Chapter Twelve: Haunted (Part 3)
A/N: First update of the New Year!… About a month late. So, it's been a while. I wasn't really sure where to go from where I left off, but I'm in a mood, so I know exactly what to write. It'll probably sound a little angsty, but I owe it to you guys to update. I'm sorry that I haven't been more focused on this story and I promise to do better at updating. Eventually. Also, Ninjoy, thank you for the review. I can't promise that I'll stop with cliffhangers, because there's more tragic backstory to be written, but this is the end of them for now… I think. Anyway, here's the next chapter."We need EMTs down here, STAT!"
"He's hurt bad. We need to get him to a hospital."
"He's lost a lot of blood. He'll need a transfusion when we get him out of here."
"I've got a pulse, but it's weak."
"Sir, can you hear me? Do you know where you are? What's your name? How are you feeling?"
"Load him on the gurney. Get him some medical attention, now!"
"Sir, I need you to stay awake."
"Call his emergency contact."
"This isn't looking good. How long until we-"
"ETA is five minutes."
"Yeah, well, ETA needs to be five seconds. We're losing him!"
"CLEAR!"
"1… 2… 3… CLEAR!"
"I've got a pulse again."
"Is he stable?"
"No, 'fraid not. He's gonna need emergency surgery. Prognosis probably won't be good. How did he get all these injuries?"
"Well, he's a professional wrestler, so that would explain some of the damage. However, the bruising, the cuts, and… the twisted bones? I'd say he was attacked. He was vulnerable, had a concussion coming out of the arena after all."
"I've met the family. Sweet young boys and a caring mother. They won't take this well."
"Who would? He gets beaten up for a living and then gets attacked. I think everyone would lose their minds if it was their loved one."
"I suppose you're right. Okay, let's get him in there. Quickly, c'mon!"
The paramedics had rushed to the arena as soon as they'd gotten the call. A man had been found by a fellow co-worker and family member, bloodied, beaten, unconscious. He was heading for his car after a show, fresh out of a hardcore match. The trainer had looked him over, declaring that he had a mild concussion, dislocated arm, bruised knee, and should take time off to rest. Before he could get to his car, it seemed as though someone had hit him from behind and proceeded to savagely beat him. They would then go on to cut and stab him, and then bludgeon him with another weapon. He must've laid in that parking lot for a few minutes before he was found. When they arrived, they tried to get a response out of him. Both eyes were swollen to an extent, one swollen shut and the other barely able to be opened. He was barely awake until he was loaded into the ambulance, where it seemed they'd lost him for good. He was strong, to endure that much damage and still hang on. The hospital called one Patricia Anoa'i…
XxXPatricia jumped when she heard the phone ring, almost dropping the dishes she was cleaning. It was around 9:30 and there was only one person who would call at that time. She instantly relaxed, picked up, thinking it must be Sika checking in on them, and smiled. The smile instantly evaporated when the lady on the phone spoke. "Mrs. Anoa'i? This is Truman Hospital. We're calling about your husband."
"What about him?" she asked, trying to sound unfazed and quell the fear in her stomach. "Is he alright?"
"He was found outside the arena he performed in. He was badly wounded and they're taking him to emergency surgery. I'm so sorry…" A cry of anguish was heard, followed by the shattering of china on hardwood. Roman practically leaped from the top of the stairs, running over to his distressed mother.
"Mama? What's happening? What's going on?" She sniffled, crushing him to her.
"It's your father. He… he was doing a show in town. He wanted to surprise you later when he got home. Then, the… h-hospital called. He was… It… *shaky breaths* He's in emergency surgery." Her eldest son crumpled to the ground. His father, who seemed so invincible, so strong, was probably on the verge of death at this very moment. He felt tears stream down his face, almost breaking down his door and running out of his house. His feet led him to Dean's house and he desperately banged on the cracked front door. The brunette appeared, looking ready to rip the bastard who'd interrupted his peaceful sleep's head off when he noticed Roman.
"Joe? What's the big idea? You tryin' to wake up the whole nei-" He stopped when he noticed the state his friend was in. "Holy shit. What the fuck happened to you?"
"It… My pa. He's… And I… The hospital called and… I- It- I can't-" He started hyperventilating, alarming Dean.
"Hey, slow down, big dog. Deep breaths. C'mon. Stay with me, man." He brought Roman in, closing the door behind him, and sat him down on his living room's poor excuse of a couch. He comfortingly rubbed his friend's back and got him a glass of water. He splashed it on his face instead of drinking it. "Okay then."
"Shi- I need to call Colby." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and rang up his friend.
"Hey, Joe? What's up?" answered the two toned teen.
