In the End

17 ~ Deal

Running down the hall, Aspen practically drags me back to the waiting room.

My heart pounds in my ears as I take in Lena covering her mouth, silent tears streaming down her face as the Doctor talks as we round the corner.

"We're here!" Aspen bursts through the door, moving to his mom's side and taking me with him.

The room is silent and his grip on my hand tightens.

"Don't tell me–"

"He's out of surgery." The doctor says. "Offier Jones was shot twice. Once in the shoulder and one in the leg. The shoulder wound was clear through but it was near the ball and socket joint. The bullet fired into the leg traveled. We got it out and gave him blood transfusions."

"So he's okay?" Aspen demands and I rest a hand on his leg to calm the shaking.

The doctor grimaces and the sight has both Jones boys running their fingers through their hair. Just like their dad does.

"He's weak but stable." He confirms. "However, he has a long road of physical therapy and healing ahead of him." A rather long road by the sound of it.

"He's alive, that's all that matters." Mom says, hugging Lena. She's right.

"May I?" Lena asks, going to stand up.

"It's late and he's tired but I think seeing his family will be good for him." The doctor nods.

I attempt to let go of Aspen's hand but he holds tight. We follow Lena down the hall, mom right next to her incase she collapses. I've never seen her so frail and weak.

Watching her fling herself on her husband, a new wave of tears pouring down her face, a new sense of guilt washes over me. They don't deserve this. Houston hugs his dad but the sight of the blood has him paling.

"Easy." Garner throws an arm around him, grabbing the trashcan in time for him to puke his guts up.

"Blood ain't for everyone." Steve manages to tease as his son heads for the bathroom.

Aspen stills in front of his father before collapsing on the ground. If it wasn't for the fact I'm so short, I would've gone down with him. He hugs him, letting go of my hand as he clings to his father for dear life.

"I-I-I was so scared." His voice cracks.

"It's okay." Steve murmurs, using his good hand to hug his son. "I'm golden. We'll be playing catch next week."

"Absolutely not." My mom and Lena snap and he tries to chuckle.

"Women, such worriers"

Aspen grins, "I never understand why they freak out."

I slap the back of his head as he stands back up. Without us he'd probably be dead.

"Hey there, Jov." Steve says and I hug him.

"I'm happy you're okay." I offer, hating how he smells. So sterile and clean, not like the honey soap Lena makes him use because it's good for his skin.

"Thank you for helping him." He whispers, kissing my forehead.

"Always." The fact he knows doesn't even phase me. I'd do it a thousand times.

Standing back to my feet, Steve focuses on my twin. "They told me about my son who was handling the updates like a champ, holding my daughter as he paced the halls."

"I'm so–"

"Gentry Rawlings, the only thing you should be apologizing for is not hugging me." Steve cuts him off and my brother hugs him. "Thank you for stepping up when others couldn't, it makes me proud."