Chapter 18

Dear loyal wattpad readers, thank you so much for all the time you have given me to come up with this chapter. Most of you were aware that I had some awful writers block. But here it is, a brand new chapter. Sorry if it drags or if it's boring. I just wanted to update you and let you know where the characters of MBTA stand.

VOTE. COMMENT. FAN. LOVE. ENJOY.

xo, zabelle06

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Never in my life have I felt so scared. I was so scared to death that I ended up shaking from it all. My palms sweating as I felt an uncomfortable heat spread through my body. I could literally feel my head spinning as my vision became blurred, black dots obscuring my sight. My ears were ringing with shock and exhaustion.

My breaths came out in pants and I looked at Weston one last time who was currently observing the window, the rock, and the woods. I saw his nose come up close to the rock, sniffing it as his eyes turned a golden color. I was so overwhelmed from it that I let darkness sweep me off my feet.

“Ells!” I heard Weston’s voice echo before I fell to the ground in a heap.

*****

“Oh, my baby,” I heard a feminine voice sob before I felt a peck on my forehead that was all too familiar.

My eyes fluttered open, my mom finally coming into view. She was seated on the couch beside me, hovering over me in an over protective stance. Her red lips were pulled into a smile, but it was tight as she was trying her best to be strong in front of me. However, I knew it was all an act as I felt her small, petite hands shaking in fear as she moved to push a strand of hair away from my face. Even her eyes, which were swollen and lined with red from the tears that had stained her cheeks, were another confirmation of her worry. She tried desperately to fix her messed up hair because, like I said, she wanted to put the strong parent act up for me.

But, I was tired of her being strong for me. It’s all she’s ever done when she didn’t even want it in the first place. Everyone knows when you’re hurt, worried, or whatever seems to bring you down, all you want to do is scream it out. You want it to let it flow from you physically even if the pain was just emotional and mental.

I tried to stand up but this amazing wave of dizziness hit me to the head and I slightly wobbled, almost falling off the couch. I felt arms grip me and motioned for me to lie down again. “No way, missy, are you getting up just yet,” my mom muttered.

“How are you doing, my baby?” My mom blurted out in a rush, her voice coming out in a high pitch. “Oh, let me go tell Feli that you’re ready for your soup – that’s if you’re ready. Are you ready? I mean, we could wait. Oh, never mind, I’ll go get it.”

As she got up, I gripped her arm, not ready for her leave. The trace of Chanel perfume was comforting me at the moment. She smiled softly at me before she sat back down and looked at something to her right.

“Um, Warren and Charles, correct?” She said politely. I followed her gaze and sure enough, there, sat on the loveseat was Warren, Charles, and Weston – who were squished up together as they tried to be generous and respectful to my mother. I knew why they were here, but my mom didn’t know. So imagine my horror when I saw Warren and Charles shirtless.

I knew for sure that this did not look good to my mother.

My eyes widened and it felt like it was going to bulge out of its eye sockets. Afterwards, my mouth fell open on its own accord. It was partly because I was surprised that they were all caught by mother. The other part was me - being the total teenage girl I am – decided to check them out. And damn, speechless was an understatement. However, I couldn’t help compare them to Weston.

I quickly shut my mouth and watched the awkward situation unfold before me. “Yes, that is correct ma’am,” Warren answered politely, giving me a small smile in an effort to comfort me.

“Oh, please call me Ella,” my mom said with a wave of her hand while she showed off her pearly whites. This action caused my eyes to widen again. “May I ask you two a favor?”

“Anything,” Charles said while getting up and standing awkwardly, crossing his arms above his chest.

“Please help Miss Feli with the soup and if you guys want,” She added a wave of her hand, motioning to all the boys. “You may eat as well. Feli’s chicken and corn soup is amazing.”

“Thank you, Ella,” Warren and Charles said with a nod of their heads in appreciation.

I watch their retreating backs before I turned to my mom with the best look of apology I could muster. “Mom, I could explain – “ I started lamely, looking everywhere but her eyes before I stuttered. “U-um, these b-boys were, uh, helping me s-study.”

A long moment of silence stretched before I looked at my mother. Her eyebrow was raised and she would’ve laughed, but she didn’t want to embarrass me. “Danny, don’t worry hon. I knew why they were truly here,” my mom said before giving me a lazy smile.

“What exactly did they tell you?” I said, narrowing my eyes.

“Nothing you have to worry about.”

“Uh, o-okay,” I said it more as a question.

“Don’t worry about it, hon. I’m just grateful they were here,” She said, glancing at Weston.

That’s when I actually studied the glorious boy who swept me off my feet. His hair was messed up big time. His crystal blue eyes were glazed with uncertainty and it didn’t take me long to notice the golden specks forming, his pupils dilating. He was deep in thought, staring at the far wall behind me as he leaned his chin in his fists which were propelled on his knees.

