They had just finished putting the snoop in the bathroom when they heard the bell go. Gathering in the auditorium they didn't know what to do.
"Well its not me" Scipio stated
"Really? I didn't see you in front of me." Hornett snapped back
"It might be Francesca" Bo said happily
"She never rings though"
"I never really ring and I did this time" Scipio said "I'll go."
"I'm coming with you" Prosper shouted running after him. Hornett had to hold Bo back from running after his brother.
"Keep me safe" She whispered to Bo
Prosper and Scipio got to the door and Prosper tried looking through the spy hole.
"Well it's still raining" he said. Scipio slowly opened the door. No one was therer. At least that's what they thought. Scipio opened the door wider and Prosper looked out too. There eyes the rested upon a figure sitting on the floor with their face in their hands. Bare feet, shorts and an oversized jumper.
"You never dress for the weather" Scipio said walked over to her. She didn't move. He crouched down besides her and heard heavy sobs. He cradled her in his arms and lifted her. She put no defences up. When in his arms she hid her face in his chest. Prosper stood shocked but closed the door when they walked in and followed behind. Scipio walked straight passed everyone and took her up to the spare mattress they had there for emergencies. Everyone went to follow but Prosper stopped them.
"I don't think she's in any state to see people" He said solemnly. Realising he was right they sat in silence until Scipio could tell them what was happening.
…
Scipio laid her down the mattress and she crawled into a ball, still sobbing. Her body shook violently, she gasped for breath. He felt helpless. He didn't know how to comfort her. He got a towel and dried her hair and her skin. He changed her soggy jumper and she cried all the way through. When his eyes started to water themselves he decided it was time to leave her for now. He needed to talk to the others.
"I'm just going to be a couple of minutes" he whispered softly gently kissing the top of her head. He pulled the blanket over her and made his way to the others. Before stepping into the auditorium he stopped and took a deep breath. When he walked in everyone got to their feet and waited.
"Well?" Riccio asked
"I have no idea." Scipio replied truthfully, head bowed. The others looked from one another and then up towards where the others were. "We'll let her stay as long as she needs. We also need to make a rota for keeping watch on the snoop. I'll let you decide who goes when for yourselves. I'm going to get Francesca a drink and sit with her a while longer and then I must be off. Can you also keep an eye on her? Wait until she's calm before asking or telling her anything." He walked off to get a drink and then walked up to where Francesca was. She was now sitting up. Her sobs were silent but still going strong. He sat next to her offering the drink but she shook her head. "What's happened?" he asked gently. She turned to face him, eyes red and face tear stained.
"Th...Th...Th…it was them" She stuttered before collapsing onto Scipio holding onto him as if her life depended on it. He had no idea what that meant but he held her back. He pulled her close and combed her hair off her face with his fingers. He rested his face on top of her head and tried his best to comfort her. Even though he didn't really know what was wrong. All he knew is that it hurt to see her like this.