Chapter 36- Is this it...?

Chapter 36: Chapter 36- Is this it...?

Days had passed and Alaric recovered for the most part. His arm was still broken and slightly frozen, but the frost in his lungs and skin had healed up nicely due to the great doctors. He was meant to be on punishment right now due to his actions, but that could wait... he had other matters to handle before he can tackle that issue.

He was currently riding in a car alongside his father, driving down the road before slowing down. They were coming up on a house, which belonged to Arthur’s family. Garnok took it upon himself to tell them personally, considering he was friends with Arthur’s family. Alaric having been Arthur’s childhood friend, there was no doubt that he would join as well, after all, everything happened because of him right? His father suggested he go home to his mother, as the two hasn’t been home in weeks due to the stress of the Alien attack along with Arthur’s death. But he refused, he can see his mom after everything, once he feels ready enough to finally relax his shoulders, though he wasn’t sure if that was possible either...

Eventually they pulled into the drive way, and Garnok pulled the gear into park, and switched the car off. He let out a soft sigh and turned towards his boy, who rested his head against the window. He watched for a moment, before unlocking the doors and stepping out, the faint sound of his son following echoed behind. They closed the doors and walked up the steps towards the door.

Garnok knocked on the door, his fist shaking as he lowered it back down to his side. They waited a few short seconds before the door opened, revealing a middle aged woman with bright brown hair tied into a loose ponytail, blinking her green eyes at them. "Garnok! It’s great to see you!" She said brightly as she turned to look towards the boy with his head down, hair shielding his eyes from her bright gaze. "A-Alaric? Are you alright? What happened?"

Garnok smiled softly, "Good morning Elsie, sorry to trouble you this early, but... we have some news to deliver to you." He said softly as she turned back towards him, though her eyes still faintly darted towards the boy next to him. "I-It’s fine... what is it?"

Garnok closed his eyes and sucked in his breath, "Do you think we could come in? You might want to sit down for this..." The woman blinked and stepped aside to let them inside. The men walked past her and into the living room, which smells faintly like pumpkin spice, which was a household name as Alaric learned some time ago. He squeezed his fist as he turned his head away, refusing to look.

As Elsie took a seat on the couch she sat forward, "So... what is this about?"

Garnok stood nearby, hand resting along a nearby chair facing the couch, "..." He looked down, trying to find the right words. "I’m sure you’ve seen the news, right? About the Alien attack a few weeks ago?"

She nodded and waved aimlessly, "Oh yes, terrible thing. I hope everyone that got out is doing okay..."

Garnok tightened his hold on the chair, "Yes, and... unfortunately a pair of freshmen had gotten involved in the battle, and one of them lost their life." He looked directly into her emerald eyes, "...Your son, Arthur Ambrose, was one of the freshmen who got involved... and lost his life."

Garnok stared and watched as the color completely drained from her face, her eyes darkened and wide. She was completely frozen in place, her hands shaking. "...What?" She choked out, as if waiting for a cruel joke that was never going to come. Garnok lowered his hand and walked forward, "It’s true."

She quickly shot to her feet, "How could you let that happened?! Why was my son on a battlefield he WASN’T supposed to be on!?" She screamed as she stepped towards him, yelling right in his face. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she continued to yell at him.

But, she stopped. "...You said... there were two freshmen...?" She whispered and turned towards the boy that had been silent since he came inside. "...Alaric?" He didn’t move a muscle as she was about to walk towards him, but Garnok quickly stopped her, grabbing her shoulder. "Don’t. This isn’t his fault or anyone else’s, besides the Alien that did it."

She was shaking, her eyes bulged as she staring towards the boy. She pointed towards him, "What happened Alaric?! You were supposed to protect him! Why is he gone?!" She screamed as Alaric remained still. Her breath picked up, becoming ragged, "He always talked about how smart you were, how strong, how he would always follow your lead when he didn’t know what to do!"

Alaric froze and his eyes widened beneath his bangs. What did she...?

