Cappie shifted slightly as he tried to keep from waking Casey. He hate to move but his arm had long since fallen asleep and now it was beginning to ache. Just as he was deciding he had no choice, another reason to wake her walked in through the automatic doors of the emergency waiting room.
He leaned close to her ear and murmured softly, not wanting to startle her. " Cas, " he whispered.
She stirred and looked up at him sleepily. " Your folks are here. " he told her.
She pulled away and sat up as her parents approached them. Just their presence seemed to take a weight off her shoulders and she went quickly to her father's outstretched arms.
" What happened ? " her mother insisted, before looking over her shoulder to Cappie. " Hello, Sweetie, How have you been ? " she smiled at him and he nodded in her direction as he stood as well.
" I'm good, How are you, Mrs. Cartwright ? " he asked.
" I was better before I was woken in the middle of the night to hear that my baby had his head bashed in. " she grimaced.
Casey sighed in exasperation. " He did not have his head bashed in. He fell and hit his head. " she corrected.
" I'm going to talk to the doctor. " she said and turned to the reception desk.
" Have they told you anything yet ? " her father asked, looking down at her.
Cappie had always really liked her father. He was a reasonable rational man that loved his children unconditionally.
" They said they were getting x-rays and they would tell us when they knew more. " she answered.
He lead her to the couch and sat with her. Cappie sat on her other side.
" Now tell me what happened before your mother gets back. I want to hear it from you. " he smiled indulgently. " She has a tendency to exaggerate. "
Cappie explained everything as quickly as he could, leaving out parts that he wasn't entirely sure that Casey wanted her parents to be aware of, like that it was Evan that hit him in the first place.
But Casey surprised him by adding the parts he was omitting.
" So, " her father said when they finished. " You broke up with Evan ? "
She nodded quietly.
" I was wondering when that was going to happen. I never liked that boy. " he offered with a small smile. Then he threw a wider one over his shoulder at Cappie. He returned his attention back to Casey before she noticed. " Why don't you go and see how your mother is doing ? "
She stood rather lifelessly and walked off to the reception desk.
" So, " her father began, making Cappie shift a bit uncomfortably. He wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The man had every right to be angry with him, after all it was at his Fraternity's party that his young son had received the alcohol he had consumed. But his eyes weren't angry when he took him in carefully. " It's good to have you back with us, Cappie. "
The younger man looked surprised and smiled awkwardly. " Thank you, sir. "
" I know that you've really taken Rusty under your wing. You are just about all he ever talks about when he calls home and I want you to know that I appreciate it. "
" Rusty is a great kid. It's my pleasure. " he answered.
Then the older man's eyes took on a serious note. " I also know, from Rusty, what has been going on between Casey and Evan and I didn't like it, but I figured she'd work it out in her own way. " he sighed heavily and his shoulders slumped tiredly. " I'm learning that you can't protect your children forever, as much as I'd like to. "
" I'm sure that isn't an easy thing to come to terms with. " Cappie agreed with a solemn nod, not really knowing where the conversation was heading.
" The thing is, " he began as he seemed to be choosing his words carefully. " I know my little girl. She is stubborn and willful and she doesn't always know what's best for herself. She tends to over think things. She can be very intense. And in my opinion, she's too young to take herself so seriously. She has plenty of time for that later. Right now she should be enjoying life. "
Cappie was a bit startled by Mr. Cartwright's views but nodded along with him, hiding his surprise.
" I was concerned the first time I met Evan. First off, frankly, we were expecting you. But then he just didn't seem like the kind of guy my Casey would fall for. He wasn't who I pictured her with."
" I always thought the same thing. " Cappie told him.
" Well, I just want you to know that if you and Casey are getting back together, then I'm thrilled. You are the kind of guy I pictured her with. I want her to be with someone I trust. Someone who I know really cares about her. "
Cappie beamed at the high praise and nodded. " Thank you. I really do care about her. I care about both of your children and I plan to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.
