Too Close

Chapter Twelve

****Reid's POV continued…

"Is she going to be okay? Where the hell is Caleb?" I continued my panic-stricken ramble as I paced from one side of the room to the other; anxiously awaiting Tyler's verdict on Melanie's condition. I failed health class and CPR; I had hoped Tyler's perfect grade in the class would serve some purpose here today.

Stupid. How could I have been this stupid! I felt like exploding with rage and fear. Every emotion within me was tugging at my every nerve…my nails were digging deeper into my palms as I tried my best to keep my fists from flying into the walls I was pacing within.

I was trying to wrap my head around just how dire the situation had become; Tyler's silence was making it impossible to handle. I painfully replayed my actions within my head. Every blow, every use of energy had been transferred to the very person I had hoped to protect, the person I promised no harm would befall. I was beginning to fear Caleb's return just as much as I prayed for him to arrive.

I had to avert my eyes as Tyler checked all her vital signs that he could think of from our health class lessons. Part of me wanted to hunt Chase down and make him pay for this but what if that's what he was expecting; another part of me didn't want to leave her side but every time my eyes landed upon her I had to clench my teeth and quickly look away. I had done this and I couldn't bear the sight of what I had done without feeling the warm sting of tears in my eyes.

She was so pale; all sense of color had escaped her features. She looked as if she was frozen in time, suspended in the pain I had inflicted. Blood was still trickling from the corners of her perfect lips. I did this to her…my eagerness to attack Chase and challenge his abilities had clouded my judgment as it so often did. My pride, my intent on testing the limits of my powers had finally hurt the girl I loved. He knew I would do it to. He knew just what trap to set for me.

I tried not to think of the worst; she couldn't be dying…could she? Our lives together had barely even begun; she couldn't be taken away from me so quickly could she? I couldn't take the silence.

"WELL?" I snapped as Tyler finally looked up from her motionless frame.

"Caleb should be here any minute." Tyler said, obviously in the attempt to change the subject from Melanie's well-being. That wasn't the sign I was waiting for; I brought my fingertips to my lips and allowed my nervous habit kick for the first time in years. I felt my anger growing as I glared at Tyler; of all the times to keep me in the dark about something, this was the worst.

"TYLER!" I shouted. I watched as Tyler's face grew uneasy as he tried to look away from me.

"TELL ME!" I quickly yelled to recapture his attention.

"I DON'T KNOW! I-I really don't know. I think I should call 911." I felt my heart drop from his words. My eyes were shaking as I fixated on Melanie. What if she would never wake up again?

I felt something snap within me as I continued to look upon her; all reason escaped me as I felt myself falling into the rage boiling within my veins. I clenched my fists so tight blood began to form. My temperature was reaching the highest possible level; my heart felt like it was trying to burst free from my chest. I knew my eyes were darkening; the sheer magnitude of the heat radiating from my face. My emotions gave way to power.

"Reid! Calm down…you need to calm down…don't do this here…not now!" I heard Tyler's voice muffle in the background of my pounding heart. The only thing I could hear was my heart, my intake of breaths and the crackle of energy shoving its way through every vein and limb, begging to be released.

Chase. I would not allow him to have victory over me and I would not let him enjoy another moment of his life after what he did here today. He would pay. I would make him pay!

Within seconds I felt myself releasing a scream as everything within the room began to shake from my instant burst of energy. I screamed as if no one was around, I let everything out as I lost myself in the depth of my power.

"REID STOP!" Tyler's scream was little more than a whisper.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Roared another voice; my darkened gaze turned to see Caleb Danvers standing in the doorway. But even the sight of Caleb wasn't enough to pull me back from the edge I had quickly leapt from.

Without warning I was shoved against the wall so hard I felt shards of the ceiling falling on my features.

I blinked once before seeing the darkened gaze of Caleb in front of me. His fists were holding me up by handfuls of my shirt. He slammed me once more against the wall, this time pictures fell to the floor, shattering instantly.

