Unseen Connection

Taking Your Pain

Amber

Jennifer gave me the key to her apartment and told me to go in. I nodded and did as I was told and she left. Once I was inside I locked the door behind me, not wanting to leave it unlocked risking someone coming in after me. I went to the bathroom and flicked on the light. I took a deep breath and lifted my chin. I gasped and instantly regretted it. My throat was covered in a bruise of varying shades. Blue, purple, red, and almost black areas all in the shape of Derek Hale's hand. I backed up against the wall in shock. I couldn't go outside like this let alone go to school. This looked awful and was so painful. I quickly turned the light off and went to the kitchen. I couldn't look at the bruises. I turned on the light and looked for some medicine. I found some, but when I tried to swallow them with water it didn't work and made the discomfort in my throat worse. I simply started boiling some water so I could make tea. It took a bit but I found some tea and made it. I only put honey in the tea. I waited until it was lukewarm and slowly sipped. I got some of it down but it hurt to swallow. I felt awful. I set down the cup and grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and curled up. I was so tired, but it was hard to sleep when my throat hurt. Suddenly I heard the doorknob turning and I went to the bathroom and hid in the tub. I cursed myself for not grabbing a weapon. Suddenly the bathroom light flicked on and I closed my eyes waiting for something bad to happen. However when nothing did I opened my eyes. I looked up to find Peter standing in the doorway. His eyes met mine and I could feel his anger once his gaze flickered down to my throat.

"I'm." I didn't finish speaking, the discomfort in my throat was too much.

Peter walked over and knelt down next to the tub. He placed his hand on me and suddenly the pain started to subside. I looked down at his arm and saw black lines appearing on his arms. I pulled away from him not knowing what was going on. The lines disappeared and I looked up at him.

"How do you feel?" I noticed the pain was gone, but I knew that didn't mean the injury wasn't still there.

"The pain is bearable," I was confused about what the black lines that appeared on his arms were, "what did you do?"

"I took your pain." He reached out and gently touched my throat.

I flinched and couldn't stop the sound of pain that slipped past my lips. I saw a determined look on his face and I shook my head, pulling away.

"No more," It was a hoarse whisper, "a little pain is necessary or else I may overdo the talking."

I regretted speaking what little I had.

"Come on. Let's get you somewhere more comfortable." I nod and take his outstretched hand.

He pulls me up and helps me out of the tub. I follow him as he leads me to a door and opens it, revealing a bedroom.

"This is where you will stay for now. I can't stay long, but I can stay long enough to make sure you are settled in and safe." He looked at me and I nodded walking in.

I sat on the bed and slipped off my shoes. I looked around the room and then smiled up at him. I use my left hand and sign thank you. He smiles at me.

"You are very welcome, my dear. Will you be okay by yourself?" I knew he had to go back so I simply nodded.

"Are you sure?" I looked down.

I didn't really have a choice but to be okay. I nodded. Suddenly he was cradling my face in his hands making me look at him.

"It's okay to not be okay, little one. Are you sure you're okay?" I felt the burn of unshed tears in my eyes.

I took his hands in mine and held them to my chest.

"I'm safe, and I have to be okay. You can't stay." I flinched as I finished speaking.

He wasn't happy with my answer, "fine, but I'm taking more of your pain before I leave."

I shook my head and he shook his, holding my hands gently, "it's not up for discussion, little one."

I watched as black veins appeared on his arms again. I felt the discomfort go away and I was able to yawn and it didn't hurt.

"I can at least tuck you into bed before I leave, Sweetheart." He picked me up and I yelped in surprise.

He pulled back the covers and set me down, covering me up. He kissed my forehead and I looked up at him.

"Will you come back soon?" He smiled at me.

"As soon as I can. I promise Amber. Jennifer will be here after her shift. Just rest." I nodded.

"Thank you for saving me tonight." He looked surprised.

"You weren't scared?" I shook my head.

"Of you? No. You saved me tonight. Thank you Peter." I smiled at him.

"You're welcome, Amber. Now sleep." He left the room and I did exactly that.