Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

37 ~ Calum

I tugged at the hand that was enclosed in mine, pulling her along as we tip-toe up the stairs.

Valerie was agile, a useful skill acquired from her devoted dancing. Her steps where airy and weightless, making my quite steps sound like thunderous stomps against the silent house.

With the heaviness finally lifted from my chest my heart was beating with an excited electric pulse, my breath heavy with anticipation as I peered into the room across from mine.

Thomas was laid on the floor just in front of his bed, perfectly still. My heart momentarily stuttered until I saw the steady lift and fall of his chest.

If I thought here was even a possibility he could have died in one night how could I leave him for who knows how long to go across the county?

I turned to Valerie and she was watching me with perceptive eyes, as if she knew what I was thinking.

"I don't want you to chose between Thomas and I, you don't have to go with me." She rested her other hand on my shoulder.

"You can't go alone! You've never been there, and who knows how they would react to you showing up on their doorstep?!" I whisper fiercely, letting my thumb push a lose strand of hair from her face.  "I don't want you to go alone. That's final."

Her wide, pale gray eyes blinked at me. "But you don't want to leave him alone either,"

I sighed and ran a hand down my hair, my eyes moving back to Thomas.

I always tell him that's he's strong, and he is. He can take care of himself, right?

"I think he'll be fine. I'm just overreacting." I say finally, after watching him sleep for a minute.

Valerie eyed me for a second before letting out a small breath. "Is it bad that I was hoping you'd say that?" She bit her lip and glanced at Thomas with sorry eyes.

"No," I shook my head. "Hope is a good thing,"

She smiled at me and we quietly entered Thomas' room.

I crouched down and shook his shoulder gently, watching as he blinked before his face twisted in shock.

"Calum?" His voice was hoarse in his whisper, he sat up. "Holy...what-how- I'm sorry," he breathed out, his eyes traveling my face slowly.

I made a face. "What? Don't be sorry. Why are you on the floor?" I glance to the small black dots still stained in the carpet next to him. Memories of him screaming and crying flashed in my mind and I suddenly felt the cool presence of doubt in the back of my brain.

Valerie shifted behind me and I refocused on why I woke him in the first place. "Never mind that, I need to tell you something, and we're sorta in a rush."

His eyes glance behind me and they widen, he rose an eyebrow pointedly at me. I drop my voice slightly. "I'll tell you later, but I wanted to give you a heads up,"

A frown pulled at my lips as I studied his face. Would he be okay without me? I don't think he's weak, but being alone in this house is more than a lot.

"Spit it out," He flashed me a bright yet small smile and that's when my doubt seemed to be replaced with guilt.

Thomas is strong, it takes a lot for one to smile through pain, and he always does. I just wish he'd see that physical features don't matter in the long run.

"I'm leaving," I say bluntly, deciding to lay it all out in front of him.

"What? When? Where?" He stood quickly and I followed. He swayed slightly and I shot Valerie a look as he lent against his desk.

"Now,"

"Now?!" He echoed in a shrill voice, his face blanching.

I nodded and Valerie took a step beside me. "I need his help,"

He looks from me to her, his face twisting in confusion and anger.

"You're leaving? To help her?" He pointed at Valerie, obviously still heated about earlier.

"She only said no to find her brother. And in order to find him, we need to leave...now," I say, almost pleading with him.

His anger fell from his face as he looked at Valerie. "You found where they took him?" He asked, and I couldn't help but wonder when they ever talked about this.

Valerie nodded, her eyes shimmering. "Yes, and I'm going to go see him."

The room feel quite. Suddenly Thomas reached forward and embraced Valerie in a hug.

"This is amazing," he smiled and she sniffed with a small chuckle.

He pulled back and looked at me with a sad smile. "So you're leaving...do you need anything?"

I feel pride swell inside my chest. He's so strong and doesn't even see it. So willing to put others before himself.

"Actually, I need dads back up card...." I say sheepishly and Thomas chokes.

"I asked if you needed anything, not for a death wish!" He exclaimed, seriously.

"I'm not going to force you to get it for me," I say calmly and truthfully. "But I'm not sure id be able to get it without waking him up, I only have one good eye at the moment," I gesture to my left eye and his lips press into a thin line.

"I could get it," Valerie says, placing her hand on my shoulder once again.

I keep my eyes locked with Thomas'.

"No, he keeps his wallet in a very secure place, I don't think you could."

Thomas gulped and looked between Valerie and I. He looked up and made a cross over his body, from his head to shoulders to chest. "Have mercy" he muttered.

"You owe me, big time."

-

A|N

I'm sorry it's been so long, but I've been sick and testing is honestly killing me, but here's a chapter! More to come!!

❤❤