The Maia and Ross Diaries 2

C14 - Outcasts

"Jesus loved the outcasts. He loved the ones the world just loves to hate." -Relient

Ross gripped me in a tight hug in the loud busy halls as he had left filming Austin and Ally to be in the middle of a hospital, holding me... "Is she okay?" He asked terrified. Still in our hug, I let my shaking hands hold his back and lent my head down on his shoulder. "I don't know..." I muttered trying not to give in. I was trying to be a mom. But Ross understood when I noticed he started holding me tighter...

"We're going to find out, I promise."

Not expecting to have to rush to the hospital on a normal night of one of Peyton's high school games, I just stayed in shock.

When Ross let me go, I noticed he was looking over at a Nina and Austin walking towards us, through the hall. I didn't know whether to stand strong, or wipe my eyes. I just didn't know what to do anymore.

Nina happily hugged Ross, and Austin hugged me, I was not hesitating to hug back. They didn't have to be here, but I was glad that they we're. They always come when someone in the Mitchell family was hurt, and it was assuring they'd come when someone in the Lynch family was hurt to.

Nina came to me with her arms open as I needed an old friend. We'd been talking without even saying anything. "I'm so sorry." She finally muttered, as we hugged. And I think she knew Peyton didn't just trip on the ground. Neither did I, and I shut my eyes tightly holding back all tears.

Nina's POV

"Hey," I spoke to a deep in thought Austin, while sitting down in the seat next to him. We we're in the waiting room, as I knew we'd be here for a while.

He looked towards me with a half smile and looked away. Taking a small sigh, I plopped in the chair and put my head in the palm of my hands. I knew things we're going to be awkward between us... All this stuff happening made me realize Austin was still my best friend if he wasn't going to be my boyfriend. And when Maia is keeping it together, we'd both be there for her.

But we'd been growing up; and growing distant without even knowing it. I didn't feel like that outcasts in high school anymore who deepened on a college to define her life. College was over --- that romance I thought I'd had, was, over.

He bit his lip, before I could turn away. "Do you think...I'm a freak? For what I did to you?"

We'd never talked about it, without me cursing at him when he told me he liked boys. I was heartbroken and hid that entire heart break with kicking him out and watching "The Notebook" for a month. And now here I am. "I think what you did was wrong..." I said, looking down.

"But you had it harder." I added in a whimper, figuring it was time to let him go while I could. After I said that he gave me a look... he just looked at me, with those brown eyes that used to wake up to me every morning. "You've been keeping this in all your life... you never got to break free of it, and it was never me you wanted. And I'm sorry I freaked out-- I realize, that you're still my best friend." I told him, "And that's more important right now." I reached over gripping his hand, as his half smile came back; But longer this time.

-

"I wanted to call the police, but your daughter is insisting she tripped." The nurse informed Ross and I in the halls. Ross took my shaking hand, holding it tightly.

"So, she didn't trip?" I asked. I'd seen her asleep through the window, with a red mark on her cheek -- I would've never thought I'd be close to losing her ever --- but I'd been close. That's something, I never-wanted to feel.