Chapter 11

Reid laid Samantha's head on his shoulder throughout the journey back home. Morgan had volunteered to drive them back. Reid ran his fingers through her hair and silently calmed her with his company. Morgan let out a sign of frustration silently when he saw the scene of Reid trying to reassure his wife in the back seat. Morgan was truly worried. He was much more worried about Reid's mental state. Once the car was parked in front of Reid's apartment, Samantha walked out, took a towel to wipe off her tears and she quickly readjusted her disfigured hair.

"I can't let him see me like this." Samantha said to Reid. "I have to be strong for Oliver."

Reid stayed behind and waited until Samantha disappeared from his sight.

"Did you find out about what had happened?" Reid asked to Morgan.

"I talked to Deleena just now. She said they went to the ice-cream shop we used to take them. Spend time for around thirty minutes before they left. Deleena said she heard somebody shouting, much more like an argument when they were walking towards the car. Out of a sudden, they heard gunshots and the next thing she knew was, Elena was on the floor." Morgan explained.

"I talked to the Local PD and asked Garcia to check to the security footage nearby. According to Local PD, there was a fight going on between two gang members in an alley across the street opposite the ice-cream shop. The cops picked up a couple of boys to help with the investigation." Morgan further informed.

"So, two gangs had some brainless fight and my daughter was the casualty?" Reid snapped.

"Reid, I know this whole situation is way too rough for you." Morgan said as he laid his hand on Reid's shoulder. "I promise you that whoever did this, will not get away, okay?"

Reid nodded. "I am going to check on Oliver."

Morgan and Reid walked back to Reid's apartment. Morgan went straight to the couch in the living room to check on his son. Jayden was lying on the couch, using his grandfather's lap as his pillow. Reid smiled a little to Mark and Racheal and walked to Oliver's room. Standing at the edge of the door, he could see Samantha sitting on the floor beside Oliver. Reid went and sat on the other side.

"Is Elena okay?" The little boy asked while looking at the Samantha and Reid with tearful eyes.

Samantha scooped and rest him on her lap. She hugged him and said "Oliver, you just as smart as Dad and Elena, so, I am not going to lie to you. Elena is hurt but she is fine right now. Auntie Deleena said that Elena has to rest a lot and then she will in good health, just like always."

"I was scared." Oliver said, looking at his father.

"I know, buddy." Reid calmed him. " It's all right now and I want you to understand that you did nothing wrong."

"She asked me to stop running but I didn't listen and suddenly…" Oliver sobbed.

"Shh," Samantha kissed the top of his head. Reid lifted Oliver's chin up "It's not your fault that Elena is hurt, okay? I need you to understand that."

Oliver nodded as he cried without a sound. Samantha wrapped her hands around her son and laid his head on her chest. Reid reached forward and kissed Oliver's forehead.

As Reid gave another kiss to Samantha's forehead, he mumbled "Get some rest."

Reid walked out to the kitchen and smelt an aroma of coffee. He gratefully took the cup from Morgan.

"How is Jayden doing?" Reid asked in concern.

"A bit shaken up but not as bad as Oliver." Morgan answered while he passed a bread to Reid.

Reid sighed. "All these years, each time I walk out for a case, I would worry like hell. All I ever wanted was my family to be safe. Not for once, I have thought something like this would happen. A few hours ago, she was laughing with me and next hour she is in the hospital, hooked up to a ventilator. Elena is shot and she is only six, Morgan."

"Reid, I know that whatever I say will not lessen your pain. I can understand. I don't know what I will do if it was Jayden or Deleena. All I would like to say is don't give up and I am here if you need me." Morgan said.

"I know. Thanks, Morgan. I am going back to the hospital." Reid said as he stood up.

"I will drive you," Morgan said.

"No. Stay with Jayden and also keep an eye on Samantha and Oliver." Reid said before he left the apartment.

Reid kissed Elena's forehead, pulled the chair and sat close to the bed. He slightly squeezed her hand and mentally begged for another squeeze in return. Reid leaned back to the chair and as he was staring at his daughter, Reid had no idea when did sleep pulled him in.

Reid flinched a little when he felt lips on his cheek. Reid's eyes fluttered opened and saw Samantha standing in front of him. Reid checked his watch, eight in the morning.

"You're early." Reid mumbled.

"I couldn't sleep or stay in the house. Oliver is fine. He is still asleep." Samantha answered shortly. "Go home and freshen up yourself. I will stay here."

Reid stretched himself, yawned a little and stood up. As much as he wants to stay with Elena, he knew Samantha would like to have some moments alone with her daughter.

"What happened to the ventilator?" Samantha asked, panicked.

"Don't worry. They took it out at around six in the morning. She can breathe on her own now." Reid updated.

"Thank God. One good news." Samantha said.

"I will see you later." Reid said as kissed her goodbye. Reid looked at his daughter for another time before he walked out the room.

He didn't the chance to press the elevator button when he heard Samantha's alarmed voice from the hallway. "I need a doctor in here!"

Reid sprinted back to Elena's room. He saw Samantha standing in the corner of the room with tears and hand over her mouth. A doctor and two nurses were beside Elena's bed.

"What happened?" Reid asked with a fearful voice.

"She squeezed my hand and… I think she is waking up."