To Seek Answers (Mike Schmidt X Reader: Book 2)

Save Me

You sat in the grass by Charlie's grave, Henry next to you. Most people were mingling and sharing their condolences, but you didn't want to talk. And neither did Henry. So, the two of you sat in silence, each consumed by your own grief.

     You heard footsteps, and a third person lowered themselves into the grass beside you.

     "I can't believe she's gone."

     You refused to look at the dark violet-haired man, keeping your eyes focused ahead of you. "None of us can," you replied. Voice emotionless. An awkward silence filled the air before William let out a sigh.

     "I'm sorry. For what I did, I-I wasn't thinking. I understand if you hate me."

     Henry rose to his feet and began to pace. "I don't hate you, William. The only person who deserves my hate is the man who killed my daughter. You just shocked me. I didn't expect to see you behave in that way." William looked at the ground shamefully as Henry let out a sigh. "But I am grateful that you came today."

     You finally turned to look at your friend. "William," you began, forcing a tired smile to your face, "If you do that again. I'll sock you so hard you'll be drinking out of a sippy cup for weeks. And I'm pretty sure Mike will rip off your balls."

     William chuckled quietly. "I should probably apologise to him too, huh?"

     You raised a brow. "Ya think?"

     The three of you shared a quiet chuckle and Henry sat down between you, yanking you both into a hug. His eyes were watering as he pulled the two of you close, and it only took a moment in his friend's embrace for Henry to begin bawling. You and William returned the hug, and the three of you clutched each other tightly as Henry sobbed uncontrollably. You were still pretty angry with William, but if Charlie's death had taught it anything, it was that life was short. You didn't know when it would end. And you didn't want to spend your time being angry at the man who had been there all your life.

     Plus. You all needed each other. Now more than ever.

     For ages, the three of you mourned in each other's arms. People had begun to leave and it wasn't until a drop of rain landed on your cheek that you finally pulled away. Dark clouds gathered in the sky, an extreme change from the sunny day it had been when Charlie was buried. How long had you been sitting like that?

     "Henry, honey. It's time to go." Sarah placed a hand on her husband's shoulder, and he wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. You rose to your feet, William following.

     "Thank you for coming," Henry whispered. You nodded in reply as he and Sarah wandered off to their car.

     "I should get going too," William whispered. "Stay safe."

     He gave you another hug to which you returned, burying your face in his shoulder. That's when you noticed something off about him. "What'd ya do to your face?"

     William pulled away, looking slightly awkward. There were multiple stitches covering his face, one even oozing blood. It looked like he'd done them himself. "I was building something and it malfunctioned," he chuckled nervously, "It got me pretty good." You narrowed your eyes as your friend began to walk away. Before you could question him anymore, he'd spun around and was hurrying off, one hand pressed against his hip as if he were in pain.

     Something wasn't right.

     You jumped as a hand placed itself on your shoulder. "Hey, Doll, it's just me," Mike whispered. His cheeks were flushed red and his eyes bloodshot. "You ready to go?"