"Colby! It's my pa! He's-" A sob ripped through the oldest teen, cutting him off. "He's in emergency surgery, here in town. I- I don't know what to do! I'm over at Jon's and…" He couldn't finish. Who knew how bad his dad was hurt at this point. All he could hear in his head was emergency surgery, over and over again, echoing infinitely. Panic settled in as all the possible scenarios of his dad in the hospital played through his head.
"I'll be right over there," was the reply as his friend hung up. Roman dropped the phone and latched onto Dean, who sucked in a breath. Slowly, the younger teen wrapped his arms around the teen who was like an older brother to him.
"It's gonna be alright, Joe. It's gonna be alright," he soothed, grimacing at the tears staining his shirt.
"But what if it's not? What if he…"
"Don't think like that. He'll be outta there before you know it. He'll pull through. Have- Have a little faith in him." Before he could say more to comfort him, Seth almost took the door off its hinges, making it crash loudly against the wall as he made his way over to Roman.
"I'm here, Joe. I'm here. Everything's gonna be okay. Your dad is gonna be okay." Angie made her way quietly down the stairs, wondering what all the ruckus was about. Seth wrapped his arms around Roman, who buried his head in the younger teen's neck.
"He'll be in surgery for the next few hours. How will he, in any way, be okay?!"
"Your dad is a fighter. He's gonna pull through and he'll probably be smiling when he wakes up and sees you," Dean said. "You wanna go now and wait, or sleep a little and go tomorrow?"
"Now. Definitely now," he replied. Dean fished his keys out of his jacket pocket and stood up.
"Well, let's go. We don't have all night!" The two followed him out the door and he started the car. Patricia walked through the door and made eye contact with Angie. The two moms watched their sons drive off, tires screeching with the smell of smoke and burnt rubber wafting through the air.
"I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. Do you want me to drive you there?" She nodded, tears continuing to fall.
"Please."
XxXWhy did you go?
Roman was distraught. Why was any of this happening? Why would his dad be this reckless. No, that wasn't the right way to phrase it. Not reckless, but what other word made sense? You decide to try and head home, by yourself with, a concussion, deciding you want to drive when you can't even see straight and your equilibrium is off. Hmm… Maybe reckless wasn't so far from the truth after all. Nevertheless, the same question reverberated through Roman's mind: Why?
Dean's fast driving got the three to the hospital in record time. He drifted to a halt, not caring that he'd parked in a handicapped spot, before hopping out of the car and storming towards the lit double doors of the building. He kicked them in, startling everyone in the lobby. When they recognized him, they looked skeptical or scowled. What had he gotten himself into this time? When they noticed the two boys behind him, their expressions instantly changed, especially when they saw Roman.
"Alright, which one of you do I talk to about a patient?" The blonde behind the desk hesitantly cleared their throat. Dean's now frenzied eyes zoned in on her and the three made their way over to her.
"I'm sorry-"
"I've had enough of those words for one night," the Samoan growled, grief turning into anger and anxiety. "I'm here to see my father."
"He's in emergency surgery, and we're not letting anyone into the waiting area at the moment." Roman didn't know how to react to that.
"Woah woah, wait a minute. Aren't family allowed to stay here? And who bans people from the waiting area?" Seth spoke up. "Ma'am, just what kind of hospital, and I don't mean to be rude, do you run here?"
"With his celebrity status, I simply can't allow you in. It's a safety standard of the hospital. I'm sorry-" Dean banged his fists down on the desk, making the woman behind it jump back with a yelp.
"Listen, blondie, we don't have time for this bullshit! I don't give a fuck what your rules are! We have rights, dammit! Either let us in, or we'll force our way in." She tried to speak, but he wouldn't let her. "Don't! Even. *motions to the two* We'll be going."
Seth started, trying to convince him by saying, "Jon, hold on a sec-" He ignored him, walking towards the hall that led to the waiting area before one of the nurses shouted, "Security!"
"Shit!" Seth exclaimed as one grabbed him from behind. Roman saw red as two headed for him. When Dean practically bared fangs at them, they backed away. Seth broke free of the guard's grasp and got into a defensive stance, just in case. Roman mauled both guards that attempted to apprehend him before turning his gaze on the others. "Joe, that's enough!" Roman wasn't listening, sight zeroed in on the guard backing away from him. "Joe! Snap out of it! You can't see your dad if you get arrested!" That got the older teen's attention. He stopped, though the glare remained on his face.
"I would like to wait for my father," he gritted out, fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. "I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just. Want. To wait for. My pa." Seth let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in. Dean raised an eyebrow, face becoming calm, surprised that Roman had control over his emotions again.
" *clears throat* Unless you wanna end up like your pals over there, I suggest you let us through. Now." The guards moved out of the way and the rest of the staff in view looked on transfixed. How do three teenagers cause a commotion and take down professionally trained security guards? "Thank you," the brunette said smugly, with a cold smile. Seth gave a quick apology as he followed his brothers, who both collapsed into chairs when they reached their destination. Seth joined them, snuggling into Dean's side and giving Roman a reassuring look. They had a long night ahead of them.
