The bright sunlight was shining directly into her eyes, and when she opened them Jude moaned pitifully.
   "Goodie, you're awake. Thought I'd miss my morning cartoon's." Zac smiled down at her, "I mean… uh, Mackie was worried that he was going to miss his cartoons."
   Laughing weakly, Jude struggled to get up. And she managed to. With Zac's help.

   "What time is it?" She asked groggily, the backs of her hands rubbing at her sleep tired eyes.
   Zac chuckled, "Almost nine. But you slept pretty well last night, after you conked out about three. But not before you took your time tossing and turning though."
   Groaning, Jude went to pull the blankets over her head, "no wonder I'm still tired. I feel like I've been tackled by you a million times."
   "Hey!" He admonished in mocked hurt. "I am not that bad."
   Grinning, Jude nodded, "Yeah, you can be."
   Forcing herself to her feet, Jude bit back another moan. "God, I feel so horrible."
   Holding onto her elbow to keep her steady. Zac grinned through his concern. "You'll be just find after a little 'R and R'." He announced authoritatively.
   "Is that your expert opinion, Doctor Zac?" She asked dryly, her head still spinning wildly even though she started walking. She blinked the tears back rapidly, trying hard not to think of how nice this felt, but how wrong it really was.

   "Yes, it is actually. And though I love that new title, I should tell you mom washed your clothes this morning, and they're waiting for you all nice and squeaky clean, after you shower." He wrinkled his nose, "cause you sure don’t smell like roses, girl."
   Scowling, Jude let him her towards the bathroom. "I can take it from here."
   Grinning again, Zac wiggled his eyebrows. "Are you sure? Cause I'm willing to do this. All in the name of friendship."
   Jude laughed and shook her head, "Yeah huh. Well, all in the name of friendship," she smacked him in the back of the head, "go away."
   "Such abuse." Zac whined, and wished them back as he saw her eyes widen slightly.
   Her smile faltered, but she managed to keep it in place. "One treats others as they've been treated."

   "Hey Jude," he started. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
   She shook her head, "No, Zac. I did it. Don't worry about it." She gave him a weak smile, "Just lemme shower, and I'll be fine when I'm in clean clothes." Slowly, she closed the door in his face.

   Closing her eyes, Jude leaned her back against the door, and slid down until she was sitting on the cold tiles. Tears squeezed their way past her closed lids.
   "Damn you, Ronnie. Damn you." She whispered shakily, as her chest contracted sharply.
   Tilting her head back, she could hear Zac on the other side, and the tears rushed out faster.

   Zac stopped himself from slamming his fist into the wall. He dragged in a ragged breath and leaned hi forehead against the door. "Damn you, Veronica. Why'd you have to screw up your sister's life too?"