"Go ahead hothead; let's see what more damage you can do here and to MY SISTER!"

I gave an explosion of energy to push him off but just as a fast as I felt his grip release, he charged at me once more and slammed me through the wall until I was backed against the chill of the tile wall in the bathroom behind where the wall once stood.

"GO AHEAD REID!" Suddenly in that moment, I heard his voice crack. I felt my awareness slowly creeping back. Caleb was holding back tears. I could see it even with his eyes as dark as night I could tell.

"I didn't k-know…it was a spell…" I started but I felt a strong right fist collide with my jaw before I felt my body crashing against the tiles yet again.

The taste of blood filled my mouth, and yet my energy was all but gone. No power was threatening to release now but I knew this is what I deserved.

"I TRUSTED YOU! AGAINST EVERY INSTINCT I HAD…I TRUSTED YOU!"

"Caleb I-" Another fist came crashing against my face. I took every hit, I deserved every single one and more.

"How could you be s-so stupid Reid?"

"I DON'T KNOW OKAY? I SCREWED UP…do you not think I know that! Do you think I wanted this to happen? I love her…more than I thought was humanly possible okay? I would trade places with her a million times over right now. It should have been me…"

"IT WILL BE YOU! I SWEAR TO GOD!" Caleb roared until I watched his fist pull back, I forced my eyes to keep from closing as I awaited one hell of a punch until I watched it whiz by me and slam into the tile behind me. I couldn't tell if the tiles had shattered or Caleb's knuckles but the room grew painfully silent for what seemed like an eternity after the impact.

"I can't go in there." His voice began shaking until his head fell against my chest and I felt his tears soaking my shirt. His fist never released me but my feet slowly returned to the floor. The sight of our brave leader falling apart right in front of me was enough to allow my tears to finally fall. The pain from his blows were nothing compared to the pain in my stomach from the situation taking place. The situation I had caused.

"Are you two idiots done in here? I'm taking her to the hospital before either of you decide to bring the ceiling down on top of us! You should know…I think she's going to be fine, she's already coming around. Stay put…figure your shit out and then figure out what our next move against this bastard is going to be. Got it?" It wasn't often Baby boy showed some force in his words but when he did even Caleb would nod in response.

"You make sure they-"

"She'll be fine." He snapped before shaking his head.

Caleb and I watched as Tyler carried Melanie out of the mess of a dorm room, closing the door loudly behind him. I wanted so badly to be the one carrying her, but I had to pull myself together and most importantly figure out how we can get Chase out of the picture permanently.

"He's pissed." I muttered.

"We all are. This night got out of our hands." That was the Caleb I knew, already trying to regain his composure despite everything that has happened because we both knew it was time for his leadership to take us right to Chase together and united.

"Caleb I'm so-"

"I know you are." Still a touchy subject I see. Point taken.

"Engaged I hear." He added.

"You going to punch me again?" I sneered.

"The thought crossed my mind. But someone came to your defense shockingly."

"What idiot did that?"

"Watch it." Caleb quickly snapped.

"Sarah then? Well I didn't expect that."

"She reminded me that we too came together during hard times and that those hard times show us what's most important. The only difference is that my sister is not just important to you; this is not just about you anymore and that means you've got a hell of a lot more responsibility than I did. You're lucky as hell she didn't-"

"Stop. I don't need a lecture Caleb. Trust me; I'm going to punish myself for the rest of my life because of what happened tonight okay? You don't have to pile more guilt on my shoulder man; I've put more guilt than you will ever know on myself for this." I breathed.

"Good. And I will be around to remind you that if you ever screw up like this again, I'll rip your head off do you understand?" I suppose I deserve that.

"How about we shift that brooding brotherly rage towards Chase now? What are we going to do? The guy has gotten impossible to touch."

"We're not going to touch him Reid. I'm going to kill him."


