FREAKING OUT ² ➢ spencer reid

XV

The team wandered in a little while later, smiling at the sight of Reid and I on the bed. I smiled back at them, unwilling to let go even though I knew they all wanted to hug me too. They understood how these things went though; How overwhelmed a person could feel after a tragic event. So, instead of crowding around they supported me from afar and hugged each other. All they really cared about was the fact that we were all together again. Sure, we were a little shaken up, but we were safe and that was all we could ask for.

"You hungry at all?" Morgan asked.

I hadn't realized it before, but now that the idea of food was on my mind I couldn't stop thinking about it. I adjusted myself upright, still clutching onto Reid's shirt as I nodded my head and watched him leave.

"We called your parents," Rossi stated, "they should be here soon."

As horrible as it sounded I'd been so busy thinking about getting back on my feet that I'd completely forgotten about my parents. I let out a long sigh, feeling weirdly guilty for not calling them. Ever since I got here I felt too overwhelmed to even think about contacting them, which was strange considering how close knit we were.

Reid rubbed his hand along my back, turning his head to look down at my nervous expression. I looked up, meeting his gaze. I gave him a meek smile, snuggling back into his chest. The last thing I wanted do was let him go right now.

The group lingered for a little bit longer, eventually leaving once Morgan returned with a bowl of soup and some Jell-O. He set the tray out next to the bed, leaning over to rub his hand through my hair and kiss my head. I smiled up at him, saying a quick thank-you before giving him an uncomfortable side hug and watching everyone leave. When it was just Reid and I again I yawned.

"Want me to move so you can sleep?"

I shook my head. "Nah, stay here."

"Okay." He rested his chin on top of my head, continuing to rub my back in silence until eventually I heard footsteps at the door again. My parents, along with Issac and Maggie came in, rushing through the doorway. They immediately crowded around the bed, staring teary eyed in my direction. Mom reached out to touch me, resting her hand on my shoulder. I wasn't sure why, but the sudden rush of attention freaked me out. I moved into Reid, feeling my mom's hand fall away. She gave me a sad look, turning to my dad who stared over in confusion.

Reid sighed. "She's still a little shaken up."

"Oh, sweetie..." I knew mom felt bad. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt me. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I responded quietly.

"We're glad you're safe," Dad added.

I glanced around at their sad faces, a frown forming across my face.

"You should rest," Reid leaned in close to whisper into my ear, "I'll talk to them."

I nodded my head, feeling his body slowly slide off the side of the bed. The second he was gone I had to stop myself from reaching out to grab him. I gave him a desperate look, watching as he glanced over apologetically and ushered my family towards the door.

"Hey," I called out. All of them turned to face me. I swallowed hard, pushing my hands against the mattress to straighten out my back. "I love you guys."

"Love you too," Issac smiled.

After they left I laid back down, clutching the pillow beneath my head tightly. Part of me couldn't quite wrap my head around the fact that I was no longer on the verge of being beaten to death. My body still ached, which was fine, but the pain I felt in my mind was astronomical. What if the team hadn't shown up in time? What if he did end up doing what he wanted? Would I be dead by now? Would he have kept me longer? I obviously knew I'd never get the answers I wanted. Kane Peters was gone now and while I desperately wished I could see him rot in jail I knew deep down he was better off dead.