Chapter 26 – My Saving Grace Is Saving Face

“He might take you from me.”

“Huh?”

He scowled at me, “Don't make me say it again.”

I blinked up at him innocently, “But-”

“No.”

“Fine,” I pouted and turned around to leave.

His arm shot out and grabbed mine before I could even take a step, “And where do you think you're going?”

“Far away from you!”

He chuckled, “You're so amusing. Get changed and we'll go to the hospital.”

“But I only just got changed, Anna and me are having a sleepover.”

“So you don't want to see your mother or Trent?”

“It's not that-”

“Come on, chop chop, get moving!” He shooed me all the way to my room, and stood outside the door.

Chauvinistic idiot. Ordering me around like that. His deep voice disturbed me from my musings, “Hurry up!”

“Oh my god, shut up already! I'm trying to think here!”

“Yeah, key word being trying.” I heard him mutter behind the closed door.

“I heard that!”

There was silence after my final remark. Finally. I pulled a flowy, knee length pink skirt on, and left my white tank top on. I grabbed a white jacket and put it on too.

I walked down the hallway to the stairs, but didn't see Killian anywhere. Guess he went to get a car already. I peeked into the living room where Ryan and Anna were making out on the sofa, and moved on to the door.

I grabbed a pair of flip flops and walked outside to where Kill was waiting with his Mercedes SLK something or other. It looks cool in any case. Although the black paint job was a bit scratched from some car race he was in a while ago.

He was impatiently revving the engine so I quickly hopped in. I buckled myself in, because it's safety first! I rested my hands on my lap, examining my nails.

Halfway there, Killian grabbed my left hand, and held on to it. I glanced over to him, but he ignored my probing looks. I sighed, and played with his fingers. We spent the whole car ride in a kind of comfortable silence.

I was reluctant to let go of his hand when we arrived at the hospital, but well, I sort of had to. Walking up the steps to the entrance he didn't grab my hand again either. I tried to tell myself I wasn't disappointed.

We went straight up the stairs to the section that was rented out to the family. It was exactly the same as the last time I was here. Was that really only yesterday? I looked around for Evan, the cute doctor, but I didn't see him anywhere.

Killian led me to my mother's room first, and let me go in alone.

She had regained some color, but still looked very weak.

“Hey mom” I greeted her.

“Hey sweetheart, how are you?”

I laughed, “Shouldn't I be asking you that?”

She smiled sheepishly, “I'm feeling fine, the doctor said I can go home in a day or two already.”

“That's good,” I let out a breath I'd unconsciously held in, “I'm...fine. Just having a hard time figuring out what to do about Tru.”

I sat down on the chair next to the bed, “I mean, I know I love Killian. But I could definitely love Tru if I wanted to, or had enough time. And then earlier, I think Killian told me he loves me too. But I'm not sure! And I can't just ask him, he hates showing that type of emotion!”

My mom sighed, “All I can say is follow your heart. Don't do what you think is right, do what you want to do. Don't listen to what your head is telling you to do.”

“So I shouldn't marry Tru then. Because my heart tells me I should be with Killian. But I know that Tru will always be there for me. He'll never leave me feeling like crap.”

She took my hand in hers, “I'm sorry you have to make this choice. You should have a talk with Trent.”

I stood up, and hugged her goodbye, “Thanks mom, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

I wiped the stray tears away from under my eyes and left the room, closing the door softly behind me.

I saw Tru leaning against the wall opposite me, and headed over to him.

“What's up doll?”

“Not much, gonna have a talk with Trent now.”

“Ah.” Tru nodded, “My dad's talking to him right now, they should be done soon though.”

“Ok then. Hey, do you know where Kill went?”

Tru glanced sideways at me, “Why would I know? All I know is that he's around somewhere. Probably 'talking' with that receptionist from yesterday.”

I glared at Tru, “Shut up, you don't know that.”

Just then the door next to us opened, and Tru's dad stepped out.

“Hey Tiffany, you can go in now.”

“Thanks Mr. Moore,” I replied politely, and walked into the room.

Trent was sitting upright in the bed, looking about as healthy as ever.

“Hey, how's it going?” I asked nervously.

