A/N: I hope everyone enjoys the chapters :)
TINA POV:
Just the sound of Artie's voice had the ability to calm me down at least 10%. I had started to cry, and only realized it when I reached up to wipe the tears off my face without thinking. I really hated how afraid of storms I was, but couldn't really do anything about it as I sat there, shaking. I blubbered a few more obvious things about how it was storming and raining and dark, and Artie immediately started to try to calm me down. I honestly had no idea how he put up with this.
"Tee.. it's alright, okay? Storms happen everyday all over the world! You're safe in the house. Nothing is going to happen.. I'm right here. Ignore the storm and listen to me."
His tone shifted when I let out a small scream as a bolt of lighting touched down miles away and lit up the room.
"Tee, I know that this is a terrible plan, but I think you should come over. You should not be alone right now," He whispered hurriedly.
As soon as I heard his words I knew he was right, and using the counter I pulled myself back to my feet. My legs felt like jelly.
"I don't even care, Artie. I'm scared, it's raining and I am going to die if I am alone. I'll get crushed again or something" I babbled as I made my way towards the front door. I slid on my shoes, and let out a shaky breath.
"Ohh..okay. I'm. I'm going to run there know" I squeaked as I opened the front door.
I was instantly hit with the icy sting of the wind and mist from the rain, and took a tentative step forward. I started sprinting once I hit the end of my driveway, thankful that Artie's house was only a couple blocks away.
I have no clue how I managed it, but I was finally in front of his house. Sure, I was soaking wet, shivering, trying to slow down my breath, and fighting off tears, but I was there. I snapped the phone shut, and quickly walked over to the window, and frantically knocked on it a couple times. I watched as Artie hastily rolled over to the window and slid it open smoothly, and I felt the tears start pouring down my face as I dumped myself onto his carpet. I knew how pathetic I probably looked.. like a drowned rat or something, but I couldn't stop the small sobs that were coming out.
"It's raining, Artie." I said, sounding like a broken record. I laid there for a few moments, trying to calm my shivers as I heard Artie roll up next to me.
"Tee. Tina. It's alright.. It'll be over soon" Artie said. I could hear the helplessness in his voice, and turned to look at his face. His eyes were filled with concern as I slowly sat up.
"I'm.. I'm really sorry." I blubbered quietly. The thunder sounded again, and I quickly jumped into his lap, burying my face into his shoulder. It was then I realized how truly soaked through my clothes were when Artie winced a little bit at my sudden embrace. Ugh. How could I be so dumb? I quickly climbed off of his lap and hugged myself, trying to keep warm.
"Sssorry." I spluttered again. Was that the only thing I could say?
"No, Tee. Don't be sorry. You're soaking wet, and need new clothes." He whispered quietly, rolling over to his chest of drawers. I watched with wide eyes as he pulled out a pair of flannel pj bottoms and a crisp, white vneck. He turned back around, and hesitantly handed them to me.
"..My mom's asleep in the room two doors over. The bathroom is in-between us and her." He said, and I saw him chew on his lip in thought.
"C-can I just change in here?" I asked, not caring how awkward this might be for him. I was freezing, and wanted to get out of these sopping, heavy clothes.
After a tight lipped nod from Artie, I quickly turned around and peeled the shirt off my back, tossing it to the floor. I expertly unhooked my bra and threw it on top of the shirt. I felt Artie's eyes on my bare back as I slid into the fresh shirt, a wave of goose bumps washing over me because of the warmth. I shimmied out of the jeans, which seemed to now weigh ten pounds, and tossed it onto the pile. Miraculously, my underwear was still dry, and I quickly pulled on the cozy bottoms.
I turned back around, and gave a small smile. I already felt ten times better. I was about to walk back over to Artie's lap, when a sudden, house shaking boom of thunder sent me diving under the covers on his bed. I shook in fear and began crying quietly again, feeling pathetic. I felt the bed shift a few moments later and Artie moved onto it. He lifted up the covers, and squirmed under them. He then moved up closer to me, and slowly wrapped his arm around my waist, and pulled me to him.
"Tee.." He breathed quietly. I felt his breath move across my cheek. "It's alright. I promise. I'm right here. Nothing's going to happen."
Artie was the only one who could do this. Effectively calm me down, I mean. Whenever anyone else tried to it usually ended up with me being more upset than I originally was. This had happened once while I was dating Mike, and he started getting really frustrated with me. He started yelling at me and saying maybe I should just hide under the table because that's the only way I'd be safe it the house caved in or something. I ended up staying under the table for a good three hours.
I slowly turned myself so I was facing him, and smiled. I snuggled in closer to him, and was about to kiss him when he suddenly froze.
"What?" I whispered, freezing as well.
"I hear my mom. She's getting up." He whispered, glancing behind him at the door.
"..What should I do?" I asked, beginning to panic.
"..Artie? is everything okay?" Mrs. Abrams muffled voice sounded from her room. "I thought I heard something.." We heard her open the door, and begin walking towards his.
"Tee, quick, get into my closet and shut the door okay?" Artie hissed quickly, pulling the covers off of me.
Without a second thought I jumped up from the mattress. I scuttled soundlessly across the room, kicking my wet clothes under his bed as I went, and dived into the open closet. I shut the door after me, and quickly adjusted. I pulled a couple hangers out from under me and thew a couple sweaters over myself. I steadied my breathing just as I heard the door creak open.
