"The boys are alive," he yelled. "They're hurt, but they're alive. They're being airlifted to the trauma center at San Francisco General Hospital."
Stacie was holding on to Beca as she stood in a daze, her body shaking.
"Beca," Stacie said trying to calm her. "They're alive. Dylan and Billy are alive and in the hospital. We have to get you to San Francisco."
"I'm on it," CR said holding her phone to her ear.
Beca looked at Stacie and tears fell from her eyes. Sally came over and pulled Beca to her.
"They're alive, Beca," Sally said and both women held onto each other sobbing.
"Chloe," Beca said suddenly pulling back from her mother.
Beca looked around and saw Aubrey softly talking to Chloe as she sat on the sofa with her head in her hands. Beca rushed over to Chloe and Aubrey moved away.
"Baby," Beca said kneeling in front of Chloe. "They're alive. We're going to San Francisco and get our babies. Okay?"
Chloe had tears streaming down her face. She looked at Beca and nodded her head.
"I have a plane waiting for you," CR said as she walked over to Beca. "It will fueled up and ready to takeoff as soon as you get there."
"Okay," Beca said pulling Chloe up with her. "We have to go pack."
Beca took Chloe's hand and led her upstairs. Beca noticed that Sophie's night light was on and that Sophie was in her bed asleep. Beca has no idea who put her to bed or when. She shakes her head and continues to their room. The two of them throw whatever necessities they need into their suitcases and hurry back downstairs. CR meets them at the bottom of the steps.
"The jet is in hangar 11," CR says. "I think you should take someone with you. I'd volunteer but I can't leave Denise."
"I understand," Beca said and looks around at all her friends.
Beca walks over to her mother.
"I know you want to go to see Dylan and Billy," Beca tells Sally. "But, I'd feel better if you were here with Sophie."
"I'll take good care of her," Sally said giving Beca a hug. "You go take care of our boys."
Beca nodded and looked at Stacie and Aubrey.
"Aubrey," Beca said. "Can you go with us? For Chloe."
Aubrey looks at Stacie and nods her head.
"Of course," Aubrey said.
"I'll go, too," Amy said. "Chloe will have her best friend and you'll have yours."
"Thanks, Ames," Beca said said with a small smile.
"We'll get you to the airport," Detective Rodriquez tells them. "We'll stop at Mrs. Posen-Conrad's place and Ms. Wilson's to let them pack."
"I have a suitcase in my car," Amy said. "I travel a lot and keep it just in case."
"Okay," Detective Rodriquez says. "Is everyone ready?"
"I'll drive Aubrey back to our place," Stacie said. "You can pick her up on your way."
Detective Rodriquez nods her head and Stacie and Aubrey leave. Beca and Chloe both go up to see Sophie before they leave. She is still asleep and they both kiss her on the cheek before they go.
"Jesse," Beca said. "Thanks for coming. We appreciate it."
"No thanks necessary," Jesse said. "It's what friends do."
Beca gave him a hug and then went over to CR and Denise.
"Do you think you guys can stay here with my mom?," Beca said. "I know she's worried and I don't want her to be alone."
"We'll be here," Denise said. "She won't be alone. I promise."
"Thank you," Beca said and gave Denise and CR a quick hug.
Beca walked over to Chloe who was hugging and holding onto Sally.
"Ready?," Beca asked Chloe.
Chloe nodded and they followed Detectives Rodriquez and Hunter to the door.
"We'll call as soon as we know anything," Beca said as she walked out the door.
When they landed in San Francisco, the four girls were met at the hangar by Detective Steve Keller. He escorted them to the hospital. On the way he recounted what had happened prior to the accident.
