Devil Says 'H!'

Chapter 22

Ed jerked, and rubbed his eyes, as a loud horn blared near his ears. He stirred and turned his head to the side, to check why he was feeling comfortable after a long time. He noticed that he was in Jacob's jeep, and a smile lifted his lips up in a corner as he realized the reason for his comfort was that his fingers were intertwined with Skylar's. He looked down at Skylar's face and saw that she was still unconscious. Ed sighed, and stroked Skylar's hair once more. His heart was feeling light after many days, ever since Skylar had been missing, to be exact.

"Did you let the girls know, Jake?" Ed asked, turning towards the driver's seat. Jacob nodded.

"Yeah Ed, I did." he said, and Ed nodded.

"Thank you Jake," Ed said in a small voice. "For everything." he added. He looked at the rear view mirror and met Jacob's eyes.

"She is like my sister, Ed." Jacob chuckled. "I would do anything to get her back with us." he smiled, and Ed nodded as Jacob slowed down the jeep.

They had reached Ed's home and Jacob blared the horn once more. The gate was opened, and Ed looked at the entrance to the home. All three of them; Reese, Darla and Henry were standing outside. They were looking troubled and impatient. Jacob drove inside and slowed down the jeep, stopping it in front of the door. Reese and Darla hurried towards the vehicle, but Jacob got down, and gently pushed them back.

"Let us give them some space, okay." he said, nodding, and Reese looked at him, as though he had suddenly grown some antlers. Without listening to him, they tried to come front, but Jacob did not let them come any further. He put his hand out and stopped them. Giving one last glance at Reese and Darla, asking them to stay put, Jacob hurried towards the rear door. Reese's, Darla's and Henry's necks craned towards the door, to look at Skylar with their own eyes, not wanting to believe Jacob's words.

Ed gently put Skylar's arm around his neck, and he lifted her out of the jeep once more. He gritted his teeth as pain shot through his shoulder towards his chest. But that did not stop him and Jacob hurried towards them to help him take her out. Soon, Ed got out of the jeep, as loud sounds of gasps greeted him.

"SKY!" Henry shouted, and he rushed towards Ed and Skylar. Jacob tried to stop him, but he did not listen, and came towards his daughter.

"Oh Sky," he said, slowly this time, as his voice wavered and eyes started to tear up, noticing the state of Skylar. She was wrapped securely in Ed's jacket and her head was resting on his shoulders, unconscious. Henry's tears rooted down his face, and both Reese and Darla came to his sides, patting him on his shoulder and reassuring him. They were already crying, and Ed looked up at Jacob. Ed nodded, and Jacob helped Ed to take Skylar inside. As they moved in, others too followed them.

Reese hurried to Ed's side, and she pushed the pillows off the sofa, as Ed gently placed Skylar on the cushions. He pushed her hair out of her eyes, and cupped her cheeks. He stared unblinking at her. She looked as though she had not seen a drop of water for more than a month, and she was looking like a soldier who was shot in the front line. He sighed, and turned towards Henry. He was still sobbing loudly, and Ed went towards him.

"Uncle," Ed said, gently holding Henry's shoulder. He looked up tearfully at Ed. "She's just unconscious uncle," he said, lying to himself. "I don't know who had hurt her, but I am sure that we will be able to cure her too, uncle." Ed smiled reassuringly, and Henry took a deep breath, composing himself.

"Thank you son," he said. "Thank you." his lips trembled as he held both of Ed's hands in his, and shook it as though he was in debt to him. Ed smiled and Henry released him. He looked one last time at Ed, and joined the circle around Skylar. Reese and Darla were already there, having a closer look at her. Henry stroked Skylar's head and he turned towards Jacob and mouthed 'thank you'. He smiled and nodded.