Sylvia

Chapter Three: Sylvia

I quietly open the screen door, unsure of exactly what is going to greet me. I know I've been gone for more than a while, so there's no telling how Danny will react.

"Thank all things good, Sylvia, do you have any idea what time it is? What happened?" Danny near shouts at me when I walk into the living room. I can tell he's not sure whether to be relieved or angry.

"I'm so sorry Danny, it's just that-"I pause when I see Tim laid out on the couch, his injuries are much worse than when I last saw him.

It's like the world is going slow, and I can feel the thump of my heart in my throat.

I darn near sprint to Tim's side, my hands fluttering over his body. He's shirtless, his ribs and stomach are covered in ugly black and red cuts and bruises, and his nose has definitely seen better days.

"How...what?" I cry, knowing that he probably took worse of a beating on my account.

"The Brumly boys dragged him back here after the brawl at Buck's place. They said he's been out cold since." I can hear the worry in his voice at the state of his leader.

"Go on to bed Dan, there's no sense in you wearing yourself out over something you can't fix." I look up into my sweet brother's eyes. He looks flat exhausted.

"Yeah. I will." He yawns, coming over to pat me on the head "remind me to thank whoever got you home safe."

He doesn't wait for a response, and walks off and up the stairs. I run to the kitchen, grabbing a second bowl of water and more rags. The poor boy has blood all over every visible part of himself.

"My God, Tim." I find myself holding back tears, the weight of the night has finally hit me in full.

I start on his face, mopping away the caked blood as gentle as I can. Every often he winces or groans, and I sit still for a few moments each time, scared to hurt him further. Eventually he breaks out into a sweat and I start to fret more.

Tears still roll down my cheeks as I wipe down his chest. I do my best to avoid pressing too hard on his pale skin. It seems like the more blood I wash away, the worse he seems to look. By the time I finish with him, I can barely see from all my tears.

Placing a wet cloth over his forehead I lay my cheek on the sofa next to his head. With drooping eyes I curl up to wait for him to wake.

A rustling startles me and my head flies up, my eyes move like a hawk over Tim's body. I silently curse myself for falling asleep. My gaze finally rests on Tim's handsome features, and I gasp in surprise when I see his eyes staring up at me.

He clenches his teeth and moves to push some hair out of my face.

"Damn I was so worried they'd gotten you." He rasps, running his hand gently over my arm like he's checking me over for wounds.

I look at him adoringly, the boy who I grew up with, the one who used to run off bullies for me, and I swear I could break because he's okay.

"Hey pretty girl, don't go crying on me now."

"I'm sorry." I quickly apologize, looking to the floor.

"Come here." He opens his arms to me, grimacing when he rolls to his side.

"I ain't trying to hurt you more tonight Tim." I warn, looking to him with strict eyes.

"And I ain't askin'. I'm not letting a girl as sweet as you sleep on the floor. Now get." He commands, leaving no room for argument.

I shimmy my way up next to him, honest I'm still scared I'll hurt him, but when he puts his arms around me, pulling us tight, I stop worrying.

"You know you're real good for protecting me." I whisper, looking up at him with my chin pressed gently against his chest.