Morphed

Chapter 24

"Hey, it's Andrew. Leave a message." His phone told me after sixth time calling it and after probably fifty rings.

"He's not picking up." I panicked to Gavin.

"I'm sure he's probably just busy." His voice faltered, which made me even more nervous.

"You're lying!" I yelled, choking on my sobs.

"Have you tried Diana?" He questioned nervously. If anyone knew me really well, it was him and he knew I was about to hit my breaking point, so he treaded lightly. He pulled the car over on the side of the road and turned to me.

"I've tried her even more than Andrew." I whispered. My nose burned, like it does when you're about to cry but you're fighting it. There was a growing lump in my throat and I hated it. I hated all of it.

What if they were... Gone? What if Dr. Overly had them? What if they were hurt? What if they were being tested on? Too many 'what ifs' circled my mind, making me grab my head while trying to think of ways to get them to leave.

"Brynne?" Gavin lightly set his hand on my leg and I flinched away. Hurt flashed his face and I instantly felt awful.

"I'm sorry... It's just... I don't know. That's the biggest thing, and the worst. Not knowing."

"I know, Brynne. He's my best friend. I'm wondering too." He focused on something out the window with his eyes glazed.

How could I be so selfish to only think about myself? I'm sure Gavin felt the same way, he knows him as well as I do, probably better. "I'm sorry, Gavin." I whispered.

"Let's just go." Gavin kept his eyes straight ahead, moving the car out of park and into drive. We were going home.

"I haven't called Josh yet." I gasped. My fingers trembled while dialing his number.

"Josh? Come on, pick up." My hands shook like crazy and my phone kept slipping down my face. A few rings later his went to voicemail. Just like everyone else's I loved. Except Gavin's, but he was right next to me so it didn't matter.

Woah, shit. I just... I just said I loved Gavin. Did I really? Of course I did.

Did he love me? Or was I just someone he was forced to hang out with because of his friend being my brother and we had something in common? Probably the latter. Why did I even just think that?

I pushed those thoughts to the back of my mind and continued to worry about my family. I made a mental list of things that freaked me out. 1. Josh wasn't answering his phone. 2. Diana wasn't answering her phone. 3. Andrew wasn't answering his phone, most of all.

If Andrew was just dodging my calls I was going to kill that asshole. I was worried sick. Literally, sick. I think I was about to throw up, sick. "Gavin... P- pull over."

"What?" He looked over at me but did as I said. I unbuckled my seatbelt and yanked the door handle open, jumping out and landing on my knees. My body began convulsing as I rid myself of my breakfast. My whole body shook uncontrollably as I was left dry heaving. I sat back on my feet. Gavin was holding my hair back, thankfully.

"You'll be okay." He said softly. "Shhh."

"I'm sorry if I," I paused to cough, "threw up on you."

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "You didn't."

"What did I eat for breakfast?" I asked hoarsely, scrunching up my nose.

"Cereal."

"Guess breakfast wasn't the only thing that came up." I used his arm to pull myself up slowly as another wave of sickness overcame me. "Fuck." I mumbled, black edging it's way into my vision.

"No hurling in my car. If you feel the need, tell me so I can pull over." he smiled slyly and patted my back, letting go of my hair. Strong hands were placed on my waist as more black dots found their way into my eyes. My body went limp as I mumbled incoherent phrases. "Are you okay?"

"I don't feel so good." His arms wrapped around me and I knew he was carrying me bridal style.

"Just sleep." He whispered, buckling me into the car. So I did just that.

***

"Brynne." I groaned.

"Brynne." Ugh.

"Brynne."

"What?" I complained. "What do you want?"

"We're here." Gavin said absently.

"We're where?" I questioned, then opened my eyes. Police tape circled around the hospital Andrew was a few days ago, where I left him because I was running. Because I was in danger and putting them in danger.

I clicked off my seatbelt and jumped out of the car, stumbling up to the hospital. "Andrew?" I murmured, not even sure if it was my voice. "Andrew?"

"Ma'am?" A policeman questioned.

"Huh?" I was breathless but kept walking.

"We're going to need you to step back."

"No. What? Why?" I continued to stagger forward until the man grabbed my shoulders.

"This is a crime scene. You aren't allowed to go through." I felt Gavin's presence behind me but I had no response. I was empty.

"What happened?" I breathed.

"I'm sorry, that's police information."

"Is he dead?" I began to crack. Tears brimmed my eyes and Gavin had a right hold on my hand. "Is she dead?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't know who you're talking about, but this is classified information."

I pulled my hand out of Gavin's and ran. Straight through the tape before a pair of strong hands grabbed me. "Get off of me!" I yanked my arms out of his grasp and ran towards the doors.

"Brynne." Gavin's voice growled behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist without release.

"Let go!" I screamed, fighting him. "Let go." I tried to pry him off as my voice got weaker.

"No, Brynne. I'm not letting go." He shushed me. "I'm not letting go." Gavin pulled me into his arms and held me tightly, without signs of lightening his grip. He actually believed I had calmed down. The tears streamed down my face but I was still myself. And Brynne always fought for what she wanted.

I pummeled his chest with my fists but his grip didn't loosen. "Stop it, Brynne!" He yelled and dragged me out under the tape.

"Thank you." The police officer said to Gavin.

"Don't fucking thank him!" I screeched. "I want to see Andrew!"

"Calm down. Shhh. Calm down." Gavin slid me into the passenger seat, bucking me in for the second time today.

"Did he say anything about them?" I whispered while Gavin fumbled with his own buckle. He knew who I was talking about.

"He said everyone injured was transferred to Gallow West." Gavin was talking about the other big hospital in town.

We drove in silence the rest of the way. Deadly silence. Not peaceful, it was painful. I knew we both dreaded what we might find.

The silence can only last so long, until hell breaks loose at a different place of healing.

Gallow West.