaned down and whispered into his ear, ''Now, that wasn't so hard, was it.''

And Zac slumped to the floor.

When the world is darker than I can understand.
When nothing turns out the way I planned.
When the sky turns grey and there's no end in sight.
When I can't sleep through the lonely night.

Vanessa hadn't left his apartment the whole day.

Every time the police came to her apartment they were cursing about the paparazzi and media who had camped outside.

Vanessa really hated them. For once she wanted space around herself and that's when they hanged around her the most.

A note had arrived just a moment a go. David had immediately called the police and once again they had all gathered in her living room.

Her own family was in the corner, talking. The Efrons were sitting side by side, all looking like somebody had died.

The police filled out reports and asked people questions.

Vanessa read the note once more.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Midnight. Market's parking lot. He gets money, you get me.

- Zac

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

And now they were just waiting around, again.

There was nothing Vanessa hated more.

When my insides are wracked with anxiety.
You have the touch that will quiet me.
You lift my spirit. You melt the ice.
When I need inspiration, when I need advice.

Matt didn't like Zac.

Zac didn't like Matt.

So why the hell had he brought him here?

Zac was once again lying down in the darkest corner of the room.

The sun was going down and the room was coming darker by the minute.

He tried to take deep breaths but everytime he did that his lungs burned and screamed at him to stop. Constant tears were running down his cheeks. He was clutching his left hand to his chest and tried not to think about those parts of his body that were on bruises.

Zac tried to stay still. He had learned that even a tiny movement of his head made his vision swam and those things made him throw up.

He just wanted out.

Just then the door banged open and Zac tried not to throw up.

''You. Up,'' Matt said.

Zac tried to but didn't succeed. With strong arms Matt hoisted him up.

Zac actually had to lean on him.

''I have this little thing I have that I have to put over head. I hope you don't mind much,'' Matt said and soon darkness surrounded him even more.

Matt lead him out of the room and out of the house.

Zac felt like his legs wouldn't carry him further but for the first time he was actually grateful to the man by his side. Even though he was the man who had done it all.

And for the first time in days, Zac smelled fresh air.

Where would I be? What would I do?

If you'd never helped me through.

I hope someday if you've lost your way.

You could turn to me like I turn to you.