*********Melanie's POV

The light was slowly beginning to enter my vision as I allowed my eyes to flutter open. I was greeted by the warm and comforting smile of Tyler who looked as if he'd had one hell of a day. And by the jolts of pain quickly entering my every sensation; I realized I must have had one hell of a day as well. What happened?

I scanned the area; I was in a hospital room. I must have really had a hell of a day then. My mind began racing with possible explanations as to why I was in such pain and why the taste of blood was present within my mouth and lips. I went to sit up further from the strong and steady hand of Tyler, but a surge of pain quickly forced me back into his support. I winced as I bit my lower lip hard to contain my scream from escaping.

"Take it easy there."

I felt the soft fabrics under me as Tyler placed his hand upon my own. I then caught sight of Caleb and Reid standing a few feet away from me. Their eyes were red and swollen, had they been crying? Surely not, I haven't seen Caleb cry since his goldfish died when he was ten and Reid, well I didn't even think Reid was capable of crying. He had feelings yes, but to express them was a task within itself.

I then felt all three sets of eyes resting on me; the awkward silence of the room was quickly making me uncomfortable.

"Did I miss something?" I breathed; trying hard not to take a breath to deeply, the pain within my chest was becoming unbearable. The guys chuckled slightly before turning to each other and talking amongst themselves, glad to see the boys' only club was still in effect.

"Well I'll leave you all to it then, I'm going to go check on Ally, make sure she's okay. Glad your okay Mel; I'll come and check on you later okay?" Tyler said before giving a slight wave and walking out of the room.

I watched as Caleb walked towards me and placed a kiss upon my forehead; I blushed slightly as his kiss lingered. They were all acting as if I was on my deathbed; sure I felt as if I had been hit by a truck, but I was far from dead. I looked up at Caleb who was smiling down at me.

"I love you so much…I've got some things I've got to take care of. I will be back tonight." Caleb said; I could tell he was holding back the full extent of his brotherly love speech he had prepared to say to me in this moment. His eyes were glistening with tears welling up within his eyes; I reached out and whipped a single tear that managed to escape. I felt my heart drop at the sight of my big brother in such a sorrowful and concerned state; should I ask what things he had planned to take care of? I was beginning to realize that this was all related to Chase; did he hurt me? Wait…was Caleb about to go face him?

Before I could question him, he had made his way out of the room. Only after he placed a hand upon Reid's shoulder and whispering something into his ear; Reid's face was unreadable and my curiosity only grew once Reid nodded towards Caleb and wrapped an arm around him in a slight hug. They were hugging? I must be dreaming.

Reid then made his way to my bed and took a seat next to me. I had so many questions racing through my head but I could tell Reid was only interested in keeping me calm and resting from whatever injuries I had taken from whatever happened in my demolished dorm room today.

Reid began trailing his fingertips down the side of my face and down to my lips; he was looking at me as if he wanted to cry. I had never seen him behave like this; whatever happened must have been as hard for him to endure as it was my brother.

"I was…so scared that I had lost you." Reid whispered as he looked away; trying his hardest not to show the vulnerability threatening to show in the form of tears. I wrinkled my brow in confusion but did not hound him with questions; I simply raised my hand towards his face and directed his lips to meet with my own.

"But you didn't…" I breathed between our kiss. I felt Reid's lips express a dire need to express his love. I instantly felt guilty that I unknowingly brought fear and such concern within him that he felt the need to kiss me like he may never have the chance to again.

Moments passed and I began to wonder what it was that Caleb said to Reid before he left; part of me feared even knowing what Caleb had left to go do. I sensed the overwhelming intent within his very steps; wherever he was going he planned on making a stand and I had a feeling it would be against Chase.

"What did Caleb say to you…before he left?" I finally asked as Reid pulled his legs up onto the bed and positioned himself next to me. I laid my head upon his chest while whipping away the dried blood that I had so embarrassingly noticed as we were kissing.

"He uh, said he would bring Chinese." Reid quickly replied; Reid was a horrible liar. He would always look away and speak just a bit more quickly when he was lying.

