Unexpected

TWENTY-TWO

Chapter Twenty-Two

Apologies

16 hours. That's how long they were out, how long we all waited for them to wake up. When they finally did, to say I was relieved would be an understatement.

I sat in a chair over by Deacon and Isaac, my crutches were resting beside me. A yawn left my lips and I looked to the clock. "I hope they wake up soon-" I was cut short by the sound of water sloshing onto the floor, and gasping lungs.

All heads turned in the direction of the buckets, where Scott, Stiles, and Allison all sat out of the water. Each of them were sucking in oxygen, trying to catch their stolen breaths. We all got up quickly to greet them with towels and worry ridden faces.

I moved to Scott, careful to keep off my bad leg which was still sore. He stood outside the tub, soaking wet. My eyes moved over him slowly and I couldn't help but forget all the animosity and anger I held toward him; in this moment I was simply happy he was alive.

My arms wrapped around his neck and he pulled me into him, relief flooded my senses as I gripped onto him tightly. "You're okay..." I breathed, "You're all okay." 

I let go of Scott and moved to Stiles, repeating the action of wrapping my arms around him tightly. I didn't want to let go of my brother, afraid that if I did, he'd turn back into what I saw in my vision. I could feel my shirt getting wet from hugging my boys but, I didn't care.

"How long were we out?" Scott asked; I pulled away from Stiles and we all faced Scott. "16 hours..." I spoke, my nerves flooding me. "What'd you guys see?" 

Scott and Allison began explaining what they saw and where our parents were, they knew  where they were and now they were forming a plan. Stiles was talking a mile a minute, along with everyone else, while I just sat back and watched. 

It's not like I would be allowed in on the plan or anything, we couldn't risk it. Not with the babies at risk and my injuries. They were going to leave me at home to sit and worry. Maybe I'll call Danny over, I haven't seen him since he was in the hospital.  He'll know just how to make me feel better, with my dad missing and all. 

I felt two hands on my shoulders and I snapped out of my thoughts. I looked up to meet brown eyes that were identical to my own, Stiles. His face was pinched together in both stress, worry and fear. I forced a smile for him, "hey little brother." My attempt at teasing him worked, because his face relaxed slightly and his lips twitched up. 

"You're only older by two minutes, that's not even enough to make it justifiable." Stiles looked down from my eyes and grabbed both my hands in his. "You can't come with us. It's too dangerous..." He began and I rolled my eyes, giving his hands a squeeze. 

I nodded, "I know. I'll go home and wait. Just.." I took in a breath and tears threatened to build up in my eyes as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Just be careful, okay?" I pleaded, "I can't handle the thought of losing you." 

Stiles pulled me into a tight hug, I wrapped my arms around him. We hugged as if it were goodbye; both of us knowing that it might be. I wanted to cry, but I didn't, I don't want him to feel guilty for leaving. "I love you, Stiles, forever." 

"I love you too, Tori, always." He gave me a kiss on the head before pulling away and sending me a small smile. Next up was Scott, why are they saying goodbye like this and making me feel so emotional? I swear, these boys are too much for me. 

I looked up at Scott, sadness and hurt filled the space between us. He ignored me for so long, and left without a goodbye. I can't help but feel hurt by that. "Victoria..." He breathed out, and I swear right then and there I just wanted to melt into him, but I couldn't.