Chapter 21 More Than Family.

Tori's pov

I'm undecided. Three days I've slept on Chloe's living room couch. Cassey's been staying with Simon, how Simon managed to pull that one I don't know, but I didn't want to stay in her room. It felt wrong somehow. I didn't belong here, I was out of place. Chloe's was just to nice to tell me to get out, I'm sure Derek would if he didn't know Chloe would smack him for it.

"Tori? You awake?" I sat up when I heard Chloe walk into the living room.

"I know it's ten but I wanted to ask you something." she started, sitting next to me. I nodded, my chest constricting.

"I want you to know that you can stay here as long as you need too. But I know you want a life don't you?"

I was stunned. So I nodded mutely.

"I can get you a part time job and you can enroll in a couple classes at the university. You can stay here until you can get back on your feet. No matter how long it takes."

"why are you doing this? I've done nothing but ruin your life." I said, not bothering to hide my amazement.

"no you havent. You've helped me grow up Tori. You're like a sister to me. Why else would I name my daughter after you?"

"I hit you in the head with a brick and left you in that crawl space. I constantly harassed you because you were 'stealing' Simon from me. Why would you help me this much?" I was gonna let her off this easy, being me of course.

"you do realize that I really am your sister right?" she said.

"oh yea. Cool. By marriage. And thanks Chloe." I said , and she hugged me. I cant remember that last time I was hugged by anyone.

"in a few weeks you'll be looking for an apartment. I assure you." she laughed.

"Where's Derek?" I asked, suspiciously.

" he went to quit his job I think. He got a new offer. Much better pay. Actually he's been gone a little-NOOOOOOOO!" I watched in shock as Chloe convulsed on the floor screaming.

"Chloe! What's wrong?" I asked trying to calm her down. She started screaming louder, agony twisting threw her. I didn't understand, she was fine just a minute before. Then suddenly she froze and stared blankly at the ceiling, unmoving.

"Chloe?" I asked, unsure what to do.

The door bell rang, I cursed its timing and opened it impatiently.

"are you Chloe Souza?" a police officer said.

"no, but I'm her sister in law. Is their something wrong?" the officer hesitated.

"Derek Souza, was involved in a huge wreck on the four way intersection about fifteen minutes ago. He was the first to be identified. I'm afraid that he's been killed."

I blinked.

"I'm sorry but that's not possible." I said, but Chloe was proof of that. But Derek was just so strong and invincible! How could this happen?!

"I know its shocking news, but Derek Souza was the first to be pulled out of the wreck. An estimated 300 were killed. Is Chloe home?"

" she's been out cold for fifteen minutes, after five minutes of screaming and writhing in pain. See for yourself." I let them in,and they stared at Chloe's blank staring form.

"she isn't dead, I think she's in shock. He was her husband. They've in love for over fifteen years." the officer shook his head sadly. I felt tears slide down my face.

"oh no! Cassey! No!" I sobbed, putting my head in my hands.

"who is Cassey?"

" his daughter. Oh god, how did this happen?" I said wiping my face.

" I am very sorry for your loss. I think we should get her to a doctor. Just in case." I nodded and he drove us since I didn't now how to drive that well. When they had Chloe in her own room, I called Cassey.

"yes?"

"it's Tori. You and Simon need to get to the hospital. Now. " I'm sure she heard the tears in my voice, that probably what scared her the most.

"whats happened? Tell me. Is mom okay?" she said rapidly.

"I don't know Cassey. Just come and well find out." I hung up and sat down on the bench outside the waiting room.

"Are you with the women in this room?" a voice said. I nodded.

"what's wrong with her?" I asked immediately.

"she went into what looks like a self induced coma. I'm afraid she'll most likely never wake up. She is completely healthy too." I felt more tears drip down my face as I saw Simon and Cassey come in threw the elevator.

"this is her daughter and brother in law." I said pointing to them. She walked over to them and explained everything. I still had another part to do.

"how did this happen?" Cassey asked, her face tear streaked like mine.

"it's because of Derek. He was in a car wreck. I'm so sorry Cassey, he was killed."

That was all Cassey could handle and she collapsed sobbing into Simon's arms. While I sat watching helplessly.