Looking for the Light Through the Darkness

Chapter 51: Pieces

Point of View: Victor

Standing in the doorway, I rest my head against the door for a moment taking in the soft scent of flowers coming from the room. I wanted to see her so bad. Her soft smile and her comforting voice would instantly make me forget about my parents and the problems I was about to face but right now I knew better. Doc was clear when he stated that her anxiety was taking over and I didn't want to overload her with my problems as well. Slowly pulling myself away from the door, I rub my shoulder and slowly make my way down to my bedroom not in the mood for dinner. 

Pushing open my door, I slowly begin to fumble with the buttons on my shirt. With my schedule how it was currently, my only possible free time was hopefully going to be a couple of hours on Friday evening. Mr. Blackbourne would only be able to be with me for a couple of hours each day as well leaving me on my own to deal with my mother and father. Running my fingers through my hair, I take a seat on the side of my bed. 

Why did this have to happen? 

Ever since the group was transferred to New York it seemed as though everyone was pulling away from each other. I get it, everyone had found something they enjoyed, but tonight... tonight had been the first meeting that we had actually all been together in the same room and talking the same language. Recently, North and Silas only spoke Greek to keep their conversations quiet which in turn drives Gabe up a wall. Kota was always checking in with his family and trying to take over all of his missions on his own. Nathan was so distracted with everything he had signed up for. Luke was getting mission after mission along with working for his Uncle. Mr. B and Doc had their stuff going on as well. 

We were no longer the same group of boys from Ashley Waters and I desperately missed it. Hanging out in Nathan's pool that summer before attending would always remain in my mind. Pulling off my shirt, I drag myself to my closet and pull on a tank top and shorts before climbing into bed. We could never go back, I understood that, but now... now it feels like it never happened to begin with. 

Laying down in bed, I close my eyes trying to push the negative thoughts out of my head when my phone vibrates against the covers beside me. Ugh! 

Point of View: Sang

It starts with the calloused pads of a male's finger tips running slowly down the skin covering my cheeks. They are gentle, as though they are putting as little pressure as possible on my cheek. They are warm and comforting. Something so foreign to my body that it causes me to tremble. They belong to someone who cares. Slowly, the soft pads move down my cheek and under my chin but just as they begin to move to my neck, I flinch. It isn't something I can control. I would have stayed still if I could have. 

"Sang?" Nathan's voice is quiet as the pads of his fingers disappear from my chin. Instantly I miss the feeling of his fingers against my cheeks. Why did I have to react in such a way? He wasn't going to hurt me. Moving sluggishly, I move to cover my neck and duck my head down feeling self aware. 

"Sorry." I whisper groggily and let out a slow breath. Feeling Nathan's hands move to my sides, I let out a involuntary sigh as he rubs them softly. Tucking my head into Nathan's neck, I can hear Nathan's breathing relax as his hands move to bring the covers closer to my side. 

"It's okay, Peanut." He whispers ever so gently and one of his hands disappears from my side and caresses my blushing cheek. "I am sorry if I woke you." Shaking my head slightly, I plan to ignore the other's apology since it wasn't his fault that I flinched and curl back up into Nathan's body warmth when I hear a soft knock on the door. 

"Trouble? Nathan?" Confused, I sit up against Nathan's chest and glance toward Gabriel's voice as the sound appears of a door swinging open. But before I can say anything in response the very light  scent of moss and berries also wafts into the room. Victor? Frowning, I shift against Nathan trying to get a better idea of who is in the room when the cherry scent of Gabriel takes over.  "Hey, how are you feeling?" Gabriel's voice is gentle as it approaches and I smile as I feel a gentle caress on my cheek. 

"Okay." I whisper softly my cheeks most likely painted red with a blush letting the scent of moss and berries disappear. I hear Gabriel softly chuckle and caress my cheek once more before sitting besides me. Shifting a little, I try and make room but Gabriel's hand catches my knee signaling that I am okay where I am.  

 "What's up Gabe?" Nathan ask his fingers slipping around my sides in order to make me comfortable. Instantly, I know that Nathan is I am putting together a list for groceries. What do you guys want? North and Silas are going to go for a run in a bit." Instantly, I am on alter and I sit up farther in bed. 

"Is it safe for them to go?" I ask quickly  worry coating my voice. "I think it would be best if they waited at least a night." I whisper thinking of Avery but before my anxiety takes over, Nathan's fingers slip into my hands pulling me close once more. 

"Si and North have this Sang. Mr. B wouldn't send them out if he didn't think we were safe. Victor is monitoring the area and everyone else will be staying home." Gabriel states his voice ever so comforting but I frown knowing these people better than they do. 

"Make sure they at least do three loops before returning and leaving." I state trying to think of all the different things Avery had stated to me before. But before there is any time for me to respond, Nathan is lifting me up into his arms and moving out of the bed. "Wh-" I begin but quickly grab onto Nathan's shoulders as he begins to move out of the room. 

"What's going on?" I ask startled as I feel Nathan hit the stairs moving toward the living room. 

"Mr. Giffin?" Mr. Blackbourne's voice pierces the silence as I am placed on what I believe is a counter top. 

"Mr. B you have to listen to what Sang was just saying." Nathan states and I frown unsure what is going on when suddenly it hits me. I know their movements. 

"She moves a certain times during the day. Usually only to and from work but that was probably based around me." I state quickly trying to sort through all of the information in my head. "When ever we go anywhere, she takes the most direct route and usually looks it up in her phone before we leave. I never thought of her as a flower lover but she always stated she needed extra cash." I rub my head a little and suddenly hands are caressing my cheeks. 

"Take a moment and relax." Mr. Blackbourne states and he guides me closer to his chest to rest. "Gather your thoughts and we will start planning."