Hold Tight (Phan Adoption)

Chapter Fifteen

Dan's POV

 My head is just spinning. It never occurred to me that little ninety five pound Waverly could beat the shit out of someone. I don't like violence, I never have. This all just breaks my heart because I know she doesn't either. I am certainly not mad at Wave, she did what she had to do. That girl just attacked her out of nowhere.

 My emotions are so jumbled up, I just don't know how to feel. In a way, its comforting that she can take care of herself. On the other hand, she's still getting bullied at school and Phil and I were clueless. She lies here in my lap, sleeping softly as her cheek and lip swells and the reddish markings darken to a deep purple. I pet her hair and stay as still as possible. Why her? It kills me to see my little girl hurt like this.

 Other than the fight, I know she has to be completely mortified. The whole school saw her scars, her ribs, her deepest secrets with no words to explain. I don't want her to go back. Not even after the week of suspension. 

 "Hey babe, I just got a call from Joey." Phil comes in the living room a little more relaxed vibe. "He and Daniel are coming to visit in a few days. Their hotel is a few blocks down from us."

"Did you tell them we all need to visit?" My mood lifts a little. Joey is always nice company to have, plus Waverly has been dying to meet him. I think they would get along pretty well, they are so similar.

"Of course I did! I told him that they could stop by whenever, someone is gonna be here all week anyways." He gestures to the sleeping girl in my lap.

"Lion.." I sigh. "I think we should pull her out of school. I'd feel so evil sending her back."

"We can't just deprive her of education, Dan." I cringe at his firm tone. He sits down in the chair and opens his Mac.

"Phil, you didn't see the look on her face when I came in. Ali said that girl ripped her shirt off in front of everyone, you know they all had cameras. Waverly is being bullied. It's only going to get worse from now.." I run my fingers through my hair and tug at my roots. This is so frustrating.

"I suppose you're right.. But she still needs schooling. I say an online program would be the best." His blue eyes never leave the laptop screen. I stare at him for a second before replying.

"Yeah.. That'll work. Anything really.." I look down to see Waverly shifting. Her eyes open a bit before wincing.

"How long was I asleep?" She mumbles before sitting up and rubbing her head.

"Couple hours.. Hey, take it easy." I say and help her up.

"I got it, I'm fine." Wave steps away from me and rubs her bare arms. "Didn't I fall asleep on Lion?"

"I got a call and you were out.." He chuckles. "Joey and Daniel are coming in a day or so."

Waverly's eyes light up for a split second and then her face falls all at once. "I.. I don't want them to see me like this.." she gestures to her marked arms.

"Its okay, we won't tell. We would never. Just hide it, it's not like they'd see you differently anyways." I explain. I completely understand her fear, especially right now. I'm sure its hard for her to get excited right now anyways.

"Alright.. Well uh.. Thanks. I think I need to take a bath, I think it will relax my muscles." Waverly scurries off to her room without another word. I look at Phil and sigh.

"I still don't know if I trust her in there alone."

Waverly's POV

I don't know how I ended up so fortunate. Like, seriously, my bathtub is huge. I turn on the water and wait for the tub to fill. I look in the mirror and observe myself. As I take off each layer of clothing, I realize how brutal that fight actually was. My legs are bruised here and there, my arms are spotted as well as my stomach. My face is beaten. My lower lip is purple and scabbing over, my cheek is a shade of maroon I've never seen before. My left eye isn't as swollen as it could be but the damage is still done.