Torment-A KOTLC Fanfic

Chapter 45

Hey guys! I hope you're doing well! I've been pretty stressed because of some school stuff, but oh well. I'll deal with it. School work has just been piling up and time is running low.
I'm super sorry, but because of the workload, I havent been able to write much. Jazz band starts at 6:30 every day except monday and friday. So to avoid getting sick or something, I havent been able to stay up late to write. Gotta sleep eventually. And I don't have time during the day to write either. Especially with LAD fair coming up. All of my free time has gone to homework and LAD pieces.
In a nutshell: I've been super overloaded, and I've had to put this fic on the back burner.
No, I'm not stopping or pausing updating, but expect shorter chapters. I just dont have as much content to work with, and it's running out every week. I'll do my best, but theres only so much a person can take on.
All I ask of you guys is to cut me some slack, and be paitent.
Thank you all for reading my story, and sticking with me. It means a lot.
I hope you guys have a good week! I'll do the special chapter from Alvar's POV  soon(ish). Depends on when I can get a second.
Thank you all so much for everything! Sorry for this super long author's note. My bad. Anyway, now to the story!
As always, Enjoy!
_____________________________________________

       "What-" She tried to ask, but her voice faltered. "What happened?" She opened her eyes, regretting it instantly when the light of whatever room she was in flooded her corneas. She squinted and her eyes slowly adjusted, that’s when she remembered what happened. "Tam." Sophie said, recalling the moment when he collapsed. She tried to sit up and look around the room for him, but as soon as she moved a piercing pain attacked her head.

       "Hey, Sophie, it’s okay. Relax. Tam is right over there, he’ll be fine. Just take it easy, okay?" Fitz said as he gently pushed her back down onto the cot. She nodded and grabbed his hand, smiling when he intertwined his fingers with hers. She wanted to sit up and see where everyone was, but moving her head in any way, shape, or form hurt. 

       "How long was I out?" Sophie asked. Fitz bit his lip and remained silent, not making eye contact.

       "I’ll be right back." He promised, then stood and let go of her hand. He stepped into Elwin’s office and closed the door behind him. She stared off into space as she was left alone with her thoughts. She wanted to know what happened. Or rather why it did. She wanted to see if everyone was okay, and be there to help them. But here she was: not even able to sit up.  
The re-opening of Elwin’s office door pulled her back to reality. Fitz came back in, managing a small smile when he was back at her side. He sat on the edge of the cot like he had before, instantly taking her hand.

        "Livvy and Elwin are going to come to check you and Tam again after Tam wakes up, which I assume will be soon." 

       "Again?" She asked. "What do you mean ‘again’?"

       "They looked you two over as soon as we brought you in." He let out a small chuckle and shook his head, running his hand through his hair. "You guys scared us so much," He whispered, mostly to himself. She rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb, trying to offer some sort of reassurance. He moved his hand out of his hair and managed a weak smile. 

       "It’s like you said, everything’s going to be okay." She promised, trying to ignore how much seeing him like that weighed down her heart. "How long was I out?" 

       "10 hours?" He said while gesturing to the window that now showed a dark and starry sky. "The others decided to stay here too, they’re waiting outside. Elwin would only let two people in here at a time to stay with you and Tam."
   
       "So you’ve been sitting there the whole time?"
   
       "No, not all of it. Dex and Keefe took turns, and when they came, I'd just go take a walk or something. I couldn’t handle just sitting there doing nothing."
  
       "I’m sorry," She whispered, feeling guilt start to well in her chest. 

       "No reason to apologize, it’s not your fault." Fitz responded, giving her a smile.

       "Still, I don’t want to make you worry." It was true, she hated seeing her friends worry about her. He just chuckled softly and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

       "I’ll always worry about you," He said sarcastically. She managed a smile, knowing it was true but wishing it wasn’t. 

       "So, who’s been staying with Tam?" She asked, trying to change the subject.

       "Linh, Wylie and my sister have been taking turns. But Biana has been in here the majority of the time."
   
       "Biana’s in here?" Her question was followed by silence, then footsteps. Biana came up behind her brother and offered a smile.

       "Hey Sophie,"She said, putting a hand on Fitz’s shoulder. 

       "How are you?" Sophie asked, knowing how big of a toll this took on her. Sure, it may not be affecting her as much as it was Linh; but it was still hurting her a lot.

       "I’ve been better," She admitted, glancing over her shoulder at Tam. "But I’ve also been worse. I’ll be fine." Sophie smiled back at her, wishing she could be of more help. 

       "Ummm," A voice said from the other side of the room, making all head turn in it’s direction. Biana left Fitz’s side and went out of Sophie’s view. 

       "Tam?"