His sister’s soft hands reached out to stop him.
His hands were covered in blood.
Parker finally registered that she was talking to him.
He couldn’t understand her.
He pulled her into him, holding on for dear life, crying into her shoulder.
They slid down the wall to the ground, him sobbing, her holding him like a mother would, soothing him with gentle strokes along his scalp.
He couldn’t seem to stop crying.
He didn’t even stop when there was nothing left and he was gasping for air.
He couldn’t lose her. He couldn’t lose the best part of himself.
He couldn’t lose the woman he loved.
Had always loved.
Chapter 46
Lullaby
Wes and his family listened as a doctor explained the situation Maggie was in.
She was currently in a coma, which wasn’t uncommon when surviving a crash such as hers. He listed off all her broken bones and the extensive damage each one had taken. Only time would tell how she healed. One thing was for certain, she had a long road of recovery ahead of her. Now all they could do was wait for her to wake.
Aunt Naomi and Aunt Stevie arrived with coffee for everyone after checking in with the Kings. Wes hadn’t even allowed himself to digest the loss of his best friend, who had been like a brother to him. He needed to make sure his sisters would survive before he could properly mourn.
Violet’s boyfriend had come to the hospital and was helping hand out coffee to everyone. Parker and Ava were missing.
Wes wanted Ava back. He needed her close. She was a comfort to him, forgetting about all the pain she had caused him. It was nothing in comparison to what he was feeling now. Nothing had ever hurt like this.
Time became unknown as they waited. All he knew was that it was taking far too long.
A nurse came out to inform them that Maggie had been moved to recovery and that they’d allow one person at a time see her. Naturally the mother went first. The father went next. Then came Wes’s turn.
He almost didn’t go, but he had to hold her hand, let her know he was there.
Seeing his sister in head-to-toe casts with tubes sticking out of her mouth had him crying for the first time since the crash happened.
“You can talk to her,” the nurse advised. “They believe it helps.”
Wes wanted to ask who “they” were but knew it was irrelevant.
He held her fragile hand, tears dropping down between them, “Please, Maggie. We need you to wake up. I can’t do this without you.” By “this” he meant everything; most importantly, life. He wiped his tears with his free hand, “Violet still needs our strength. She needs both of us to believe she’ll be okay. I can’t walk this earth without you both. Please, Maggie, wake up.”
Wes didn’t want to leave when a nurse came to tell him his time was up. He did what he was told, leaving his baby sister by three minutes a kiss on the forehead, mouthing an “I love you” along the skin.
Parker and Ava were back when he returned to the waiting room, both with red rimmed, puffy eyes. Bandages were around Parker’s hands, blood on both their shirts.
Wes caught Ava’s eye, “You alright?”
She nodded confirmation, “It’s not mine.”
He wanted nothing more than to reach out and for them to hold each other. He turned to his parents instead, the three of them combining their strength.
He must have dozed off for a fraction of a second, because his mother standing jostled him awake.
Violet’s surgeon was standing in the room.
That man became the room’s oracle, their center of being.
“She made it through.”
Those words were the most beautiful words in the world to hear.
“However,” the surgeon continued to explain what they had had to do in the operating room in order to safely remove the metal. She had been lucky that it missed her optic nerve. “She’s not out of the woods yet. These next few hours will be critical.”
Lily was the only one they allowed to go see her.
Noah paced until his wife returned.
She flew into her husband’s arms, sobbing and laughing. Her husband looked down at his wife like he was worried for her sanity.
“She said my name,” Lily sniffled into his shirt. “She told me I looked terrible and needed some sleep.”
Noah laughed softly too, knowing that if Violet still had her wit she’d be okay. The two held each other close, crying both in relief and the unknown of the future.
Another hour passed. Mr. Baxter was trying to convince his wife and his son to go home and get some rest. Mrs. Baxter refused to leave until her babies did.
Mr. Baxter didn’t argue, holding his wife tighter.
Ava didn’t like the way Wes looked, with dark circles and bags under his eyes.
“I’ll take you home?” Ava suggested in a much stronger voice than she felt.
Wes’s expression told her no as he stared into her eyes, “Yeah, okay.”
Her mum didn’t want her to drive, so she offered to drive Wes home on the way to bringing the rest of the Stones home.
Parker quickly spoke up, “I’m not leaving.”
Neither parent put up a fight.
Dawn was saying its goodbye, stars brightening the sky as they left.
“I’m going to stay at the Baxter’s,” Ava broached the subject once inside the car. Her parents looked like they were about to object, so she spoke before they could, “He can’t be alone right now.”
They agreed.
When they arrived at Wes’s she led him up the stairs to the bathroom, turning on the shower to a pleasant temperature, “Clean up. I’ll go make us food.”
On her way out he reached for her hand.
She paused, looking over her shoulder. He gave it a squeeze, his eyes speaking for him.
She squeezed back.
They let go at the same time.
After searching the fridge for what to make she decided on soup, figuring it didn’t require much effort to get down.