"He also said he would try to trust me again."

"Trust you with what?"

"With you. I don't think he plans on coming back until Chase is dead." Reid admitted. So my brother did in fact go after Chase; I felt fear growing within me as I imagined the two facing off. My brother was so strong, powerful and capable of many things…I just hoped that defeating Chase for good was one of them.

"Do you think…he'll win?" I said while feeling myself getting choked up at the thought of my older brother not coming back to me safe and sound.

"Your brother doesn't know how to do anything but win. He's…stronger than any of us." Reid said. I was shocked; that was the first time I had heard Reid speak about my brother without explaining how he was stronger than Caleb, but just wasn't given the chance to prove it yet.

"Do I sense a bro-mance?" I giggled slightly only to see Reid laugh as well; it was good to see him smiling.

"I highly doubt that, I think your brother is still out to kill me but we talked a lot on the ride up here, I think we cleared some things up." Reid replied as he placed a kiss on my cheek. I smiled as I began to hear Reid talking about this and that; nothing in particular. I think he was mainly trying to allow me the opportunity to find sleep: his ploy was quickly working. I was exhausted; my body was almost numb from the increased pain levels that I was feeling; I literally felt like every single bone within my body was broken. I wouldn't be surprised if I was whisked away to a hospital as I slept. The way Reid kept placing his head upon my chest to find my heartbeat was one of many clues to the extent of his fear of my condition. I found it sweet and comforting to know I was in such good hands.

Reid Garwin had grown mentally and emotionally so much since we had first started dating. I suppose we all have; we were nearing the end of a main chapter in our lives and entering into a new one. One that involved marriage, a family and the life I had been excited to live since I was old enough to know what love was. I couldn't have found a better man, a better friend or a better husband.


Author's Note: Hope everyone enjoyed the update! I had rewritten this chapter quite a few times, trying to get it just right hope I succeeded! Please feel free to drop a review, thanks everyone for following my story!

BJQ: Well hello there my old friend, how have you been? So glad to see reviews coming from you again, thank you so much for sticking with me and my stories! You're the best! I hope you enjoyed this update as much as the last! Let me know how I did!

HapaDoll: Well hello again to you as well! Love your reviews, so honest and I love that you tell me everything you think! Sorry to hear about your laptop, I know that struggle too, so expensive but I guess worth it! Hope your new laptop is everything you hoped it would be! Glad to have you back online too!

I love rereading stories and getting re-invested don't you? Glad you did and yes I am trying to do more lengthy updates, I always like reading longer chapters but I'm guilty of trying to get any update out there when I'm on a roll but I'm trying to force myself to really get a good long update for you guys! This one isn't as long though as i'd hoped so maybe i spoke to soon but i'm trying haha!

But yeah the cursing in Reid's POV is such a change from Melanie's POV but I thought it was appropriate for his character too. He's been of a gritty, rough around the edges kind of guy. I really love writing his character too, he is a fun one to write, probably one of my favorites but he has his challenges too, I want to show an evolution of sensitivity in a way with his romance but still keep true to how he is. It's been hard but hopefully I haven't done too bad so far lol!

Oh yes, that linking spell I wondered if it would be too much, like too crazy but I thought of it like this, Chase has been sitting around after being defeated and almost tweeking for more power since that fight at the barn with Caleb and just thinking of the most evil ways to exact his revenge. So I wanted to show he's not playing around anymore you know? But you nailed it, he does always have something sinister up his sleeve doesn't he? I can picture that evil smirk on his face too, he is quite a looker too, aren't they all in this movie I mean goodness haha!

And yes, I actually debated the proposal A LOT. I actually took out a lot more serious and advancing of their relationship too but I quickly decided it was too much but I did keep the proposal I hope you'll like the idea more as the story continues. I'm trying to show that change in Reid showing he's now capable of being the hubby type, wish me luck there haha!

Thanks as always for your review! I hope to hear what you think of this update soon!