Mr. Cartwright gestured towards his hurt hand and smiled. " From the looks of that hand, I'd say you've already done that. "
Cappie smiled sheepishly. " I lost my temper, regrettably. "
He shook his head. " Never apologize for fighting when it's the right thing to do. " He smiled. " I'm going to see if anyone knows anything. I just wanted a chance to say thank you. "
He stood and had only taken a few steps when the doors opened and a stern looking older man with graying hair and glasses, wearing green scrubs and a white coat stepped out. Mr. Cartwright went to him and Cappie joined them.
" He's going to be alright, first off. " the man said. " We took some x-rays and there is no fracture. So that isn't a concern. "
He paused as Mrs. Cartwright and Casey joined them, the later immediately leaning her head against Cappie's shoulder. " We're going to keep him here tonight and make sure everything is fine. But I don't see any reason to worry. "
He felt Casey's sigh of relief and gave one of his own.
" He's awake now and coherent. He's asking to see his sister and someone named Cappie. "
They followed him to a small room, large enough for a single hospital bed and the few machines that sat around, silent and unused at the moment. Rusty was in the middle of the bed, sitting up watching the television that was chattering away from the ceiling in the corner . His eyes lite up as they entered, and Casey quickly went to him and hugged him furiously.
" I'm so sorry, Rusty. " she told him.
" About what ? " he asked, hugging her back. " This isn't your fault. "
She shook her head. " Yes it is. If I had handled things better, none of this would have happen to you. You wouldn't have been caught in the middle like this. "
He put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. " You didn't ask me to stop Evan. I did it on my own. I don't blame you. " he insisted.
Her eyes fell and her shoulders sagged, but she didn't argue any further.
" I just wanted to say thank you to both of you. " He smiled. " Are Mom and Dad here ? I thought I heard the doctor say something about my parents. "
Cappie nodded. " Yeah., I called them. They're outside waiting. "
" You two should go home. I'll be alright and you both look exhausted. " Rusty said, squeezing Casey's shoulders.
" No, " She looked up. " I want to stay. "
Rusty rolled his eyes and looked to Cappie for some help. " Take her home. "
Cappie chuckled quietly as he reached out to take Casey's hand. " Come on. You heard the man. He doesn't want you here. "
She resisted for a moment longer. " I don't want to leave you here. " she told Rusty.
" Mom and Dad are here. I'll be fine and I want you to go and get some sleep. Besides I need you to tell Jenn where I am and that I'll be fine. They said I'll probably be home later today. "
Finally she stood and hugged him before letting Cappie lead her her from the room.
" Take care of her, Man. " she heard Rusty call as they left the room.
" You know I will. " Cappie answered with a wave over his shoulder. " Take care of you. "
" I'll see you both later today. " He called out as the door shut.
As soon as the door was firmly closed behind them, Casey turned and fell into Cappie's arms, which were thankfully ready to catch her. She felt the tears welling in her eyes once again and wondered how it was possible to cry as much as she had in the last twenty four hours.
" He's fine. " Cappie told her, as he stroked her hair.
" I know. " she nodded into his chest.
He pulled back and looked into her tearful eyes. Then he brushed at the wetness on her cheek with his thumb. " So what, these are tears of joy ? "
She laughed and batted at his shoulders. " More like relief I think. I don't know what I'm feeling right now. "
He held her against him again, letting her take in the comfort of his body next to hers while the tears subsided once again. When she finally pulled away it was with a reluctant sigh and a slight smile. " I guess we should be getting home. " she glanced at her watch. " It's nearly five in the morning. "
" Is he okay ? " Her mother's voice called as she made her way quickly towards them.
" He's fine, Mrs. Cartwright. He told me to take Casey home to get some sleep. The doctor's said they should be releasing him later today. " Cappie answered, making it so that Casey didn't have to and she squeezed his hand in silent thanks.
Her mother regarded her carefully, looking at her with the same critical eye she always did and apparently wasn't happy with what she saw. " Casey, you look a mess. Have you slept at all tonight ? "
She nodded quietly. " No, I haven't. "
She reached out and patted Cappie on the shoulder, then she looked at him carefully. " Oh, my goodness. " she muttered.
" What ? " he asked, surprised by her reaction to him.
" I just haven't been paying attention, I guess. I was so caught up with Rusty being hurt. I'm sorry, Cappie. You just surprised me. " she replied a bit sheepishly.