She heated it in a pan then placed it on the table, taking a seat next to where she placed his. She listened to him take a long shower. When he didn’t come down after, she went to check on him.
Ava knocked softly on Wes’s bedroom door, “Can I come in?”
No response. It didn’t stop her, she needed to see how he was holding up. She couldn’t imagine the pain he must be in.
Slowly opening the door, she peeked around the side.
Wes was settled on the floor with his back against the mattress, knees up, his arms draped over them, and his head hung as low as it could go. His hair was dripping wet from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. The sadness pouring out of him became all she cared about.
Even though she was the last person he would want comfort from she still went to him, dropping to her knees. She placed her hands on his arms, words failing her.
His body began to shake from his silent tears. Her fingers caressed his skin, trailing down to his fingers where she held them over her own, bringing them to her mouth for a gentle kiss. It wasn't sexual or intimate; its intent was to convey that she was there for him.
After her lips parted he curled his hands around hers, drawing her towards him so she was fully between his thighs, his arms holding her to him. She moved hers around his neck, so his face could better rest in the crevice of her neck. They both cried, grieving over the loss of a close friend and the terrifying unknown for his sisters.
“Take the pain away, Ava,” Wes rasped into her neck. “Please, take it away.”
She didn't know how, it seemed impossible, “How? I'll do anything.”
He inhaled her, his lips pressing against her skin. The exhale could be felt all over, and not from its strength.
“Kiss me,” his mouth brushed up to her ear and down her jaw. “The way you used to, when you still loved me.”
Ava swall
owed back the urge to stay she’d never stopped. This wasn't the time for that.
His lips stopped at the edge of hers, waiting.
All it took was a slight turn of her head for their lips to merge together. She choked back a sob from the contact, the deep ache she’d carried since their breakup flaring to life, making her mouth move desperately against his, wanting to absorb him into her.
With one arm securing her to him, his other landed on the carpet, easing her down.
She was on her back, the weight of Wesley on top, his mouth just as greedy as hers.
Previous events vanished from her mind; all she could feel was him, from the inside out.
One of his hands cupped the side of her face, the other just under her jaw, around the neck, making it so she couldn't move, giving him control over the kiss. His hips settled more between hers, the towel long gone and his erection pushing against the cotton of her undies. They both rocked, causing explicit friction. The hand at her jaw left to hold onto her hip, grasping the material of her dress in his hand, lifting it so his hand was on top of the skin. Fingers weaved into her hair, tugging it to the left, forcing her head to turn enough that his mouth could suck and bite along her neck.
Wes tugged on her undies, “Let me in, Ava.”
She lifted her hips so he could slide them down her legs, then he yanked her dress over her head so they were flesh against flesh.
He rested his tip at her entrance, placing his forehead to hers, breathing heavily.
“Do you want me?” His aroused, gruff voice asked.
“Always,” Ava breathed out, a tear escaping the corner of her eye.
His mouth met hers once again, his tongue entering at the same time he did, working together in harmony.
As though no time had passed, they eased into a familiar rhythm, one that had them in sync, building to their release as though they were one body. They held tight as they came together, neither moving for a long time after.
Wesley pushed off the carpet to lean back on his heels, eyes roaming her body.
Ava was too sedated and relaxed to have any insecurities. She could feel a lazy, half grin on her face.
“It's getting late, we should get some rest,” Wes was up on his feet, pulling on his bottoms and shirt.
She grabbed her dress, remaining on the floor as she put it back on.
“You can have the bed, I'll take the couch,” he informed her, taking one of his pillows and the blanket at the end of his bed. He was out the door, closing it behind him before she had a chance to protest.
Ava knew what happened didn't mean anything; he needed to escape. He’d used her and she willingly let him. It didn't stop her from crying into her pillow, missing him more than ever.
She didn't regret it; she'd never regret time with him.
Eventually she fell into a restless sleep.
The sound of the door creaking open had her fully awake.
Night still shined through the window, the moon casting a glow over the room, spotlighting Wesley as he came to the bed.
He lifted the covers, sliding right up against her. He took her in his arms, her back to his front, holding her to him for the rest of the night. His warm breath was a lullaby that soothed her to sleep.
Chapter 47
Again
Ava woke up alone, sunlight warming her skin. She stretched out her body, taking her time getting up, unsure of how Wesley would act towards her.
Her first stop was the bathroom, followed by Maggie's room where she searched for some clean clothes to wear. She ended up having to put on a pair of Violet’s yoga pants and tank top, as she was closer to Ava's height.
As she headed down she grabbed one of Wesley's sweaters, remembering how cold she got from the AC. She tried thinking of anything else she might need, putting off going downstairs for as long as she could.
Wes was in the kitchen drinking coffee with glazed over eyes, staring at the refrigerator. She went to start making her tea, stopping when she noticed it had already been done for her, steam still rising from the mug.
“Thank you,” she murmured. The tea was made exactly how she liked it. It didn't surprise her that he remembered.
