Unexpected Beginnings {Calum Hood & Luke Hemmings}

Chapter Twenty-Five

~Scarlet's POV~

I carefully wiped the crud from my matted eyes, taking the damp wash cloth along my waterline. I'm very nervous to see my mom laying around like the last time I left her, just worse. If she looks bad, I can't cry. I have to be strong for Crescent and the other guys, as well as my mom. Crescent is probably in the same shape as I am, considering she was always over at my house. If it were the other way around and her mom was in the hospital, I'd be feeling the same way.

The boys have been very helpful, jumping to do things for me even though I end up turning down their offer. I don't want them to feel like I am taking them for granted.

"Do you want us to come to the hospital with you all?" Angie, Cress' mom, asked. She quietly poked her head inside the bathroom, and carefully stepped out from behind it. My throat felt that regular knot coming and before I knew it, Angela was closing the bathroom door and engulfing me in her arms. "It's alright, honey." She cooed, carefully stroking my disheveled hair. I violently shook in her arms, no matter how much I attempted to control them, it didn't work.

I fisted her thin t-shirt, sobbing into her chest. "I'm trying to be strong." I hiccuped. I took a small step away from her and swiped the tears freely flowing down my face. "It's hard when so many people are depending on me. Crescent, the guys, and my mom." I sighed.

"Scarlet, nobody will judge you if you cry. You are strong I'm telling you. I couldn't go through all that you have and still manage to cry behind closed doors." She softly smiled. Angie grabbed ahold of my face and tilted my head up to hers. "Let it go, you can't hold it back anymore." I started giggling at her 'Frozen' reference.

"I love you Mama Ang." I grinned, kissing her cheek. "And you don't have to. I just want to be with my mom." I heavily sighed.

"I love you too my second child." She smiled.

Mama Ang released her grip from my face and quietly walked out of the bathroom. I spun on my heels and continued washing my face, trying to rid myself of the oil and tears. I don't care how I look today. I'll be lucky if I come out of the hospital looking the same as I did walking in. I know it will tear me up inside, but I will remain strong.

I quickly tied my hair up into a loose ponytail and slid on a pair of leggings and Crescent's old soccer sweatshirt. It's usually pretty hot in Utah but for some reason, it's at least 60 degrees outside. I didn't bother putting on any makeup because I knew it would be ruined the second I walked into the guest bathrooms in the hospital.

Hiding any evidence of crying, I walked out of the bathroom to see everybody gathered in the living room. No one was really talking, if they did, it was the person right next to them. Luke was sitting on the chair by itself, in the corner of the room. He stared blankly out of the window, not even noticing my presence.

"Are you ready to go? I borrowed my sister's van so you lot could fit in together." Blake explained, handing the car keys to Crescent. She stood up and gave him a quick hug before walking over to me.

The guys all got up and crowded the doorway, while Luke stayed behind and walked next to me. "Are you going to be okay?" He simply asked. I craned my neck upward to see his brows furrowed together. He is genuinely worried, you can see it written all over his face.

"I'll be alright as long as I have you by my side." I sheepishly whispered. I kind of hope he didn't hear me say that because it sounds strange coming from me.

~

Calum carefully opened the double-doors, letting all of us walk into the dreary hospital. The narrow halls were filled with monitors beeping, nurses going in which ever direction, and the sound of doctors talking to the sickly patients in their rooms. Crescent was gripping onto the back of my sweatshirt and I was clinging to Luke's hand, as we all walked towards the reception desk.