"One of our officers saw some people sleeping in a car at a rest stop about 20 minutes from here," the detective told them. "He went to check them out and just as he got to the car it sped off. He managed to get the license plate number and called it in. That's when he heard about the Amber alert. He took off after them trying to see if he could catch up with them. He put the info out over the radio and another car spotted them and gave chase. There were three police cruisers involved in the chase and one had just pulled in front of the car to try and get it to stop. The driver made a sharp turn and lost control of the car. It ran head on into the concrete pillar of the overpass. The officers all ran to the car and found a male and a female deceased in the front seat. They were identified as Jeanine Taylor and Jason Haversham. The two boys were in the back and the younger one, Billy, was crying and appeared to be okay; the older boy, Dylan, wasn't moving. Two of the officers literally tore the door off the hinges with their bare hands to get to him. Dylan was alive but unconscious. The EMT's came and took the boys on the medi-vac helicopter to get them to the hospital faster. From what I've been told, Billy has some cuts and bruises, but otherwise is fine. Dylan has a broken arm and leg. He also has some cuts from the flying glass. The doctors say they'll both be okay."
"Thank you, detective," Beca said quietly.
The detective cleared his throat but didn't say anything. He pulled up to the hospital and they were met with a swarm of paparazzi.
"Shit," Beca said.
"Don't worry, Ms. Mitchell," Detective Keller said. "They won't bother you. You ladies wait just a minute."
The detective got out and immediately got his men to start pushing the paparazzi back. He then came back to the car and helped the girls out. He and several other officers created a wall around the girls and walked them into the hospital. Detective Keller led them to the elevators to take them up to see Dylan and Billy.
When they stepped off the elevators, Detective Keller led them down the hall. They saw two uniformed officers standing guard outside a room and Detective Keller led them straight to them.
"They're here to make sure the paparazzi stay away," Detective Keller tells them. "They also confiscate the phones from the doctors and nurses who need to come into the boys' room. We value your privacy and guarantee that no one will be getting any photos of them."
"Thank you, detective," Amy says. "We appreciate everything you're doing."
The detective nods and one of the officers opens the door. Beca takes Chloe's hand and they both enter the room, with Amy and Aubrey right behind them. Chloe lets out a small sob and Beca clenches her jaw. The boys look so small laying in their hospital beds. Both boys are sleeping.
They walk over to Billy's bed first. He is laying on his side, cuddling a stuffed bear. Chloe gently runs her hands through his hair and kisses him on his forehead. Beca does the same and they turn to check on Dylan.
Dylan is laying on his back, his left leg in a cast and propped up on a pillow. His left arm is also in a cast and is laying across his stomach. Beca brushes the hair off of his forehead and Dylan stirs and opens his eyes.
"Mama?," Dylan says.
"Hey, buddy," Beca says wiping a tear from her eye.
Dylan looks at her and tears start falling down his cheeks.
"Oh, baby," Beca said gently putting her arms around him. "Mom and I were so sad when you were missing. We're so glad to have you back."
"Mommy said you didn't want us any more," Dylan cried. "I knew she was lying."
Chloe was standing behind Beca, gently rubbing her back. She looked over Beca's shoulder so she could see Dylan.
"Hey, Dyl," Chloe said. "Can I get a hug, too?"
"Mom!," Dylan said his face lighting up at seeing Chloe.
Beca moved aside and let Chloe in to give Dylan a hug. Amy and Aubrey hung back but couldn't stand it any longer and stood on the other side of Dylan's bed smiling at him.
"Aunt Brey! Aunt Amy!," Dylan said with a smile.
"Hey, Dyl," Aubrey said.
"Mama?," a small voice calls from behind Beca and Chloe.
"Hey, Billy," Beca said turning to her other son. "I missed you so much."
Billy stood up and jumped into Beca's arms. Beca caught him and held him tight as tears ran down both their faces. Chloe stood next to them, enveloping them both in a hug. Aubrey and Amy smiled and wiped tears from their eyes.
"Okay," Beca said pulling back to look at Billy, and wiping her face. "No more of this sad stuff. Let's find our happy faces."
Chloe used her thumbs to wipe the tears from Billy's face. She smiled at him and peppered his face with kisses, causing the young boy to laugh.
"That's what I'm talking about," Beca said with a small laugh.
