Two hours later Connor woke up, Troye was next to him still on the wooden floor, and he held Connor's hand and his head lay besides Connor's torso.
"Tro?" he asked, surprised how weak his voice was. Troye looked up, a relieved smile spread across his face.
"Con," he said as he and hugged Connor. His embrace was warm and comforting. Connor at this point realised he could not feel one leg. He then looked down to where the bandage was tightly wrapped around his leg, blood slowly seeping through it. The scenario he was in then came back to his mind.
"Did you tell anyone?" he asked quickly.
"I had to tell mum Connor. But she promised no one else will know," Connor nodded, he knew Laurelle was bound to find out anyway.
"What about the rest of the family?"
"It's up to you if you want them to know," Troye said pulling himself away and to look into Connor's eyes.
And that's what Connor did. After taking off the bloody clothing, he took a shower. Making sure his leg wound didn't get in the way of the pounding stream of hot water. Everything hurt, his muscles, his bones. But he was emotionally in pain as well, he had let Laurelle down... he didn't take enough care of Troye... he broke her promise... he broke her trust.
When finished he got dressed into clothes Troye lent to him. He got into the sweatpants and sweater, smiling how it smelled like Troye. He went downstairs just in time to sit for dinner. There was a silence around the table. Connor was tense and Troye noticed. Troye set his hand on Connor's thigh, making the boy's heart flutter. Connor looked up to Troye and gave a weak smile.
As the family filled their plates Connor was preparing himself to explain to them the situation. He wanted them to know, so that Connor himself could know if he was allowed to stay and carry on being Troye's friend. He then took a breath in and started.
"I just want to say sorry for the stress I have put you all through. Not just today but also being a burden on you these past months. I never intended to be that close a friend of Troye's; I wanted to keep my distance. I'm sorry, if you want to know what is going on I am going to explain,"
"Connor you don't have to do this," Troye reassured.
"No Troye its fine."
"Connor you have never been a burden on us, just like I said the other day. You have made our family closer which makes you a part of it, if there are things going on at home we can help you," Laurelle said that from her heart, Connor smiled at her.
"Thanks Laurelle, but I think I just want to be open to you all here."
"If that will make you feel better then go ahead my boy, then please say everything you need to tell us," Shaun said, wearing a sad smile.
Connor took a deep breath and proceeded to tell them everything, from how his parents died, him losing his siblings, how his family all seemed to hate him, how Kate treated him and also what happened that afternoon resulting in Troye having to be carried and Connor having a stab wound and falling unconscious.
Laurelle was told only the basics by Troye earlier. She was shocked, they all were shocked. Connor sat silent, Troye rubbed his back, silently telling Connor he was proud of him for such bravery to say all of this.
"But now please, don't treat me differently knowing this. If you don't want me here please just say, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable in your own home."
"Connor stop," Laurelle started. "Despite all of that you are an amazing kid, you still alive for God's sake. We won't treat you any differently; you are welcome to stay here. None of this is your fault," That last sentence Connor took again to heart.
