Misinformation Can Be Deadly

Chapter 58: Delores is the Best

It was safe to say Virgil felt horrible the next day. He didn't feel nearly as bad as he did the night before when he woke up from his nightmare, but he was still exhausted. The whole night, Roman had sat next to him, holding his hand. The demon had to make sure he didn't move too much in his sleep, Virgil was definitely a kicker.

When morning came, Virgil still woke up relatively early, around half past seven in the morning. Roman had expected him to sleep in, but apparently his shoulder made it hard to stay asleep. Go figure.

Logan and Patton checked on him around that time, offering to get him some breakfast. Remy and Emile had toaster waffles, so they made him some of those, even if Virgil was only able to stomach one of them.

Janus and Remus had said goodbye to them before they left for school, which was nice, though it reminded Virgil of all the missing work they'll have to make up.

Logan and Remy had to leave for work, and later in the day so did Emile, but Patton had chosen to take the day off. He kept his phone next to him and had encouraged Virgil to message him if he needed anything.

Patton had tried to distract himself, constantly checking his phone and making sure it wasn't on silent. He let Buttercup out of their room again, letting her wander around the living room a bit before she decided to lay on his lap.

He had taken his medicine, so he wasn't currently suffering from allergies. He scratched behind her ears, sighing softly.

He still believed that they didn't deserve Virgil. That Virgil should have a chance to find a better family. But Patton also knew Logan was right, he's going to turn 18 on Friday and wouldn't have enough time to find another family.

Oh no, Delores. They didn't tell her what happened because she wasn't one of Virgil's emergency contacts! That means she doesn't know... Patton really didn't want to call her but she deserved to know and they probably shouldn't keep it from her any longer.

Patton chewed on his lip, tapping his fingers against his phone. Her number was saved because of course they befriended her, but it was so intimidating. He went to her contacts and took a deep breath, trying to calm his heart before he clicked the phone icon.

It rang for a few seconds, part of Patton hoped she wouldn't pick up but that would just mean he would have to call her again later. Would that be so bad though? Maybe Logan would be there to help him. Was he doing this too early?

"Hello?" she answered. Well, too late to back out now.

"Hey Delores..." Patton greeted, faking a smile despite her not being there.

Delores was quiet for a moment. "Is everything okay? You sound tired."

"Well..." God this would be easier if he just messaged her. "So um... on-on Sunday something had happened. Someone broke into our home while Logan and I were at work and Virgil got kidnapped."

"Wait, what?!"

"He's safe now, but he was shot in the shoulder. I... He was taken to the hospital and told the police what happened. Janus was there too, he saw what had happened and helped Virgil. We should have told you earlier but we were all freaking out and-"

"Patton, breathe, slow down," Delores interrupted. "Are they okay?"

"Y-yeah. Well, no. Virgil is still resting, we're staying at Remy and Emile's because a police investigation was underway. Janus went to school today, so we think he's doing okay. He wanted to go, no one made him. We don't know when Virgil will be ready to go back to school."

"Oh god, okay. I-I'll come over later when I can, I want to talk to Virgil myself."

"Alright, Logan is at work right now but he'll be returning soon. I don't know when Remy or Emile will be back."

"That's okay, I don't think I'll be able to come over today. God... I hope they're doing okay. How is Virgil, like emotionally? He's always been an anxious and scared kid."

"Well... he's been tired most of the time. I don't know how well he's been sleeping, but I think the pain meds help with that. I think he's still processing all of it, honestly."

"I think it would be best if he wasn't left alone for too long. I don't mean to be with him every minute of the day, he'll hate that, but don't let him be alone for too long."

"I think I understand... That would be for the best. I just wish we could give him a better home. We aren't even his legal parents yet and we already messed up."

"You said neither of you were home when he was gone?"

"Yeah..."

"Were the doors all locked?"

"Yes, the person broke the window."

"Then what happened wasn't your fault. Maybe install motion sensored cameras? If not, just regular cameras when you get home."

"That sounds smart, we'll look into it. I just wanted to call to let you know what happened."

"Well this Saturday I'll be heading down there to talk with Virgil and ask how he feels about continuing to live with you, even though he'll be 18 at that point. If he wants to stay, I'll give you guys the adoption papers. If not... I'm sure we can figure something out."

"I... don't want to lose him. But I want him to be safe and happy."

"I'm sure he is happy with you two, and I know you will do your best to keep him safe."

"Hopefully it'll be enough."

"You and Logan make smart decisions, I'm sure it will be. Life happens, Patton. One moment everything will be perfect, and the next..." Delores sounded distant for a moment. "Things are bound to happen. It's how you respond that is important. I know you two are doing the best you can, and I'm sure it's more than enough. Just be sure to check on Virgil to make sure he's okay, he doesn't always reach out for help."

"Okay... thank you Delores."