The Reluctant Fall

Eighteen.

"Where is he, is he alive?"

Anthony came bursting through the waiting room doors. His heart was literally pounding out of his chest. Colin immediately walked over and put a hand on his shoulder, "He's alive brother."

"Can we see him?"

Colin shook his head, "Not yet the doctor said he needs some time to rest, one person in at a time, and you know mum she won't leave his side."

Anthony breathed a sigh of relief and collapsed on the chair, "Thank god he's alive."

Daphne scoffed through her tears, "Yeah well, he'll be wishing he wasn't when I get my hands on him."

"Why did he do something so reckless?" Fran croaked out.

The boys both looked at each and embraced their younger sisters.

Benedict was alive, he had a long road of recovery ahead of him, but he was alive. That was what most important. "It's all my fault," a quiet voice came from behind them. Daphne and Fran immediately rose from their seats and rushed over towards her.

It was Soph.

Sophie was quickly ushered to a seat, "babe, it's not your fault, you were trying to protect them. We don't blame any of this on you, do you hear me?" Daphne said while pulling an emotional Sophie under her arm.

Sophie then explained the whole situation – she explained how she went to Berbrooke after Penelope was stabbed and pleaded with him not to kill her. He gave her the option, 'marry me or I won't just harm her next time, it'll be your pretty Bridgerton boy too'. She told them all that she felt like she had no other option, all she wanted to do was keep those she loved safe.

After a few discussions, some light-hearted conversations and a few peeks into Benedict as he slept, everyone started to dissipate. It had been a long night. His mother and Sophie were granted permission to stay by his side – together. While the rest of them had to wait on updates – or really just him opening his eyes.

As everyone started to leave, Anthony found himself unable to. He couldn't leave while Ben, and Penelope were still here, it didn't feel right. So he decided to get a coffee and think about his move. He eventually found a decent coffee machine and cursed himself he remembered his wallet was in the car. An arm reached around him and paid for his coffee anyway. "So why aren't you with Penelope?" Eloise asked.

Anthony thanked is sister and grabbed his coffee trying to avoid the question – unsuccessfully.

"Anthony, I deserve some answers at least, you can imagine my surprise learning my best friend since childhood is now shacked up with my eldest brother. If it wasn't for Benedict nearly dying, you'd most definitely be in here with a broken nose."

Anthony smirked and Eloise teasingly nudged his ribs.

"So?" she was waiting – Eloise was always an impatient one.

"She told me she wants me to focus on the family, and forget about her for the time being," Anthony said in exhaustion as he leaned back against the wall.

"That sounds like Pen alright, did you tell her absolutely not?"

Anthony shrugged.

Eloise drew in a sharp breath, "you're kidding right? What happened?"

Anthony looked down at his coffee, "I might have gone straight to anger."

She slapped the back of his head.

"You are a fucking idiot, Penelope had never had anyone fight for her, look after her, she doesn't feel important enough as it is most of the time and not to mention she feels to blame for this whole thing!"