Page 19 of Perfect Chaos

I quickly scan her body. Looking for any sign that she may be injured. I don’t see anything; no blood or bruising, nothing to indicate a reason for finding her curled up on the floor. I gently lift her, cradling her to my chest. She lets out a soft sound, something between a groan and a whimper, but otherwise doesn’t move. She feels so light in my arms, too light. Her sweet lavender scent infiltrates my senses and short-circuits my brain even further. I pace back and forth, clutching Maizyn tightly with absolutely no idea what to do. I want to take her to my room and sit with her until I know she is okay, but I don’t want her to wake up in a room she is not comfortable in. I contemplate taking her to her and Atlas’ room. I don’t think it would be a good look to be lying in his bed with his girl. Think. Think. Atlas needs to hurry the hell up and get here.

I pace back and forth a few more times before deciding to sit on the couch with her still curled against me. My fingers find her pulse point again, just to double-check. She is sweaty and pale, but her heartbeat is still drumming against my fingertips. My lips brush against her forehead as I brush her hair out of her face. I rock back and forth slightly. I don’t know if I am doing it to comfort her or myself at this point. Does it really matter?

The door swings open with a whack, followed by frantic-sounding footsteps. “Gavin!” Atlas yells. The distress is clear in his voice.

“In here!”

“In fucking where? I am not in the mood for a game of Marco Polo. A room name would be nice!” He snaps, his composure fraying by the second.

“Polo! I'm in the living room; don’t get moody with me, just move your damn feet!” I can’t help fucking with him even through my pure panic.

He comes barreling into the room shortly after, coming to a stop as soon as he sees us. He assesses the situation quickly before crouching down to where she is in my lap. “What happened, Gavin?” His voice is eerily calm right now. I am not sure if it helps or makes my panic worse.

“I don’t know. I came home and found her curled up, asleep in the hallway against the wall. I panicked and called you.”

“Did you try to wake her?” There is no emotion in his voice; he almost sounds clinical when he asks it.

My words tumble out at a panicked speed. “Uh, well no. Not technically. She didn’t wake when I picked her up. I didn’t think to-”

“Gavin. It’s fine.” His voice sounds convincing, but it's hard to believe him. Why didn’t I think to just wake her up? Why was panicking the first thing I did? How many times has this happened that this seems normal for him?

He begins trailing his hand up and down her arm. “Hey, Chaos. Can you wake up for me, darling?”

She finally groans at his question. I relax, just a little bit. Her eyes flutter a bit before she closes them again.

“Did you eat anything today, Chaos?” Atlas’ tone is warm like he is talking to a hurt child.

She slowly shakes her head back and forth, indicating that she hasn’t.

“Okay. Let’s get you comfortable and fed.”

Atlas leans forward, his arms wrapping around her. My grip tightens on her body when he tries to take her out of my hold. Atlas stares at where I am holding her but doesn’t say anything. He just nods his head as if he understands. I don’t even understand my own reaction. A few moments pass before I force myself to let go of her. As soon as she is settled into Atlas’ arms, I turn to head to my room. I think I need space. I don’t act rationally around her; it’s not good. Atlas calls out my name to stop me. I look back over my shoulder. He is still standing in the living room where I left him. He waits a moment before speaking.

“I could use your help. If that’s ok with you?”

“Uh, yeah. What do you need?”

“Do you want to get her a snack and a drink while I get her settled in bed?”

“Sure. I can do that.”

He nods once before walking past me and into his room. I expected him to ask why I was holding her. I actually expected him to question me about several things, not ask me to help him. It’s like he knew I needed this, to be helpful somehow. I sprint into the kitchen, grabbing cheese cubes, grapes, a granola bar, and a bottle of water before rushing into the room. I probably should have knocked but my hands were full. I dump my haul onto the bed at Maizyn's feet. She still looks pale even though she is finally fully awake.

“What happened? Why the hell are you staring at me like I’ve grown a second head?”

The question was thrown at me. At least I know that whatever happened didn’t ruin her charming personality towards me. Before I can respond, Atlas beats me to it.

“When’s the last time you ate Maizyn?”

“Ooo, my real name. I must be in trouble.” Her words lack energy, yet the attitude is still there.

I can’t help but chuckle at that. Is she always such a brat? At least this time it’s towards Atlas and not me.

“I am glad you think this is funny. Gavin found you passed out in the hall, so answer the question.”

Her smile drops at that. She looks toward me as if asking if what Atlas said was true. I nod my head.

“Idon’tremember.” Her response comes out low and sounds like it was all one word.