Chapter 43: Guests

Mick and Beth had woken early to make sure they were up when Kayla woke up to make sure she got her medicine on time. They were in the living room when they heard her stir and Beth started to head for the stairs but Mick stopped her. "Listen," he pointed to the ceiling.

Beth reached out with her senses and heard Kayla getting out of bed and walking to the bathroom. After a few minutes they heard her little feet walking down the hall and start down the stairs. She must be feeling better.

Both parents greeted her at the bottom. Mick reached down and lifted her up into his arms, "How are you feeling today princess?"

"Lots better Daddy. Can I go to school?"

Beth gave a short laugh as she reached in and gave her girl a hug and kiss, "Not yet sweetie."

Kayla frowned, "But I feel better. I don't want to miss more school, I like it."

"I know you do and we're so happy to hear you wanting to get back to it so fast but even if you are feeling better you are still sick. And even if you have just a little bit of sickness in you then you might get your friends sick and that wouldn't be fun."

"No I don't want them to be sick too. It's not fun at all," she sighed.

"Then how about we go in the kitchen and get you something to eat now that you're feeling better." Mick started for the kitchen as he spoke.

"Will you make French toast?" She asked hopeful.

"Anything for you sweetie," Mick set her down at the table and headed over to start breakfast while Beth got her medicine for her.

Beth watched Mick as he made breakfast and how Kayla was feeling more like her normal self. That and the text she'd gotten from Candice saying that she was doing better and as soon as she was able she'd call which had made her smile. Everything was getting back to normal from the mess that Coraline created.

Kimberly rested her chin on Ashton's shoulder as he stared up at the ceiling. She could tell he was worried. He'd hadn't heard from David since he'd checked on him.

"Why don't we go by and check?" She suggested, "It would ease your mind."

"I don't want to bother him." He pulled his attention back to her and stroked her cheek. "I apologize that my thoughts are not completely here."

"You're his sire and you're worried about him I understand. I'm sure that she'll be okay though. You said she was alive and well vampires can heal so it will just take time."

Ashton released a heavy breath as he held Kimberly tightly to him. She had such an optimistic way of seeing things. He had grown very fond of Candice and prayed for her quick recovery. More than anything he prayed that David would not have to suffer the insurmountable pain of losing his true mate.

"I don't know what I would do if I lost you," he kissed her lips softly.

"Hey I'm not going anywhere. Now come on," she sat up in bed and scooted to the edge of the bed.

Kimberly stood up and moved around the room grabbing clothes to slip on tossing Ashton some as well. "What are you doing?"

"We," she stressed the word. "Are going to see how Candice is doing," she continued.

Half an hour later they stood outside the door knocking. It wasn't long before the door opened and a much happier David answered the door. "Come in," he turned back and headed to the couch.

With his hand on the small of Kimberly's back he entered the loft seeing instantly Candice. She was sitting on the couch where David rejoined her. "You're awake."

Candice nodded, "Yes. I've woken up a couple times already but they weren't for too long. I would get tired and just pass out again. This time though I seem to have a lot more strength."

Kimberly moved forward pulling Ashton with her as he seemed stunned. "That's great news."

"Yes very good news," Ashton came back to himself. "We don't mean to intrude we just had not heard any news and wanted to see how the two of you were."

"I thought you knew. I haven't really thought about telling anyone yet. My mind has been preoccupied. I thought Allie was going to tell everyone but to be honest half of what happened between the times Candice was awake I don't remember."

Ashton understood. Allie probably hadn't thought about him and it was no big deal. Candice was doing better and David looked like a completely different vampire than when he'd last seen him.

"Please come in and have a seat," Candice offered seeing them still standing. "David was just helping me figure out everything that happened out here."

Ashton and Kimberly sat down on the other end of the couch facing them. "Yes you gave us all a terrible fright."

Candice looked over her shoulder at David and stroked his jaw, "But he found me."

Kimberly saw the marks on her arms as the robe sleeve slid up and she looked to Ashton the question in her eyes. Ashton too noticed but knew it would be inappropriate to bring it up and kissed her cheek and whispered, "later."

Candice and David filled them in on what they had worked out so far. Ashton confirmed what he could about Coraline being the intruder. Candice gave them the cliff notes version of her abduction up to where she blacked out. David could see Ashton avert his eyes when she talked about Ryan protecting her. He still hadn't dealt with that. Once Candice was stronger he would go and handle it himself.

She finished with what David had told her about Beth killing Coraline once and for all. "I'm glad too. Now she's gone no chance to come back. See I always thought if she'd went with her brother back then that who knows she might have still come back even crazier but we wouldn't have known ahead of time."

David took in her words and realized she was right. If Ryan hadn't of fled with her then she would still have been out there. Ashton broke him from his thoughts as they stood up, "Well we are very pleased to see you returning to your vibrant self. But if you'll excuse us I'm sure you would rather be alone."

Candice smiled stifling a yawn. "I think its about nap time again." She was making jokes about it already.

"Thank you both for coming," David stood up kissing Candice on the forehead before walking them to the door. At the door Ashton and David hugged patting one another on the back loudly.

"I couldn't be happier for you," Ashton said once more happy to be able to congratulate his friend rather than comfort him.

"I promise I'll call you soon."

"Don't worry about it I'm sure you'll be busy for quite some time," Ashton winked before heading towards the elevator with Kimberly.

Shutting the door David walked back over to Candice who was already sound asleep on the couch. Lifting her into his arms easily he carried her up to their freezer.

To Be Continued…

Evilous