“Fine, fine. But we're not here to talk about me.” He gave me an accusing look.

“I've been hearing mixed stories about you. Tell me, how do you feel about Tru?”

“I like him?”

“But not enough to spend the rest of your life with him I take it.”

“No.”

“I see, and how about my son?”

“Uh, what about Killian?”

“Don't play stupid, do you love him?”

I didn't answer, but I think my face was answer enough. I blushed, and whispered “Yes.”

Trent smirked, “Good. You can go now.”

“Ok then...” I turned around and left the room. In a hurry. Seriously so embarrassing.

When I got to the hallway, both Tru and Vincent went back inside the room to speak with Trent again.

I spotted Killian talking to some guys at the other end of the hallway. I trudged all the way over there to speak with him, but he ignored me and continued speaking to the guys.

“-find him, and bring him to HQ. I'll meet you there, got it?”

“Yes, sir!” The men marched off to the exit. Killian turned to me.

“Sorry 'bout that, I had to finish that off first. What did you want?”

“Did you just say sorry?”

“Yeah I did...so what?”

“Dunno, I've just never heard you apologize to anyone for anything yet.”

“I guess you're just special then.” He winked at me.

“Am I?”

He took a second longer to reply, “Yes, you are.”

I giggled and kissed him the lips, “Are we going home now? Visiting hours are over.”

“You think anyone cares about visiting hours?” He asked me, already leading me back downstairs and outside.

“Well, ok, maybe not. Just saying. Mom said she might get out tomorrow or the day after already, isn't that great!”

“Yeah. Listen, I have to go do something for the next week. I want you to stay at home and don't leave the grounds, ok? And make sure someone is always with you.”

I looked at him in amazement, “You're leaving? You won't be here for my birthday?”

He grimaced, “I might be back in time, but I'm not sure. It depends on how quickly I can get everything done.”

“What do you have to get done? Can't someone else go do it?” Ok, so maybe I sound like a whiny brat, but it's my 18th birthday!

He ran his hand through his shaggy hair, “I'm sorry sweetheart, but I have to do this one thing.”

“So it's more important than me, is it?”

He looked at me sharply, “No it's not, it's just more urgent and I really have to go do this.”

“Fine, whatever.” I scowled and sat down in the car.

“C'mon, don't be like this. Muffin?”

I ignored him, I can't take it anymore. Is all this pain really worth it in the end? Even knowing it might never stop?

“It's not like I wanted this to happen right now, shit happens. Get over it. And I've been to everyone of your past 17 birthdays. Is missing one really that big a deal?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “You missed my 16th, and 17th. The first few I don't remember, but I'm sure you weren't there either. Always off doing something, either for Trent or with some friends.”

His grip on the steering wheel tightened, and he started going faster, “Ok, so maybe I haven't been there for all of your birthdays.” He acknowledged.

“Damn right you haven't.”

“But, damn it Tiffany, I have to go do this!”

“Just tell me what!” I begged him.

He groaned in frustration, “I can't. I'm sorry”

“I'm sorry too.” I whispered sadly.

“What are you sorry for?”

“Everything.”

The rest of the drive was spent in silence, and when the car finally rolled to a stop, I jumped out and ran back to the safety of my room, ignoring Killian calling my name after me.

Anna ambled into the room a couple of seconds later and sat down next to me on my bed.

“Anna, why can't I just have a simple Happy Ever After?”

“Cause life sucks.”

“It does, doesn't it?”

“So much for a carefree sleepover. We should've gone to my place.”

“Yeah,”

We sat like that for another ten minutes before Anna spoke up again, “You know it's only nine thirty, right?”

“Wanna watch a movie then?”

“Yeah, sure.” she agreed.

I got up and looked through my DVDs, “Ok, how about The Day After Tomorrow?

“No, not enough hot guys.”

“Uh, Pirates of the Caribbean?”

“I don't think so, how about HSM 2?”

I looked at Anna in surprise, “I thought you hated that movie?”

“I do, but I know you love it. And even I'll admit Zac Efron is hot. Plus the songs are pretty good. And it's a happy movie, just what you need.”