XxXAll these questions run through my mind
The three had dozed off many hours ago, during which Angie and Patricia had arrived. The hospital staff was alert and jumped at the gentle opening of the doors, expecting more rowdy teens no doubt. They instantly relaxed at seeing two sensible adults instead. Patricia marched over to the front desk and calmly asked about her husband and if three young teens had burst in a few minutes ago. The blonde pointed down the hall towards the waiting area with an uneasy look on her face. Patricia, followed by Angie, walked in that direction, stopping when they caught sight of their boys, snuggled up side by side in uncomfortable positions yet so peaceful looking. Well, that explained the funny looks on the staff's face when they first came in.
"I'll assume it was your son that made them look that way," Angie said quietly, noticing the pained look on Roman's face as he slept. Patricia shook her head and sighed.
"I wouldn't put it past him. When it comes to family, Leati can be very protective. With all those looks though, I'm willing to bet it was all three of them." The two mothers observed as Roman made a soft sound of discomfort before Dean's hand snaked its way around Seth to hold his head. Roman briefly smiled before his face fell blank. Seth snuggled in closer to the ravenette and Dean wrapped his arms around both of them. The two chuckled at their sons before settling down in chairs opposite them. "Don't they have schools tomorrow? I wouldn't want them to miss anything because of us-"
"Don't worry about it. One day to support a friend won't hurt them. Besides, they're excellent students. They'll be fine. I'll call the school in the morning." Patricia didn't seem convinced, but acquiesced nonetheless. The two mothers observed their boys a little while longer, minds racing with persistent, worrying thoughts, before they finally succumbed to sleep.
XxXRoman awoke slowly, puzzled at the comforting embrace he was basically wrapped up in and the warm presences at his side. That's when the events of last night came rushing to his mind: the phone call, Seth and Dean, getting in and winning a scuffle with the hospital security. He groaned, unable to rub the sleep out of his eyes and causing Seth to stir. The two-toned teen's head whipped around when he opened his eyes before landing on Roman, then Dean.
"Mornin'," he mumbled, his slightly high pitched yawn rousing Dean from slumber. The brunette went to withdraw his arms when he saw his mother's matching sapphire eyes begin to open. Seth, however, clung to one of them. Angie groggily laughed, making Dean blush and his two brothers smile softly at him. Patricia stirred and smiled lovingly at the three boys. Dean and Seth shifted to allow Roman a chance to sit up. The ravenette twisted in the chair, popping his back before stretching his arms out as far as he could. He then went over and embraced his mother, whispering words of comfort to her.
"Should we give them a moment?" the brunette asked. Angie shrugged, but stood. Dean followed and finally wrenched his arm away from his younger brother, opting to hold his hand instead. It was Seth's turn to blush and Angie sighed happily. Seth absentmindedly kissed Dean's collarbone, exposed by his sagging shirt. Dean gently pressed a kiss to his forehead in return. By now, it was almost routine whenever they slept in the same vicinity.
"I can go get us breakfast," the sort of redhead suggested. Seth looked to his crush, seeing the gears turning in his mind. He was thinking of something, and he didn't seem eager to share it.
"Me and Colby can get some on our way into town. I was gonna go for a ride, show him the rest of the city, check in with a few friends maybe…" Angie observed her son curiously, knowing that something was up but not questioning it.
"I'll see you back at the house then," she replied, though Dean could see through her false smile, even in his sleepy haze. With Seth following behind him, Dean grabbed a water on his way out, ignoring the glare he received from the nurse he'd snatched it from. He opened it and drank a few sips before passing it to the two toned teen, who did the same before passing it back. Dean took the bottle and splashed the remaining water on his face, both to wake him up and clear his foggy mind. He'd need to be 100% alert where he was going. He made it to his Camaro and opened the door for Seth, who gave him a kind smile and a quiet thank you. Dean got in on his side and started the engine, heading to the nearest diner open. Neither saw Angie get in Patricia's car and follow from a distance, driving in a way that made her look like she was just passing through.
"So, are you gonna tell me where we're going after this?" Seth questioned, yawning afterwards. The brunette took a deep breath and parked the car.
"You'll see," he replied, pocketing the keys and heading into the diner. The two took a booth near the back, Seth remarking how cliche the choice was. "Well, you never know. Some of that stuff is true, ya know." A waitress came by and took their orders, Seth asking for a glass of orange juice and a stack of pancakes with toast and a bagel. Dean requested a soda with a plate of bacon, eggs, pancakes, and a slice of pie. The two ate in a comfortable silence, accompanied by hushed chatter from other customers and the clinking of silverware against plates. "Think he'll be alright?"