"Alaric! Answer me please!!" She screamed as she felt her legs give out under her, falling towards the floor, landing on her knees as she completely broke down. Garnok crouched down and offered the best comfort he could, hugging her gently as she cried into him.

Alaric stood nearby, his mind working as he thought back to what she said. ’He would always follow your lead when he didn’t know what to do!’

Alaric’s mind and replayed memories. And he turned away, his mouth twitched as he bit down on his lip.

...

Eventually, Garnok and Alaric took their leave once Elsie husband got home, as he would be there to make sure she’s okay and doesn’t do anything that might hurt anyone or herself. Now, they drove home, not to the academy, but back towards Alaric’s mom. Garnok is sure she’s worried to death about the both of them, even if she doesn’t know that Alaric was involved.

Once they pulled into the driveway, they stepped out, but Garnok stopped short. "Alaric."

The boy turned to face him as he grabbed the boy’s shoulder, "Go ahead, I need to make some calls and will join you in a moment." Alaric nodded softly and turned, walking towards the door. He grabbed the doorknob, frozen for a moment before twisting the knob and walking inside. He stepped towards the house, which honestly felt like a distant memory, despite the fact he hasn’t been in here in only a few weeks. As he stepped into the living room, frantic footsteps echoed nearby, and a woman with silver hair crossed into the living room from one of the bedrooms. She stepped into view as the boy turned to looked towards her. A smile twitched at her lips until she noticed his appearance.

His eyes were dark and heavy bags hung under them, his arms was housed in a cast and sling, bandages lined his cheeks and his hair was slightly unkept. She blinked and slowly walked towards him, as he smiled softly as she neared. But she could see it better than anyone else... the corner of his lips struggled to stay up and it didn’t reach his eyes. She reached up and cupped his face staring back into his faint gray eyes. She pulled him into a soft hug, arms circling around his back as he simply stood still, allowing her to hug him. He stared at the empty space behind her and let his eyes turn foggy, refusing to admit how much he really needed this...

...

Alaric rested in his room, after a quick shower forced on him by his mother. But, it was rather refreshing. But, being alone wasn’t really ideal, especially for him right now. He’s never wished to be near someone as much as right now. He sat up in his bed and turned towards the window in his room. He stared for a moment before the door to his bedroom opened and in came his father, "Hey son..." He whispered, closing the door behind him and standing near it. Alaric turned towards him.

"So, the funeral is in a few days, and I was wondering if you wanted to say a few words during it?" Alaric narrowed his eyes and turned away. He didn’t plan on it... what would he say? That he was the sole reason his best friend is gone because he decided to drag him into his shenanigans? There was no way.

Garnok watched as Alaric shook his head, "I figured, that’s alright. But, since he’s your best friend, they want you there to help make sure everything is right. Is that too much trouble..?"

Alaric covered his eyes and shook his head, "...I can’t."

"I get it. Its okay son..." He walked up and placed a hand on his shoulder, "It takes a lot to admit when you can’t do something, I’m proud of you." Alaric let his hand slip down and he stared at his own feet. "You don’t have to do that..." Garnok blinked and stood up straight, "What?"

Alaric shook his head and turned his head slightly, "It’s all my fault, you don’t have to try and say its not. You don’t know the whole truth, but I do. If you did... if anyone did... they would hate me for being so selfish..." Garnok opened his mouth, but Alaric sighed and turned away completely, "I get it, the funeral is in a few days. You can go, I want to just... be alone." He whispered, even as he paused.

Garnok lowered his hand from his sons shoulder and nodded, "Okay. But, remember. No one blames you, son."

Alaric didn’t respond.

Garnok turned and walked out, opening the door and walking out. Alaric slowly laid back against his bed. His eyes drifted to the ceiling and stared.

Everything was his fault... everyone would hate him if they knew the entire truth, and... he needs people in his corner right now, or he’d spiral completely. So for now... the truth remains with him... and Arthur.