I considered it for a second before agreeing, “Fine, I guess you're right. And I always cry during The Day After Tomorrow anyways.”

Anna laughed, “During what movie don't you cry?”

I threw a pillow at her, “Shut up! That's not fair! Oh, hah! I didn't cry during Lars and the Real Girl!”

“True, but only cause you fell asleep!”

“...” I shot her a glare

I finally popped the DVD in and relaxed on the bed, “Hey, Anna?”

“Yes?” She asked warily.

“How would you like to go get us some snacks and drinks?”

“Noooo! Just call Ryan on the intercom and tell him to bring us some stuff.”

I brightened up, “Brilliant! You know which room he's in?”

“Knowing him, probably in the kitchen stuffing his face.”

“Good point,” I mused.

I grabbed the telephone and dialled in the number for the kitchen phone. After two rings someone picked up.

“Yes?” Damn.

“Oh...hey, can you ask Ryan to bring us some snacks and drinks please? Thanks.”

I quickly hung up the phone. Anna looked at me questioningly.

“Killian?” I nodded, “Figures he'd answer the phone, I mean I'm only trying to ignore him.”

“Again? What did he do this time?” I hit pause on the remote and stopped the movie.

“What didn't he do is the question. I swear, everything was going perfectly! In a roundabout way he told me he at the very least cares for me, and I made up my mind that I'm not gonna marry Tru. But then he told me that he has to go and 'finish something' for Trent. For the next week or so. He's going to miss my birthday again.”

“Aw, come here honey.” Anna hugged me comfortingly.

“So you still not going to marry Tru then?”

“Argh, I don't know! Killian just hurts me all the time, but then does something sweet so I forgive him for it. But this happens like, every day! And now, he's leaving to somewhere for god knows how long, doing something I have no clue about!”

Right after I finished ranting the door opened and both Ryan and Killian stepped into my room. Both of them carrying food and drink at least.

They dumped the food on my desk, and Ryan pulled Anna out of the room. Leaving me alone with Killian again.

I sighed, “What do you want?”

“I'm leaving tomorrow morning.”

“So? What do you want?”

“I want everything to be okay between us. I want to know that when I'm back everything will still be the same. That you'll say no to Tru.”

My gaze wandered around the room, “I-” My breath got caught in my throat, and I couldn't even finish the sentence.

“I just don't know what to do anymore.”

Killian walked over to me, and pulled me off of the bed, “Just give me, give us, a chance.”

He slowly lowered his head to kiss me, gently at first. The second his tongue touched mine, an explosion of feelings so strong rushed through me, leaving me shaking and weak in his strong arms.

“Wait,” I mumbled, trying to push him off of me. He just went on, ignoring me.

“Shh,” He whispered, before sliding off my skirt, and throwing my jacket on the floor. He pushed me backwards onto the bed and ripped his own shirt and jeans off. He was left standing there in his boxers and socks. I giggled.

He looked affronted, and I hastily added, “Could you take your socks off? They're distracting.”

He smirked at me, “No problem. How about your top though?”

He approached me and expertly took it off. Well, kidding, he ripped it off. Literally. I frowned at him, “I really liked that top.”

“I'll get you five more, now shut up and just enjoy yourself.”

He slid off my shorts and underwear at the same time, leaving me lying on the bed completely naked. My eyes widened in understanding, “Killian, I don't think-”

He silenced me by forcefully kissing me, and then taking off his boxers. He ripped the covers off of the bed, and dumped me under them before joining me. I turned to face him, but when I saw the look in his eyes, for once expressing emotion, I couldn't say no.

When I woke up in the morning, I was alone in bed. Somehow that didn't surprise me. I remembered everything Killian had done to me last night, and blushed. Surprisingly I felt no regret. I tried to stand up, but it hurt too much. He definitely wasn't gentle.

But that was one of the things I love about him. I lay back down and smiled. Anna burst into my room a couple of minutes later, took one look at me, and beamed at me.

“You two finally did it? Oh my gosh! That's sooooo awesome!”

I mock glared at her, “Don't pretend you didn't know!”

She laughed, “True, I mean, just about everyone heard you. I thought I was loud, but holy shit, you are definitely a screamer!”

