Fragile Bird 》5SOS AU

twenty three

LUKE

"What's taking them so long? Della should've been done practice a while ago." Michael groaned and shoved another chip in his mouth.

"Did Ashton talk to his uncle?" I asked Calum as I fiddled with my phone.

The boys and I were sitting in Michael's bedroom, snacking on chips and soda. Della had track practice and Ashton was picking her up.

"Yup. He said no promises but he'd try to get some information about the accident." Calum said as he scrolled through the local news website.

"No need boys." Della's voice boomed as she walked into the room with Ashton in tow. Della threw a packet of papers on the desk.

"I got everything from the hospital social worker. And the police station." She explained and kissed Michael quickly before plopping onto his bed. She then closed her eyes and snuggled into his pillow.

"Is that why you guys are late? How did you even get your hands on this?" Michael asked, a little surprised.

Della snorted. "My good looks and charm, duh Mikey." She said and opened her eyes.

"I just asked. Since I'm eighteen and they're my case files, I got all the information easily. Especially since I'm the last known member of the Ritter family, the social worker said I was legally entitled to that information. She gave me copies and I had to sign a paper." Della explained playing with a strand of her hair.

Ashton nodded. "My uncle said that these are sensitive case files. So Della should be prepared to read or hear anything that comes out of that packet."

"You ready Della?" I asked and sat beside her on Michael's bed. She sat up and hugged me. I knew she was nervous and this was her way of calming her anxiety. I patted her back lightly as a way to tell her everything was gonna be fine. She nodded.

"Okay let's find out who I used to be." Della said and took the packet from Calum.

She read through the police report of the car accident and we watched quietly as the emotions on her face changed as she mouthed the words.

"Oh my god." Della gasped.

"What's wrong?" I asked. Della handed me one of the papers. I scanned the page and my mouth dropped.

"This is....this is a hospital report." I said shocked. Michael was the first to question. "The one from the accident?" I shook my head.

"No. It's a hospital report about previous injuries. Broken wrist, cracked ribs, head injuries and bruises. The attending doctor states that these injuries occurred from physical abuse."

"That's not all Lukey. This file says my father was arrested for child abuse."

~

MICHAEL

Some sick fucker hurt my Della.

Honestly, I'm glad he's dead. The more we read about this Ritter guy, the more I hated him and the more he sickened me.

"Oh god. It says here he was a registered sex offender." Calum groaned.

"He was arrested for having sex with fifteen year old girl when he was twenty. After he married your mother, he was arrested for child abuse several times when you were growing up."

"Jesus no wonder I'm so fucked up." Della said and let her head fall into her hands.

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her shoulder. She looked up and gave me a sad smile. Then she turned to Calum.

"What does it say about my mother?"

Luke piped up when Calum shrugged. "Your mother was a drug addict, specifically cocaine. In and out of rehab before she married your father. She had three abortions before she became pregnant with you."

"I could have had brothers and sisters. God why I am even alive?" Della said angrily. I could see her hands shaking slightly and I knew she wanted to kick something or hurt someone.

"Hey stop. Don't talk like that Della. You are the best thing that ever came out of that relationship. Even though you had shitty parents and a difficult life, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be alive. It sounds terrible but that accident saved your life. Who knows where you'd be if you were still with them. We love you so much and we're here to protect you."

As I squeezed Della's hand, a tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. She furiously wiped it away and then chuckled.

"I love you guys too. And I wish I had met you sooner. Thank you guys for being here."

A hug fest happened and soon we were all sprawled out on my bedroom floor, laughing about nothing.

A while later, Della decided she'd read enough about her so-called family for one day. She closed up the packet and shoved it in her backpack, then suggested we get frozen yogurt.

And as Ashton drove us down to the high street, I held Della's hand in the backseat. Calum hummed along to the radio and Luke made faces at Ashton in the rearview mirror.

I leaned into Della and buried my face in her neck. "I love you." I whispered against her warm skin. I placed a light kiss on her collar bone.

I looked up at her and saw the corners of her lips turn up slightly and barely visible blush rise to her cheeks.

"I know. I love you too."

-

If you have anything less than decent parents, I feel you. I'm here if anyone wants to talk.

Also, never feel like you don't deserve to live because you're a caterpillar and the world has yet to see you spread your wings.

You're all beautiful and wonderful. And you deserve a life filled with beauty, laughter, knowledge and love.

-Cristina