Over the next few days, Beca and Chloe didn't leave the boys alone. One of them was always in the room with them. Beca had told the boys that Jeanine died in the accident. They both cried but didn't get too upset about it. Amy and Aubrey manned the phones and provided updates to Sally and the others every day.
They had been in San Francisco for 5 days when the doctors released Dylan and Billy. Dylan and Billy were excited to be going home to see everyone, especially Sophie and Sally. Beca spoke with CR and had her make arrangements for a plane to fly them to L.A. Detective Keller heard the boys were going home and offered to have them driven to the airport. The boys were ready to go and the group went around and thanked every nurse and doctor on the floor.
When they arrived at LAX they were met by Stacie and CR. CR took Beca, Billy, and Amy to the Mitchell's house in her car. Stacie took Aubrey, Chloe, and Dylan in hers. When they arrived home they saw a temporary ramp had been placed over part of the steps leading into the house for Dylan's wheelchair. As soon as they made it to the door it was thrown open and Sally came rushing out carrying Sophie.
"Mama!," Sophie cried. "Mom! Dylwan! Bilwy!"
"Sophie!," Dylan and Chloe say.
"Grandma!," Billy cried out and wrapped his arms around her legs.
"Billy!," Sally said. "I'm so glad to see you!"
"Can we continue this inside?," Beca said.
"Sorry," Sally said. "I missed you, too."
"Thanks, mom," Beca said with a smile and pushed Dylan's wheelchair into the house.
There was a huge banner that said "Welcome Home" and all their friends were cheering and welcoming everyone home. Sally and Stacie has set up a lunch buffet and everyone started eating. Beca and Chloe found themselves in the kitchen, alone for the first time in a week.
"Hey," Beca said wrapping her arms around Chloe's waist.
"Hey, yourself," Chloe says wrapping her arms around Beca's neck and pulling her into a kiss.
Beca kisses her back and they find themselves in a hot make-out session. Beca finally pulls back and leans her forehead against Chloe's.
"God, I've missed that," Beca said softly.
"Me, too," Chloe said giving Beca a quick kiss and then pulling her into a hug.
Sally walked into the kitchen then and smiled when she saw them. She turned to leave and Beca's voice stopped her.
"It's okay, mom," Beca said pulling back from Chloe.
Chloe turned herself in Beca's arms and leaned back against her. Beca tightened her hold around Choe's waist.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Sally said. "I'm sure you haven't had much time alone this past week."
"We were together," Chloe said. "That's all that matters."
"I just came to get some more napkins," Sally said as she took some off the counter. "Have they discovered anything more about why Jeanine did it?"
Before anything more could be said, Stacie and CR walked in.
"Looks like another party's going on in here," Stacie said.
"Just talking," Beca said. "Mom just asked if they found any evidence as to why Jeanine did what she did."
"Did they?, CR asked.
"Not really," Beca said. "They found fake Canadian passports in the car for her, the boys, and that guy Jason. The police believe they were heading for the Canadian border when they were spotted. Other than that, nothing. They can only guess at what her motivation was. I'm just glad we got the boys back safely."
"I think Jeanine's depression was much worse than she let on," Chloe said. "It's really weird, but when we were in Jesse's office and even at lunch, she seemed fine. She was smiling, she laughed with the boys. There was no warning that something was going to happen."
"The boys said she told them she had a surprise in the car for them," Beca said. "Dylan said he didn't want to go, but Billy was so excited so he went along. Jason was waiting and as soon as Jeanine got the kids in the car, he sped off. They were so scared."
Chloe wiped a tear from her eye. She gave a small smile and continued where Beca left off.
"Billy said he was scared because Jeanine started yelling and got the scary face he didn't like," Chloe said. "Dylan said when Jason started driving really fast, they both got really scared and started crying and begging him to stop. Jeanine started yelling at all of them, telling Jason to slow down, and Dylan and Billy to stop screaming."
"Those poor babies," Sally said.