He looked like a statue. So emotionless and motionless that it scared me. I was scared that if anything dared to make a move on him, he wouldn’t hesitate to beat the heck out of it.

“What I want to know,” my mom said, breaking the silence. “Is why he looks … more scared than you do? Why he seemed so overprotective of you? Even when I tried coming near, he kept you all to himself. Why?”

I immediately flushed, trying to hide my face in the couch cushion. I heard my mother’s soft chuckle and she took the cushion that was over my face away from me. She smiled at me in a warm way – in a way a mother does to her child.

“Ma, there’s nothing going on between us,” I covered up lamely.

She snorted. My mother actually snorted and not only that, but she rolled her eyes at me! “Come on. Even a blind man could see there is something clearly going on. He wouldn’t be this way if there was nothing,” she pointed out.

“Were just really good friends.”

“It’s okay, honey, to fall in love,” she said quietly before holding my hand. “Just because your dad and I didn’t succeed in love doesn’t mean it won’t work out for other people. I mean, look at gram and gramps. They’ve been married for forty five years.” She smiled softly at the memory before her eyes were glassy and distant. “I’m sorry, Danny.”

“About what?” I said, barely over a whisper.

“For letting you and Darren down,” she sighed. “For letting you believe those silly things that love isn’t worth it because it is. It truly is a work of art. I mean, look where your father’s and my wedding led up to – my unconditional love for both my kids. I know I let you guys down sometimes and I’m not always there and trust me when I say that I regret it with all my heart, soul, and mind.”

“Mom, please, don’t,” my voice wavered as I felt a tear roll down my cheek. “Don’t blame yourself. If anything, you’re the best I could ever ask for.”

I felt her wipe away my tear with the back of my hand as she smiled at me. “Honey, I want you to be happy. This boy,” She started, nodding her head towards Weston and continued, “is everything I wish my daughter could ever be with.”

“Is it because he was there – “

“No, honey. It’s because I could clearly see he makes you happy,” She interrupted.

I glanced at Weston again feeling a tiny smile creep its way onto my lips. I just wished he would snap out of that daze and look at me and I wanted him to sweep me off my feet with that amazing smile of his. The warmth of his lips on mine was my current craving and the warmth of him near was what I was aching for.

“How long has he been like that?” I asked curiously, turning back to my mother who was observing me.

“Oh, about three hours,” she shrugged.

“Three hours!” I said in disbelief, my eyes wandering over to him again. “What time is it?”

“Yeah, right after you fainted and the cops came over to inspect that window. It is about midnight by now.”

At the mention of my window, I shuddered. I looked at my mom with fear clear in my eyes. She patted my leg, telling me that everything is going to be alright. However, I knew it wasn’t. Things were getting worst. I wondered if my mom knew about my previous encounters with this mysterious “Silver Bullet.”

“Mom,” I watched as her gaze turned to me slowly. “Do you know – “

“Hey guys,” I heard someone’s shout through the house, the deep voice echoing off the walls. “We are finally home!”

As if on cue, Aunt Feli came in with Warren and Charles following closely behind her. Aunt Feli had her hands in kitchen gloves, holding a pot of soup. Warren held a couple of glass bowls and spoons in his other hand. Charles held a pitcher filled with what looked like iced tea and in his other hand, he held paper cups.

I smiled as Aunt Feli instructed the boys on what to do. She then turned to me, her face glowed and her smile widened. “Oh dear,” she said, patting her gray hair down. “How are you feelin’? I made you some of my famous chicken n’ corn soup knowin’ ya’ll love that when the rain in coming down on your sunny day.”

And of course, Darren chooses to come in at that precise moment – me laying in the couch with mom close to me, Weston in a complete haze, Aunt Feli bringing me chicken and corn soup that she always made on our bad days, and the two shirtless boys tending to Aunt Feli’s orders.

He stuck his head through the corridor, mouth agape before fully coming in. His thick eyebrows scrunched together as he saw the scene in front of him. “Uh, am I missing something.”

“Hey guys, so we need to – okay, wow. Now, I’m confused,” Kelly came in, standing next to Darren. His arm went around her shoulders as her own eyebrows scrunched up to.

“We’ll explain later,” my mom said, chuckling. “So, how was your movie?”

“Well, it was good. You know, us men, enjoy chick flicks so much,” Darren said sarcastically. “Especially since the whole reason you watched the movie was because you wanted to impress your girl. Then, she says that she had a ‘huge stomach ache’ and took almost about an hour in that bathroom,” he said, nudging Kelly’s arm.

She nudged him in the ribs and amusingly, I watched him flinch from the impact. “Babe, you weren’t supposed to tell anyone about my private time,” she hissed, smiling playfully at him.

“I just wanted to share my story that my girl takes longer than me in the bathroom,” he smiled cheekily at her.

“Oh, just shut your pie holes, you two,” Aunt Feli said, placing her small hands on her hips. “Before ya’ make these two handsome fellows throw up what they’re eating from ya’ll smothering.”

