Taking Chances (a Ross Lynch fanfiction)

Chapter 21

About five hours later, I was released from the hospital.

Ross made me ride in a wheelchair out to the car. When I stood up, I almost fell back over.

"Take it easy." Rydel said, helping me up.

"I'm trying. It hurts really bad though." I said, gripping my stomach.

I climbed in the backseat of the car and Ross climbed in after me, his arms immediately wrapping around me.

Rydel and Ratliff took the seats up front with Ratliff behind the wheel.

"Everyone's excited to see you." Ratliff said. "They have big dinner plans tonight."

Rydel reached over and hit him saying, "Shhh!"

I looked up at Ross and smiled.

We pulled up beside the bus and Rydel opened my door. Ratliff came over and took my hand, helping me to my feet with Ross behind me incase I fell again.

"Did anyone tell my mom what happened?" I said more to myself than anyone in particular.

"No," Ross admitted, "we thought you might wanna tell her."

"Great, leave me to kill the dragon." I laughed, rolling my eyes.

"Your mother will be so worried. You have to tell her soon. You can't just go home with a huge scar." Rydel added.

"When should I do it?" I asked, staring at my feet.

"Wait until we get inside and you start relaxing. I don't want you to stress out and hurt yourself." Ross said.

The bus door opened before we got to it and Stormie flew out of it.

"Oh my heavens, Ashely!! I was so worried!" Stormie came over and flung her arms around me.

I let out a small squeal of pain.

"Mom you're hurting her!" Ross yelled

She stepped back and cupped my face.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just was so worried! You are not leaving my sight again! Have you called your mother yet?" She started ranting.

I shook my head slowly.

"Oh sweetheart, you have to tell her. She will be heartbroken. Come on, let's get you settled and you can call her."

Stormie held open the door and Rocky took my hand, helping me up the stairs. Ross was behind me, with his hands protectively wrapped around my hips, helping me go step by step.

When I made it up the stairs, Ryland had the couch cleared off with tons of pillows and blankets on it.

"You can sit right here and relax." He said backing up.

"But this is your couch!" I laughed.

"You need it more." He said smiling.

Ross sat me down and covered me up even though I wasn't cold.

"So, can I see your stitches?" Rocky asked.

"Rocky!" Ross yelled.

"It's ok." I laughed. I lifted up my shirt to reveal the stitches and still fairly fresh wound.

From behind Rocky, I saw Riker, standing at the entrance to the bunks with tears streaming down his face.

A pang of guilt shot through me. Maybe I was too hard on him, he didn't deserve all of the blame. It was my fault for leaving.