“You hungry?” Wes asked, coming up behind her, close enough that his heat enveloped her. He reached up above her head, opening a cupboard that housed several varieties of cereal.
Ava reached for her favorite at the same time Wes did. She jerked her hand back before they could touch.
He chuckled close to her ear, ruffling the hairs. It sent a shiver down her spine.
“Relax, it’s only me.”
One cupboard over were the bowls. He grabbed two, keeping his body up against hers.
She couldn't concentrate on anything other than his smell and how close he was; it was taking over her senses. It had her thinking crazy thoughts, like lifting her head and kissing him, maybe letting her hands drift under his shirt to feel the ridges of his abs.
Those images had her breathing getting heavier, not even noticing that he too had stopped moving, studying her.
Wes’s fingers tucked hair behind her ear.
He had to have felt her body tremble from it.
His lips grazed the outside, a hand firmly at her hip, “I'm going to lift you onto the counter and fuck you.”
Ava nodded, growing red from his choice of words even though she always liked when he was crass.
Wes effortlessly had her sitting on the edge, tugging off her pants. He appeared pleased to find nothing else underneath. He dropped his pants and proceeded to fuck her so hard he had to place a hand behind her head so it wasn't harmed against the cabinets. When they were done he slid her pants back on her, then pulled up his own.
They silently ate their cereal, her still on the counter, him leaning his back against it next to her, so close they were touching, his arm brushing hers with every bite.
Before they left she rode him in the backseat of his car, and again in the parking lot of the hospital.
“The doctor will allow another visitor,” the nurse told the room, waking Parker from his half-conscious sleep. He sat up from his slouched position on the chair.
Lily and Noah were already taking turns with Maggie and Violet so neither one was ever alone.
“For who?” Parker’s voice was scratchy and hoarse from lack of sleep and hydration.
“One at a time for Violet. Magnolia can have up to three in the room.”
Parker and Ryder stood up at the same time another figure entered the room.
“I brought break–” Violet’s boyfriend paused at the sight of the nurse, his arms filled with bags and drink holders. “Is Violet okay?”
“She’s a fighter,” the nurse smiled. “I was just letting them know that they can accept visitors. Violet only one at a time.”
The boyfriend set the food and drinks down, “Take me.”
Parker stepped forward to protest. He was the one who had spent the night in the most uncomfortable chair ever made, not in a hotel. He thought of Violet and his vow to not be so selfish.
He watched the boyfriend leave, knowing she would rather see him than the man who did nothing but hurt her. It pained Parker to not be the guy who got to see her first.
Ryder followed to see Maggie. He seemed to be in just as much of a wreck as Parker, who worried for his brother and his fragile emotions.
Ava and Wes arrived.
Wes got to see Violet next.
The boyfriend came back in a state of shock, “I had no idea…I just…she looks…”
Parker’s stomach knotted, “What?”
The boyfriend wouldn’t look at him, “Her hair’s gone.”
Parker rotated his hand in a forward motion, needing more information than her hair being gone. Who gave a shit about that?
“The side of her head is bandaged over the staples. Hair might never grow back there.”
“Jesus,” Parker growled unintentionally, growing frustrated, wanting to get past her fucking hai
r. “How was she?”
“Fine, I guess,” the boy shrugged, deep in thought. “She’s all drugged and sleepy. I’m going back to my room to rest.”
Parker wanted to punch the guy. He didn’t deserve her. As soon as Violet was better he’d find her a man who did.
No he wouldn’t. He hadn’t completely changed.
His moms soon came and it seemed everyone got the chance to see her but him. When it was finally his turn the nurse said she needed her rest.
Parker couldn’t believe he wanted to cry over that. He was turning into an emotional mess. He had cried more in the past few days than he had in his entire life.
Ryder stood at the doorway to Maggie’s room, where Lily was holding her hand, head resting on her other arm. She appeared to be sleeping.
Part of him wanted to turn around and leave. The other part – his heart – needed to see for himself that Maggie was breathing.
He took a small step into the room, barely making a noise.
Lily’s head came up, “Hi.”
“Is it alright…” Ryder trailed off, looking at Maggie. “Is it alright that I see her?”
“Of course.” She got up, scanning him and his disheveled, unhinged mess of dirty clothes, and days’ worth of stubble, “You know, I need some coffee. Do you mind staying with her until I’m back?”
He shook his head no.
“Do you want anything?” Lily asked on her way out.
Once again, he shook his head no.
Ryder reached a hand out, hovering over Maggie’s hand. Most of her body was in casts, but her right hand was free. He touched it, his sorrow overriding his fear. His hand melted into hers, his body sinking into the chair Lily had been in.
He never wanted to let go of her delicate, soft hand. Ever.
He didn’t talk. What would he even say?
Lily came back a half-hour later. He reluctantly let her hand go, letting Maggie’s mom take the chair.
He didn’t leave though.
Ryder leaned against the window sill, “Mind if I stay?”
“No, it would be nice to have the company.”
That’s where he remained, and where he planned to remain until somebody kicked him out.
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