Chapter 16: Deep loss

It had been two weeks since Gabby's funeral, and none of the boys had contacted me apart from Izack. When I saw Haze at home, it was one fleeting glance, then utter ignorance. He hated me, and I couldn't blame him. It was Christmas time, so Mr Melvore's maids decorated the place beautifully. It was stunning here. Sometimes, I imagined my mom was alive and had gotten to see this place. She would have loved it. Maybe even enough to stay sober. Maybe. Just maybe. Walking downstairs, I slid my hand down the banister, focusing on the gracious movement curiously. That's when I heard hushed voices. All five boys stood at the bottom of the stairs. I stopped moving and just focused on them. Haze was talking in low, hushed tones with Gage. Tyler was on his phone, and from his rapid typing speed, I assumed it was Fight Club business. Izack was eating some crisps, ignoring the conversation, which made my heart squeeze. He is so unapologetically himself all of the time. "We have an audience," managed Forest with a small smile for me. All eyes met mine and. I gulped subtly. "Story" managed Gage.

"What can I do for you boys ?" I asked, leaning up the stairwell as I watched them all.

" Well, I know what you could do for me, princess", grinned Izack, walking forward with a smirk. I smirked back. I met him at the bottom of the stairwell and looked up at him.

"I missed you" he whispered.

"I missed you more, " I stated, lovingly placing my arms around his neck. Looking behind, I saw Gage watching intensely. Jealousy was coursing through him.

"We know who you're fighting", said Gage, his cold, ice-blue eyes attaching himself to me.

" Who?" I asked calmly, staring into Izack's ocean eyes.

"Quinn," said Tyler, flicking his phone to Forest. Panic washed through me, and I moved my arms away from Izack.

" You can't be serious", I scoffed. Quinn loved me, but she was brutal in the ring. She fought grown men.

"You won't be participating, princess, do not worry ", managed Tyler, placing his hands in his suit pockets. Today's three-piece suit was black, and he was the epitome of beauty. I couldn't tear my eyes away.

" You should let me; he doesn't care whether I live or not. You wouldn't think we were getting married in just over a month, huh?" I laughed, gesturing to Haze. Gage shot a dark look to Haze.

" You didn't tell us" hissed Gage. Haze watched me, his green eyes glowing with grief. I had no guilt for him. I needed him, and he'd left me. "He told me he'd never forgive me for joining Fight Club. I mean, it is my fault Gabriella is dead", I whispered, tears starting to slide down my cheeks. Haze stepped towards me.

" I needed you Haze you were the good one my protector but you didn't you let the dark thoughts consume me. Hurt me. Destroy me. All I wanted was for you to love me," I managed now, breathing erratically. Rushing away, I bolted up the stairs.

"Story" bellows Gage loudly. But I continued running, and I didn't stop until I got into the bathroom. Pulling the door closed, I leaned against it, my heart racing violently. I loved them all, but right now, I couldn't love anyone because I'd end up hurting them.

***

I must have woken up because the bathroom door was open when I did, and Haze was sitting on the bathtub's edge. Rubbing at my eyes, I watched him." I'm going to see my baby. Will you come ?" He asked, watching me. I nodded slowly and climbed from by the door. He took my hand gently and studied me.

"It's about time we had a chat anyway", he whispered, focusing those big green eyes on me intensely.

***

Stood in the hospital, I stared at the tiny baby in the little incubator and couldn't help but internally shiver. It was wrapped in all pink, so I assumed it was a girl. Haze placed his hand through the incubator, staring at her. She had these big green eyes just like Haze's. So, no doubt it was Haze's baby. "What's her name?" I whispered, looking at Haze. He smiled.

"Haven't figured that part out yet", he managed quietly.

"Oh," I murmured.

" It's not your fault, Story. That day, I was just hurt. I know it will take some time, but I can't do this without you. I can't raise my daughter without you. I can't breathe without you." He stated leaning forward to grasp my hand. I smiled at him as he rested his head against mine.

"I forgive you, Haze", I managed. He smiled, tears glistening in their beautiful emerald eyes. He nodded, squeezing my hand a little.

"How about we name her after Gabby? Why not Ella?" I said, looking at him. A big smile lit up his face as he wiped at a few stray tears.

"Perfect little Ella", he murmured, focusing his eyes on his daughter. I watched him stare in awe at her, and that's when I knew she was what would save him.

***

Thanksgiving came around fast, and all the boys had come over to celebrate. I was sitting on Izack's lap as everyone handed out presents. My biggest Christmas present, though, was to see Tyler in Pajamas. "Stop admiring me and open a gift", he said, nudging me softly. I laughed as I glanced up at him. Reaching forward, I grabbed a gift and looked at the boys.

"Who's this off?" I quizzed. All the boys shrugged as I started to open the huge box, tearing the lid off quickly. Opening it I found nothing but tissue paper and a Polaroid photograph. Staring at it, unease swept through me.

"Hey guys, isn't that us this morning?" I murmured. All the boys looked at the image, confused. Turning it over, my heart sank horribly.

'I'll hide you seek princess', it read in black felt pen on the back. All the boys bolted up and began shouting around the house. I stood frozen to the spot. Sickness washing over me. He was going to find me.