"Come on," Stacie said with a smile. "Let's just focus on the positive. The Mitchell boys are back, their friends are here, and I just know I'm getting lucky tonight."
Stacie wiggled her hips and sashayed out of the kitchen. Sally and CR followed behind, laughing at the leggy brunette. Chloe went to follow and Beca pulled her back against her.
"If all goes well," Beca whispers kissing the side of Chloe's neck. "Stacie won't be the only one getting lucky tonight."
Chloe smiled as she pulled away from Beca. She wiggled her hips, gave Beca a wink over her shoulder, and sashayed out of the kitchen.
It had been a week since they had returned from San Francisco and Beca would like to say that things were back to normal. But, they weren't. Her mother had gone back to Atlanta to finish out the last two weeks of the school year. She and Chloe were having minor arguments about going to her mom's retirement dinner. Chloe wanted Beca to go and take Billy and Sophie with her. She didn't think it was a good idea to add any more to Dylan's frustration about not being able to do anything on his own. Beca wanted them all to still go because her mother would be disappointed if they didn't. Chloe thought Sally would understand and enjoy having Beca, Billy, and Sophie there.
Dylan was frustrated because he couldn't do much on his own. He didn't like that Beca or Chloe had to help him in the bathroom, especially when he had to take a bath. He had to use the wheelchair because he couldn't manage crutches with one broken arm. He was assigned a "buddy" to push him around at school. He had to sit in the library during recess. He would get angry when he was frustrated and lash out at Beca, Chloe, Billy, or anyone who happened to be near him. The only one he didn't get angry with was Sophie. She seemed to calm him so Beca and Chloe would make sure Sophie was nearby whenever they needed to help Dylan.
Billy, on the other hand, was quite the opposite. Billy had no physical scars to show what he'd been through. But, he was having nightmares and had started wetting the bed. He would cling to them and didn't want to leave the house. He was no longer that sweet, outgoing 5-year-old she left sitting at the table with Jeanine that day.
Beca was feeling guilty. If she handn't left Dylan and Billy sitting with Jeanine that day, none of this would have happened. She was standing at the kitchen sink, staring out the window. She didn't know how long she had been standing there, caught up in her own thoughts. She came out of it when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist from behind.
"Hey," Chloe said quietly laying her chin on Beca's shoulder. "You okay? You've been standing here for quite a while."
"Yeah," Beca said putting a hand on Chloe's. "Just thinking."
"About?," Chloe asked.
"Dylan and Billy," Beca said. "I guess I can't get rid of the feeling of guilt I have about everything. I just-"
"Babe," Chloe interrupted. "If it hadn't happened that day, it would have happened at some other time. She planned it and was going to make it happen no matter what we did. She had fake passports for them for God's sake."
Chloe was trying to hold in her anger. She hated that Beca kept blaming herself.
"I know," Beca said. "But, I can't help feeling guilty. I'm supposed to protect them and I didn't."
Chloe sighed.
"I've been thinking about a couple of things," Chloe said. "Things that might help Dylan and Billy cope better."
Beca turned to look at her.
"What were you thinking?," Beca asked.
"First, I was thinking maybe we should get Dylan an electric wheelchair," Chloe said. "That way he can have some control over getting around. He's still got at least a month, maybe longer, before the casts can come off."
"That's actually a good idea," Beca said. "What else is going on in that pretty little head of yours?"
"I want you to keep an open mind about this," Chloe said.
"Okay," Beca said. "I'll try."
"I think we should take Billy to see a psychologist," Chloe said.
Beca looked at Chloe expressionless. Chloe was nervous because she was afraid of how Beca would react to the idea.
"I think that's a really good idea," Beca finally said.
Well, readers, things are winding down and there are only a couple of chapters to go. There will be some minor time jumps (a few months here and there) and an Epilogue.
QUESTION: What is the one thing you would life to see happen before the story ends? I may incorporate an idea or two if I can make it fit in the story (sorry, no smut).
Thanks for reading/reviewing/following/favoriting. I really love how vested in the story and the characters you are. XOXOXO