Courage-

Summary: After the accident, Shelby gets some news she really didn't want. And it doesn't have to do with Jess





Chapter Seven- I Can't Loose You



Walking felt like a new experience to Shelby, it was more of a challenge to do something most people take for granted. It could have been worse, that is what she had to remember. Entering Scott's room, not far from hers, she saw the scraps on his face and exposed arms of his t-shirt. Like her, he was not wearing a hospital gown, just the torn and dirty close from the night before. " Now I know why Peter has your license" he looked over when hearing her voice. Smiling, " he has yours too". As she walked closer, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, " how's Jess?". Shelby was relieved because of her positive answer, " fine, she's sleeping so I haven't talked to her, but besides a few bruises" Shelby grinned, " she's fine". " That's great". " How's Hank?". Scott shook his head, " but, apparently, he's going to be fine. His dad is on his way". She looked away, her smile slightly decreasing, " my mom had her nice choice of words earlier". " You saw your mom?". Shelby nodded, " the only positive thing is that Jesse will be safe and we get to go back to Horizon". Scott didn't respond, he couldn't. He knew at that time there was a chance he may not go back. But, he couldn't tell her, not now.



The room was surrounded by pale, teal walls decorated with any animals found in a farmyard. A small bed was placed in the center, with an even smaller body resting in it. Bright green eyes watched Shelby from the second she walked in, they were always on guard. She closed the distance very slowly, not wanting to scare her. Jess was huddled under the blanket, all except her head and strands of brown hair. " Am I in trouble?" she softly whispered, like it was a secret. Shelby whispered in return, " no, why would you be?". Jess used her regular tone, " Walt always told me I did bad things, and I caused the accident". Shelby kneeled at her bedside, " never, listen to that man, and he was the one who caused the accident, not you". Jess kept her eyes on her older sister, occasionally looking away, " I don't understand what he did, it hurt and he said it was because I was bad, and I never said anything". Shelby stopped her before they were both in tears, " you are too young to understand what happened" she lightly pecked her hand, " but I can guarantee, it will never happen to you again". " Can I go sleep now?" that was her only response.



When Shelby left the children's ward, she was greeted by Peter before getting to Scott's room. His smile was faint, but meaningful. " How's Jess doing?". " Entirely clueless, but, overall, she's going to be fine, my dad is good with her and maybe it's a good thing that she doesn't really know. Sorry Peter, looks like I'll be the only Merrick at Horizon". Peter laughed, " yeah, speaking of dads, Mister Barringer is here". " Scott's dad?". " Yep, and he's dying to meet you". Shelby raised an eyebrow, " dying like ' I really want to meet this girl' or dying like ' I'm going to kill this girl for hurting me son'?". Peter extended his arm in the direction of Scott's room, " have to find out for yourself".

Shelby clutched the wall rim separating her view from them. They were talking, about nothing in particular. There was the chance of turning back, that ended when a tall man with dark hair appeared in front of her, scaring her,. " My apologizes, you must be Shelby Merrick". She couldn't help giggling, nervous, " that's me, Shelby.Merrick" her last name was more of an addition. " Martin Barringer, also known as Scott's dad". Speaking of which, Scott stood next to them. " Yup, that fits you, Scott's dad". Martin looked at his son, who was giving him the expression indicating that he wanted to be alone with her. " Well, I'll leave you two alone, and, go get some coffee with Peter". When he left, Scott's expression dropped, and he walked back to the bed. Shelby followed, " what's wrong?". " Well" he hesitated, " Elaine left my dad". Her face sparked, " that's great, I mean.". Scott disagreed, " it's not. He thinks that there's more of a secure lifestyle at home now." he trailed off, not like he could say anymore. What was happening? Who was Scott Barringer? Shelby didn't know him, but she knew she was falling in love with him, very, very fast. It couldn't be possible, he couldn't leave Horizon, not now, no. Her jaw was trembling and the support left her knees. " No" emotions muffled her voice. Scott moved towards her, holding her tighter then ever. At first, Shelby couldn't move her head from his shoulder, but, eventually wrapped her arms his neck, choking and crying onto his shirt. " I don't want to go" he softly told her. Shelby cried, harder now. His hands moved against her back. There were no words, they didn't need them. Scott brought one hand to the back of her neck, caressing it. Gently kissing the top of her head. The words were barely audible, " I love you".







A/N: in an eerie voice...stay tuned for chapter eight coming.as soon as I finish writing it. Makes sense, I guess. Anyways, the next chapter is the last for this segment. Then there's the sequel!