Yes, yes, I know, it took FOREVER to update. But school started, and I simply haven't had time to do it. I knew what I wanted to happen in this chapter, I just couldn't figure out HOW I was going to make it happen. Anyway, I've finally updated, and I'm so, so, SOOO sorry it took so long. Please don't hate me.
Trecebo: Thanks for the review, and yes, I've brought in a whole new scary to the story. I feel so horrible --'. Anyway, I don't feel like bringing the League back. This is a personal issue and I want it to be dealt as such. The super hero gig is on halt for these two. Well, I hope you enjoy it non-the less.
RealityBreakGirl: I have no promises for you about that ending. All I have to say is keep on reading to find out. I'm sorry it took so long, and I hope you're still reading. Thank for reviewing.
James Wilson: Um…diligent in updating huh? I wish. It was summer break and I had some free time on my hands. Unfortunately, as you've probably noticed, I no longer have that luxury. Anyway, I'm glad that you're enjoying the story, but like I believe I've said to other reviewers, I'm not about to sugar coat anything. If there's one thing I can assure you, this is no 'happily ever after' story. Hopefully that won't keep you from continuing to read the story. Thanks for reviewing and enjoy!
Goddess of Twilight: Yes, very touchy subject, and I still can't believe I'm doing it. I'm glad that you're enjoying it though, and I'm sorry about the cutting. I also know people who have done it, although, their reasons were much more selfish. I really hope I can make this realistic. Thanks for reviewing!
Jessica Pryce: Yes, I know it's overused, and I'm sorry. It just kinda popped into my head, but I'm glad you like it anyway! Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter 21-The Fall of Angels
The room started to spin and multiply. Looking around, Richie desperately grabbed at the bloodied towel, missed, and landed heavily on the floor. Shakily sitting up, he once again reached for the towel and started to stop the bleeding. Within a few minutes he had his arm re-bandaged with practiced ease and uneasily made his way to his room, where he collapsed in a drained heap on his bed, unconsciousness claiming him in seconds.
"FREEDOME!" Static cried out as Rubber band Man wheeled him out of the hospital. For the obvious reason of not revealing his secret identity, both heroes had to get dressed when Virgil had been discharged. Robert and Sharon were to wait around the corner in the car to avoid suspicion.
Rubber band Man laughed at the teenager's enthusiasm and quickened his pace a little. "Fresh, polluted, un-sterilized air!"
"Don't forget, no more green jello." Rubber band Man added.
Static broke out into an even wider grin, if that was possible. "Definitely. From now on, red jello!" The two laughed until they reached the waiting van and quickly got Static in, wheelchair and all. As soon as they were away from the hospital, Virgil took off his mask and Adam morphed back into his street clothes.
Looking out the window, Virgil spotted a Burger Fool and couldn't help licking his lips. "Hey dad, I'm hungry. What do we have to eat at home?"
"For you, mashed potatoes." Virgil didn't even bother hiding a groan at the prospect of the exact same food that he had been fed at the hospital. "Oh, and some green jello, I remembered how much you love it." At those words, Virgil was near tears and Adam was trying to hide his laughter in the back seat, Sharon giving both a confused look.
"Richie, open the door!" Mr. Foley said, knocking on the bathroom door. He waited for a few seconds, but when no reply came, started banging the door again. "Richie, dinner's almost ready and I need to go."
He heard shuffling on the other side of the door. "Richie?"
"Hold on a sec." Was the mumbled reply. When nothing happened for another minute, Mr. Foley knocked on the door once more.
"Richard Foley open this door right now!" There was a mix of worry and anger when he talked, and he was very close to simply knocking down the door to get in. Richie had been in the bathroom for prolonged periods of time. With him depressed like that, both parents had feared the worst, and had even asked their son to show them his arms, which to their relief where scratch free. That didn't stop them from worrying though, it had in fact, fuelled their worry, because now they had no idea what he was doing.
The door flew open, a pale and agitated Richie stepping out and glaring at his father. "Happy?" Shoving his was past his father, Richie made his way to his room.