Casey felt her face turning red as she suddenly understood what her mother was saying. " We were just heading home. "
" Why did I surprise you ? " Cappie asked, clearly confused.
" I just wasn't expecting you. " Her mother smiled sweetly. " I'm sorry, Honey. It's nice to see you again. "
" It's nice to see you, too. " he answered.
" Honey, " she looked at Casey then back to Cappie. " I'm really sorry. I guess I'm a little confused. What happened tonight ? It isn't like Rusty to fight and now I see you here with Cappie and... " she trailed off, unsure of how to ask what she wanted to ask.
" I broke up with Evan tonight and he started the fight. " Casey explained quickly.
Obviously the answer didn't help her confusion. " You broke up with Evan and he started a fight with Rusty ? " she asked, trying hard to understand.
" I left Evan and he came looking for me at the Kappa Tau house where Rusty was. " Casey tried again.
" And you were there seeing Rusty ? "
" No,. She was there to see me. " Cappie offered. " Evan was coming after me. Rusty got in the way. "
Her eyes suddenly registered understanding and she smiled at him warmly. " So you are back with us ? "
He nodded.
" That's wonderful, Dear. We have really missed you. " Then she turned back to Casey. " Now, you, young lady. Go home and get some sleep. You look terrible. We'll call if anything changes here. "
Casey answered with a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. " Thanks, Mom. I'll see you later. "
" I told you my parents really like you. " she turned and offered Cappie a small smile as they entered the parking lot.
" And I told you, I really like them. Although, I'm always a little unsure of your mother. She shifts gears so fast, it's hard to keep track, but your dad is great. " he answered, squeezing her hand as he opened the car door for her.
" Can we please go to sleep now ? " she whined, as he came around and got into the driver's seat.
" Yes, we can. " he started the car then looked at her with a bit of uncertainty. " Where am I taking you ? My place or are you going back to yours ? "
She smiled faintly. " Are you trying to get rid of me already ? "
He shook his head vehemently. " Never. I just want to know where you want to be. "
He pulled out of the parking lot and turned towards campus with little traffic to impend his way.
" I want to go to your house. " she adding a quick, " If that's okay . "
" Of course, it's okay. " he answered. " That's what I was hoping you would say, but after everything. I thought maybe you wanted to be on your own for a while. "
She reached over and rested her hand on his leg. " I want to be with you. " she assured him.
Early afternoon light drifted through the small window above the bed where Casey lay, blinking the sleep from her eyes and wondering for a moment where she was. She looked around and felt a warm , firm hand around her waist. The familiarity hit her suddenly and she nestled back against the warmth of the strong, solid body behind her.
As she moved, the arm around her tighten. " Good morning, beautiful. " Cappie's voice, heavy and gravelly with sleep said, over her shoulder, right before she felt his lips brush against her skin.
" I think it's more like afternoon, actually. " she smiled, wiggling around to face him.
" You keep wiggling like that and it will be good, no matter what time it is. " he teased as he kissed her gently.
She squirmed against him again and laughed, " You mean like this. "
HE grabbed her firmly and pulled her against him, " I have morning breath and I'm badly in need of a shower, are you sure you want to pursue this path that you've started. " he warned.
She kissed him again before wrinkling her nose and pulling away. " You're right. You do have morning breath. "
" How about breakfast, a shower and a call to your parents to check on Spitter. Then you can wiggle against me all you want. " he offered.
She jumped up, grabbed his shirt from the floor and headed for the door. " I'll get the food, you get the shower. Then we can both make the call together. " she replied. She turned and saw that he was still laying there, just watching her. " Get moving. " she demanded. " I want to get back to the wiggling as quickly as possible. "
She turned back to the door and started to pull it open before letting out a startled gasp as arms suddenly enfolded her. She was amazed that he could move that fast. One second he was still laying in bed the next he was beside her.
" Don't go out there. " he whispered, into her hair.
