The Fear Of Falling Apart

-18-

In which Tanith finally sees the people she's missed for so long.

Tanith's POV

The door swung open loudly, causing Sarah, Dallon and I to look up from our game of Uno.

I was on my feet in an instant, the competitive game forgotten as I closed the small space between me an my dad.

He looked at me with wide, teary eyes for just a moment, and then he was hugging me tightly.

"Oh my god." He cried, a tear falling down his face as we broke away. He looked me over a couple of times, repeating the phrase.

"Hi dad." I breathe, trying for a light hearted response.

"I thought I lost you forever." He chokes out, his voice cracking as I pull him in for another hug.

"It's okay, Bren. I'm okay." I whisper, squeezing him just a little bit tighter.

Our embrace lasts a few moments before Dallon clears his throat. "Hello to you too." He says sarcastically with a smile.

"Fuck off Dallon." Brendon retorts, unable to wipe the smile from his face.

I walk over to Sarah before grabbing her hand and dragging her over to Brendon. "Brendon, this is Sarah. Without her I wouldn't be here right now. She saved my life."

Brendon stares at her for just a second before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a hug. "Thankyou. Thankyou so much." He whispers, a few more tears escaping his eyes.

"It was nothing." Sarah tells him softly in response, rubbing his back soothingly. "You have an amazing daughter."

They broke away and smiled at me. "I sure do."

"Are the others okay?" I ask, my mind wandering back to the rest of the amazing people I loved so much.

"They're all downstairs." Brendon smiles. "We didn't know you'd be here, so it's gonna be the best surprise ever."

"I'm gonna go say hi." I smile brightly before running from the room and down the hall.
I reach the waiting room seconds later.

Everyone's here.

They're not talking much, and from what's being said I would guess they're worried for Panic's bass player, but as soon as Pete Wentz catches sight of me he just stops and stares.

I stand in the doorway, a watery smile on my face as he gets up and sprints towards me, hitting me hard and causing both of us to stumble backwards a little bit as he wraps his arms around me in a hug.

I hear Gerard calling my name in excitement and happiness, and Joe telling Andy he was right about something, and Kenny laughing happily.

I break away from Pete's embrace as everyone reaches us.

"Tanith oh my god your here!" Frank exclaimed as I hugged him.

"Hey guys." I grin happily. They havnt change a bit.

"My favourite Urie!" Josh exclaimed, scooping me up into his arms for a hug.

"Josh!" I smile, pulling away to hug Tyler.

"Don't ever do that again." Tyler whispers tearfully, holding me close.

"I wouldn't dream of it." I promise.

For a split second I realise that my word may just be a lie. The truth is inescapable.