Along with everyone, I laughed as I watched the two love birds blush. However, my laugh increased when to the point I was snorting when I heard the moans of appreciations as Charles and Warren dug their faces into their steaming bowl of soup. Soon, everyone was licking their bowl clean, wanting more and more. Everyone around me felt so safe and I actually felt like I was in a family for once. A full and happy family, though some people like the rest of the Stone and Crescent pack were missing.

I sat up, taking my bowl of soup and drinking it. The hot soup warmed my throat and the tastes hit my taste buds like fireworks. It warmed my whole insides, hitting my stomach with a sense of that home-y feeling. But, it wasn’t as hot as I was feeling when Weston decided to sit beside me, taking me in his arms and kissing my cheek.

I choked on my soup and regained composure, setting the bowl down on the coffee table in front of us. “Dot,” I hissed, but that did nothing but make him pull me closer. I was pretty sure my face was as red as Aunt Feli’s toe nail polish. “Wes,” I whispered more loudly this time.

His scent was driving me crazy and his warmth was enough to make me weak in the knees – good thing I was sitting on this couch or else, I might’ve fell again tonight and nobody would like to see that again. I felt his muscled chest warming my back, through our thin t-shirts. I felt his hot breath fanning my hair and his strong arms around my waist made me feel that sense of safety that I needed right now.

“Just relax, Ells,” he whispered in my ear, kissing my earlobe. “Just let me hold you.”

“Yeah, Danny,” Charles said with a mouth full. “We already know you two are sort of a thing.”

“Mmmmhm,” Warren mumbled from his bowl.

“What? What is going on? Again, I’m lost,” Darren said, eyeing Weston and I with narrowed eyes, obviously trying to play the big brother role.

If possible, my face went a deeper shade of red.

“Oh, quit the act, Darren John,” my mom scolded. “You wanted someone for your sister anyways. You said something about her being a prude and she’s only eighteen.”

“Mom, see now she’s giving me the death glare,” Darren whined, pointing to me.

“If any one of us good looking people is a prude, it’s me who ya’ll should point finga’s to,” Aunt Feli said, sipping her soup and ignoring our burst of laughter and snorts.

“Please, Aunt Fels, Uncle Sawyer loves you,” I said, gasping and enjoying the chest that was moving up and down in laughter behind me.

After all of us were so full, we’d thought we were going to burst, we finally closed up for the night. We all helped Aunt Feli clean up the mess much to her constant protest. Darren and Kelly left up the stairs while I told Warren and Charles to go home.

When I walked out of the bathroom, I was surprised to see my mother and Weston talking in near the front door hushed voice. Getting closer, I heard my mother say, “This was what I was afraid of. She can’t know yet.”

I kept my footsteps light, not wanting for them to hear me. I hid behind the wall, my heart thumping in my chest at the thought of being caught. Pressing my back against the maroon wall, I peered at the two. I had a perfect view of them, but luckily, I was completely hidden from them.

“I understand, Ella,” Weston said tiredly, rubbing a hand down his face. “You will tell her soon, correct?”

“Yes, Weston,” my mom replied in a reassuring town, throwing up her hands. “But for now – “

I heard Aunt Feli’s small footsteps come down the stairs. Fearing that I might get caught for eavesdropping by everyone, I quickly stepped into the hall my mother and Weston were at.

They completely did a three-sixty. Mom threw her hand down, smiling at me all too innocently. She tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear before shifting her weight uncomfortably. Weston quickly straightened his posture, smiling down at me as well.

“So,” I said awkwardly. “What were you guys talking about?”

“About how you should stay with Weston tonight,” my mom quickly lied.

Hearing her horrible lie, my eyebrow popped up in accusation. Even Weston was clearly surprised. His mouth flew open while both of his eyebrows scrunched up together. Just to make my contradictions on my mother lying true, Weston added, “We were?”

My mother quickly glared and narrowed her eyes at him before smiling sweetly at me. “Oh,” Weston coughed. “Yes. Yes, we were?”

“Yes. She will. I can’t have her sleeping in house with no security. I would bother Darren, but he is with his own wife. I have a strong certainty you will take care of my daughter,” she said.

“What?” I half yelled. “Mom, you’re seriously making me sleep over with a boy?”

She straightened up, tilting her chin up. I could see the indecision playing in her eyes. “Yes, honey. I trust you and I trust Weston.”

While I stood there and gaped like a fish, mom pushed us out of the house before she could change her mind. Even Weston was clearly surprised, his constant blinking making it obvious. As she shut the door, I heard her yell, “Please, take care of her and I don’t mean in bed.”

Oh gosh, save me now.

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So, what did you guys think? Suggestions on what Weston and Danny should do are open to anyone Place your opinions and thoughts down below. And sorry for grammar mistakes, I haven't edited this chapter yet. But yeah. (:

xo, zabelle06