" What ? " she asked, pulling back and looking into his face. What she was there startled her even more. There was fear and sadness there and pain. " What is wrong with you ? "
" Reality is on the other side of that door. " he explained, quickly. " As long as we stay in here, we're safe and together and that's the way it'll stay. But if we leave reality takes over and we can't know that will happen. "
She smiled as she kissed him. " It's going to be okay. Nothing is going to happen out there. " she assured him. "Everything will be fine and we'll be back here in our safe place as soon as we can."
She almost laughed out loud at the seriousness of his expression.
" We don't really have to leave. We could just stay here. " he insisted in a whiny voice that did make her laugh.
" We can't just stay locked in here. We'll die of hunger or dehydration. We have to leave sooner or later."
" Promise we'll get back here as quickly as possible ? "
" I promise. But you really are beginning to stink and I'm kinda feeling not so fresh myself. For both our sakes, we have to leave. " she teased.
He raised his arm, sniffed towards his armpit and wrinkled his nose at the offensive smell. "You're right. We have no choice. "
" I told you. " she smiled as she opened the door and stepped cautiously out into the hallway, mocking him.
He smacked her backside and laughed at her antics before giving her a shove towards the stairs.
" Very funny, " he muttered before disappearing into the bathroom.
She made her way to the kitchen with a spring in her step and a smile on her face until she reached the bottom step and spotted the man standing in the doorway, talking with Beaver and Heath in low quiet voices.
She almost turned around and retreated back to her safe place, but he caught sight of her and called her name, making her stop.
" What do you want, Evan ? " she asked, taking the last of the stairs and coming to stand between the two men blocking his path.
" I want to talk to you. " he answered in a calm controlled voice. " That's all, just talk. I swear. I heard about Rusty. Is he okay ? "
She sighed and let her shoulders slump. " He's going to be okay. But I don't think we have anything to talk about, do you ? "
" Yes, I think we do. " his voice was pleading and insistent. " Please Casey. Just a few minutes. Then I won't bother you again. "
She considered him carefully, taking in his sunken eyes, that said he hadn't slept and his swollen nose, that thankfully didn't look broken. His hangdog expression and tired, pleading eyes were her undoing.
" I'll bet you and Cap are hungry, huh ? " Beaver announced. " Why don't Heath and I go to the kitchen, which is right here through this door and in perfect earshot, and let you talk. "
Casey smiled a silent thank you to him and he ushered Heath through the kitchen door.
Then he stuck his head back out quickly and smiled. " Casey, if you need anything at all, you just yell. I can be right back out here in a second. " His eyes, dark and threatening never left Evan's as he gave his masked warning.
" I will, Beaver. Thank you. " she answered.
" Wow, you have a whole army of protectors, huh ? " Evan chuckled uneasily.
" Yeah, I guess I do. " she agreed. " So what do you want ? "
" I was kind of hoping we could meet somewhere more private, on mutual ground and maybe try to work some stuff out. "
" We have nothing to work out, Evan. You hit my brother. You cheated on me. " She said, going down the list of his shortcomings, " Again. " she added quickly. " And then you stormed over here last night like I was the one that did something wrong. I really don't think we have anything left to say to each other. "
He reached for her and she nearly stumbled trying to get away from him. " Casey, Please. I don't want to end things like this. " he answered, taking another step closer. " I don't want to end things at all. "
She stared at him flabbergasted by his words. " How can you say that, after everything ? Did you really think you were going to come over here and talk me into taking you back ? Is that why you're here ? "
" I thought maybe if you knew how sorry I was about everything... " he trailed, as he reached for her yet again.
She backed away this time stepping to the other side of the room. " touch me again and I'll call Beaver and Heath to throw you out. " she warned.
" Casey, you don't want to do this. " he ignored her. " You know you love me and I love you. " He gestured around the messy room and her eyes followed his hands. Beer cans lay scattered from the previous nights party, along with various pieces of clothing and other bits of trash she didn't want to look too closely at. " This isn't what you want. You're worth more than this. "
HE stepped towards her again and she realized suddenly her mistake. He had her backed into a corner with nowhere to go, no place to escape to this time.
He reached for her and before she had a chance to scream for help, he pulled her to him and kissed her furiously.
" Cas, " she heard Cappie's voice coming down the stairs and struggled to break free of Evan, but he held her steady and she felt his smile against her lips as she heard Cappie enter the room.