I blushed a bright red yet again, “Uh, you...heard me?”

She snickered at me, “Honey, everyone heard you.”

I pulled the blanket over my head, “Nooooooo, my life is over!”

“Don't be a drama queen, now get up and take a shower! Your mom is coming home soon!”

I peeked at Anna over my blanket, “She's coming back today?”

“Yup!” She threw me a bathrobe and motioned for me to get a move on into my bathroom.

“But I don't wanna get up.” I mumbled in vain.

She laughed at me again, “Well, from the way you were going at it last night, I'm not surprised you're in pain!”

“You sadist!” I threw my pillow at her. Being the evil best friend that she is, she simply ran out of the room laughing her head off.

Groaning, I somehow managed to shower myself, shave, wash my hair, brush my teeth and apply my make up.

I sighed as I looked at the bruises on my thighs and hips. Guess it's a long dress for today then. Walking still hurt a bit, but the hot shower had helped. I slowly made my way downstairs, and in to the kitchen.

Where Ryan and Anna were hanging out with Steve (guy who drove the car to hospital earlier). They immediately shut up and stared at me when I entered the room. Their intense stares made me burn up again, but I did my best to ignore them and went to the fridge to grab a bottle of water.

Anna pointed to a plate of food on the table, “Here, I made you some food. You'll need to replenish that energy you lost last night.” She winked, laughing at me.

I looked around for a knife that I could stab her with, in the friendliest way possible of course, but was disappointed when I didn't see one.

“How come there are no knives in the freaking kitchen?”

The three of them stared at me before laughing their asses off.

“Ok, ok, yeah, go ahead, just laugh at me. But beware! Revenge is a dish best served cold!”

This sent them into new rounds of laughter. Maybe I should be a stand up comedian. People always seem to laugh when I'm around. Ok, so maybe they're laughing at me, and not with me.

“Why are you wearing a long dress all the way to your knees in the middle of summer?” I glared at Anna for asking that question.

“Why do you think?”

“I dunno, that's why I was asking.”

Ryan snorted, and choked on his food, “Dude, Anna, does Killian look like the gentle type to you? She's probably bruised black and blue. I'm amazed she can actually walk.”

I quickly sat down and stuffed my mouth with my omelette. For once Anna blushed, “Oh yeah! She was complaining about being in pain before. Haha, silly me!”

I continued munching away at my omelette. Maybe if I ignore the lot of them they'll eventually give up and go away.

Thankfully the doorbell rang, and Steve went to open it. I heard a couple of voices in the entrance hallway, among which one was my mother's.

I swallowed the last bite of my breakfast and hobbled over to the voices, Ryan and Anna following me.

I spotted my mother in a wheelchair, with Vincent pushing her, and Tru standing next to him, talking to Steve.

“Mom!” I cried, and went to hug her gently.

“Hey darling! I'm home!”

Tru stared at my neck, probably a hickey which I couldn't quite cover up because I ran out of concealer. I used most of it up to cover bruises on my arms. He still gave me a hug though. I smiled at Vincent, but he was too preoccupied with talking to Ryan and Steve.

My blood froze when my mom made an announcement, “Honey, can you prepare the guest rooms? Vincent and Tru will be staying with us for the week.”

A/N: Surprise! Such a quick update! Oooh, the drama, will Killian be back in time for her birthday? What's Tru going to do? Guess you'll have to wait for the next chapter! xD I hope everyone liked this chapter!

On another note, it'll be over soon, maybe like, three or four chapters left? Would anyone be interested in a sequel? And if so, then what about. Please tell me!

Thanks to all my readers and reviewers, GRAYTEXT, SimplySweetnSour, sunny-raindrop, Exqusite, Jevanminx and to my anonymous reviewers sj and confessions!!

sj: Thanks! Lol, Killian may have mental issues, but who doesn't in this world!

confessions: Yeah, sorry it was so short, but I hope this chapter makes up for it!

Oh, and a side note to sunny-raindrop: Haha, just reread your review, "I waited for the action (not that action...:P)" and I just realized I put some 'action' in this chapter! Hope it satisfied your want of more action! xD