Finding May

Chapter Thirty-Eight - Companions and Cheerfulness

May's POV
February 10, 10:23 am

May couldn't believe what she was seeing. Thomas, Catherine, and Bisma, right in front of her. She held out her arms, trying, and failing to stand up, tears streaming down her cheeks. Thomas was the first one to reach her arms, wrapping his arms around her back. Then Catherine and Bisma, and soon enough, she was being crushed in a hug, but she didn't mind.

May wiggled her arms free and touched Thomas's cheek gently, tracing his cheekbone. He was crying as well.

We'll give you guys some space, Dad signed and motioned for her family to leave the room.

May took Thomas's face in her hands and pressed their foreheads together. She squeezed her eyes shut. She could feel Thomas touch her cheek lightly. When she opened her eyes, his warm brown eyes were looking right back at her.

I missed you so much, he signed.

You have no idea, she signed back. May turned to Catherine and Bisma. You all have no idea how much I missed you.

You're alive, Bisma stated, tears streaming down her relieved face.

I'm alive, she reassured her.

What happened to you? Catherine asked.

I don't really want to talk about it, but I'm okay. I'll be okay. May smiled. I'm so happy you guys are here.

Her friends enveloped her in a hug again. May clung to them. God, she missed them so much.

Aren't you guys supposed to be at school?

Thomas nodded sheepishly. Your dad called us when they were on their way to find you, but he never called us back, so we waited. I tried calling him, but he never answered. So we took matters into our own hands.

You guys shouldn't skip school because of me.

May, you're our best friend, Bisma signed. You mean a lot to us. Skipping school is nothing.

Papa poked his head into the living room. Are you okay?

May smiled and nodded.

February 10, 2:09 pm

Thomas, Catherine, and Bisma had stayed all day. They were all in May's bedroom now. It had been so nice, talking and spending time with her friends all day. She hadn't realized just how much she missed them.

Thomas gently touched her shoulder. Are you okay?

May nodded. I'm just tired. They didn't let me sleep there.

The whole time?

No. They would let me get to the limit, then sleep. I'm still recovering, I guess.

We have to go, Catherine signs. School just ended, and we have to get home before our parents get suspicious. I'm sorry. I wish we could stay longer.

May smiled. It's okay. You guys spent the whole day with me. Go home. In truth, she didn't want her friends to leave, but they had to.

Okay. We'll come back tomorrow.

Just don't skip school anymore. They all smiled.

Catherine and Bisma carefully hugged her, saying their good-byes, while Thomas stood off to the side, waiting. Once Catherine and Bisma left to wait in the hall for Thomas, May gently took his hand, lacing her fingers through his. She looked up into his eyes. Those warm, inviting, kind, brown eyes that she missed so much. Thomas leaned toward her, and kissed her cheek, letting go of her hand.

I never got a chance to do that the last time we were together, he signed.

May smiled faintly at the memory of their date. She had kissed him on the cheek. You'll come back tomorrow? she asked.

Thomas nodded. Of course. Text me if you want to talk, okay? You are not alone.

I know. I will.

Thomas gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. I'll see you tomorrow.

See you tomorrow.

And then he left. Not even thirty seconds later, Dad popped into her room. Hey, Cuddlebug. How are you doing?

I'm good. Can you help me get to the library?

Do you want to try to walk?

May hesitated for a moment, then nodded. I'm ready. Can you hold this for me? May handed Dad the book she was planning on reading, and he tucked it under his arm. He held out his hands, and she grabbed them, pulling herself to her feet.

One shaky step after another, Dad led May out of her room and down the halls. Dad gave her nods of encouragement and smiles whenever she looked at him. When they reached the entrance to the library, he suddenly let go of May's hands.

You can do it, he signed.

She nodded, and put one shaky foot in front of the other, until she reached her armchair. She sat down and smiled at her father, who gave her a kiss on the forehead and handed her her book.

That was awesome, Peanut, he signed. Soon enough, you'll be up and about.

I hope so.

Do you want something to eat? You and your friends talked straight through lunch.

May nodded. Yes please.

One ham and cheese sandwich coming right up. And with that, Dad ran off to the kitchen to make her a sandwich. As soon as he left, Papa appeared.

Hey, Bumblebee. What are you reading?

May held up the book to show him the title: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken.

Mind if I sit and read with you?

May scooted over and patted the cushion beside her. The armchair was big enough to fit both her and Papa. May curled up against his side as he opened his own book and put an arm around her.

Castiel's POV
February 10, 2:21 pm

For the first time in a long time, Cas felt truly happy. At peace, even. May got more and more like her old self every day. She was starting to get more comfortable around him and Dean, which was a stark contrast to how she was when she first came home. She would get nervous around them, not look them in the eye, always want Sam and Eileen with her... and now she was pressed against Cas's side, reading a book.

Dean came out of the kitchen with a plate with a sandwich on it in hand, smiling. He set the plate down on the little table next to the armchair, kissed May's forehead, then kissed Cas. "She's doing so good," Dean said quietly.

"Yes, she is," Cas responded and pressed a kiss to the side of his daughter's head. May looked up at him and Dean, smiling faintly.

She folded over her middle and ring finger. I love you.

Cas glanced at Dean; he was smiling widely. Cas and Dean mimicked the sign and touched it to May's.

It was the first time she had said the words since she came back. Cas could feel tears well in his eyes. Don't cry, Papa. Her gaze flicked to Dean. Don't cry, Dad.

Despite her own words, May had tears in her eyes as well. I love you, she signed again.

We love you too, Peanut.