Worried eyes followed him, and with a sigh of defeat, Mr. Foley stepped into the bathroom and started his routine search, trying to find anything that might point him in the right direction in helping his son. Each time he had searched before he hadn't found anything, but this time as he examined the sink, something caught his attention. Looking closer he saw that it was a tiny droplet of blood.
Sighing, Mr. Foley wasn't sure what to do.
"I'll go talk to Virgil. What? Are you sure? Ok, Yes, I understand. I'll go ask him if he's up to it and call you back." Hanging up, Robert sighed. He had known that something was wrong, they all did, and this was the exact thing they feared most.
Making his way up the stairs, he knocked on Virgil's door and waited a few seconds for a reply. When none came, he opened the door and peeked in. Virgil was sleeping soundly, covers half off the bed. With a slight chuckle, Robert made his way in and sat down next to his son. He shook him slightly to wake him up and was rewarded with a hand swat and a grumble.
"Virgil, son, wake up."
"Sleep good. Waking up bad." He grumbled out. Unfortunately the effect was lost since he couldn't role over in bed. Stupid bullet wound. Virgil thought grudgingly.
"You think you're up for going to Richie's?"
Virgil was awake in an instant. Robert couldn't help another chuckle. "Yeah, of course. When?"
"Tonight, at seven. Now, you sure you're up for it?" He was more than a little concerned. Virgil had just been released from the hospital the other day, and as was recently proven, wasn't about to let his injury hold him back, a definite no-no.
"Yeah pops. I'm good. I'll stay in the wheelchair." Robert sighed in relief. "Most of the time." Virgil grinned and Robert shot him a disapproving look. "What? Their bathroom is on the second floor, what if I have to go?" Virgil stated, knowing he had won.
Robert shook his head in exasperation. "You're giving me grey hair." He grumbled.
"No pops, you're just getting old." Virgil laughed at his father's mock glare as he left the room.
"So…Why exactly are we going to Richie's?" Virgil asked when he was seated and ready to go a few hours later. He knew that his friend had been depressed lately, but he still hadn't been told exactly what was going on.
"We…it's a welcome home party." Robert hesitated before continuing. "And a chance for you and Richie to talk."
Virgil nodded from the backseat, knowing that that would be a part of it. He knew that it had to be done, that it was to help his best friend, but he was dreading it. He was scared about exactly what demons he'd find his friend hiding, and was worried about if he'd be able to help or not. While he was thinking, Robert pulled up near the house and parked the car.
"Alright, we're here." He said, turning off the car and making his way to open the door to the backseat to help Virgil out. They waited a few seconds outside the house after ringing the doorbell and were soon invited in and seated around a set up table, complete with tablecloth and bowls full of food.
Virgil looked around for Richie but didn't see him anywhere. "Mr. Foley, where's Richie?" He asked, leaning forward a little in his wheelchair.
"Upstairs in his room, let me go get him." He couldn't help the fleeting thought of, at least, I hope that's where he is.
"Oh, it's ok, I'll get him. I need to use the restroom anyway." Virgil grinned at his father, who simultaneous shook his head in exasperation. "It's ok dad, I've got enough juice to get me upstairs, and I don't even have to get up." His grin widened as Robert's face fell even more. That boy's going to be the end of me.
Once he reached upstairs, Virgil took his moment of recovery to decide if he should get Richie first or go to the bathroom. His bladder won and he quietly rolled toward the door. He wasn't surprised when he found the door slightly ajar and moved to open it. The sight that greeted him was exactly what he had been dreading.
"Richie." Virgil gasped out, his eyes darting between his best friend's slightly shocked, but almost dead eyes, and razor in his hand.
Ok…maybe I should have held off on this for another chapter or to, but I think I've shoved enough filler chapters in your faces. I think we need to get going with the story line, and I simply can't hold it off anymore. Well, now that you've read, please review. It really helps encourage me to keep writing. Please and thank you!