The two toned teen shrugged, setting down his glass and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before saying, "He's Joe. There's nothin' he can't handle. He just needs time is all." When they finished, Dean left a few bills and a tip on the table as the two got up and left. Resuming their drive, Dean maneuvered them first to their street, where they changed clothes and Dean stuffed multiple holdout weapons into places Seth didn't know were hiding places, and then to the other, less inviting side of town. Graffiti was usually present on any wall they passed, shady, rundown buildings as far as the eye could see on some streets, a few stores here and there, a nice building every once in awhile. Seth frowned and looked to his crush.
"This what you meant about showing me the other part of town?" Dean turned into a subdivision, parking in the driveway at the end of the street. The house didn't look too bad. It had a brick exterior, gravel driveway, clean, curtained windows, a few bushes in the neat yard, a front door with chipped paint and a no soliciting sign on it, and a one car garage. Dean pulled a piece of crumpled paper out of his pocket, double checking to make sure he got the address right. He glanced at the numbers above the door. 195. Yep. Okay…
"Maybe." Checking his mirrors for signs of anyone who might see them, Dean declared it all clear. He shut off the engine and got out, accompanied by Seth, handing him a switchblade and then a fully loaded pistol. Seth accepted the knife, but refused to take the firearm.
"Dude! I'm not carrying a gun!" Dean forced it, with some effort, into the waistband of his best friend's skinny jeans, covering it up with his somewhat loose long sleeved shirt.
"Take it from me," he began, slightly pulling up the leg of his jeans to reveal a revolver stuck in his boot and a nasty scar a few inches above on his leg. It looked like someone tried to tear a hole in his flesh. "You'll want one in these parts. Never know what sorta people'll find ya, 'specially a pretty boy like you." Seth smacked his arm, alerting Dean to the bladed weapon concealed up his sleeve. He raised his eyebrows in shock and his friend just shrugged.
"Never know what sort of people'll find you, right?" The older teen rolled his eyes, walking up to the door and raising his hand hesitantly. He didn't know if he was ready for this. Seven years he'd gone without them. Seven years he'd written letters to a prison who knows where. Seven years since he'd had a little girl run up and punch him in the arm before engulfing him in a hug. Seven years he'd lived without the other half of his family. He cleared his throat and put his hand down, popping his knuckles and rolling his neck and shoulders.
"I can do this," he muttered mostly to himself, preparing to actually knock this time. Seth sensed his hesitation and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"We can always come back later if you want," he told him. Dean shook his head, a determined glint in his eyes. Seth could also see the anxiety and uncertainty that resided there, finally guessing exactly where Dean had taken them.
"Hafta see them," the brunette answered back before rapping some sort of code on the door that sounded like some odd beat to a rock song. There were soft, light footsteps before a young girl, a little younger than Seth, appeared in the doorway. She had emerald eyes and wavy-ish reddish-brown hair and a few freckles scattered across her cheeks. She had the same kind of aura as Dean and apparently had his same style sense as well. A leather jacket hung around her arms over a pink tank top. She had on dark jeggings and a pair of worn high tops.
"Who the Hell are you?" she asked. "Some sort of fan of my dad's? Your eyes are wrong, ya know, and this isn't the safest place to be." Dean scoffed at her. Yep, definitely his sister.
"C'mon, Sylvia. Don't you recognize me?" She cocked an eyebrow.
"How d'you know my name?" she questioned. The brunette sighed before punching her lightly in the shoulder, receiving a shocked expression, memories flooding her mind, before engulfing her in a tight embrace and tucking his head into her neck.
"Missed you, sis," he mumbled into her skin. She gasped before wrapping her arms around him, a tear slowly running down her cheek.
"Jon?" she whispered, holding back a sob.
"It's me, Sylvia," he replied. At the same time as her daughter, Angie let out a sob, sitting in a driveway a few houses down. If she was here, then that meant… Her thoughts were confirmed when she saw her ex emerge behind Sylvia and wrap his arms around his children. She saw him reach for Seth, pulling him into the moment. Without looking back, she reversed out of the driveway and headed back to the hospital, about to take the next few hours to mull all of this over. When the four finally pulled apart, the sort of redhead glanced at Seth in uncomfortable confusion.
"Who the Hell is this, bro?" she asked, looking Seth over with silent judgement. The two toned teen fidgeted under her gaze.
"C'mon in," Bradley said, addressing the three. "We've got a lot to talk about, don't we?"
Closing A/N: It's late in the morning and I'm going to bed now. Next chapter picks up right where we left off after we get back to Roman. I don't know how bad Sika's injuries are going to be yet or what state he'll be in, so there's that. Also, Dean's mom following them and that whole thing. Yeah… She's not gonna let that go. Now then. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…