Chapter 42

Khloe's POV

"All those times the bastard has told you that you were no good in bed." Tess hissed venomously "If I see him I swear I'm going to personally castrate him."

I smiled, it didn't surprise me that she was on my side. Since the beginning of my relationship with Greg Tess has never liked him and when he broke up with me and humiliated me on national magazines with the allegation that I am 'frigid' Tess was ready to hunt him down. Her hatred for Stacy grew when they came out together as a couple after only two weeks after the interviews, it was a double burn from two people close to me.

"At least you crushed his pebbles."

Tossing my head back I laughed recalling how amazing it felt to finally hit the prick. It was like a pressure was lifted off my chest, after two years of watching Stacy and him prancing around with a plastic smile I finally felt at piece with the situation. Yes, I've never had true feelings for Greg but the betrayal was a painful sting and a bitter slap in the face. But of course life doesn't come without consequences; my mother has left dozens of messages informing me that the 'happy' couple was spending the night in the hospital. Greg was suffering pain in his lower regions and Stacy had a swollen nose that might possibly be broken. My favorite part of all the messages would have to be the sound of Stacy screaming that she was ugly and her career was over. My mother also asked for me to 'forget' about attending the post rehearsal brunch for both families tomorrow, I'm sure she expected me to feel disappointed but I was anything but. That was the cherry on top of the cake and worth the earful I received afterwards.

"And ruined Stacy's modeling career." I laughed

"Oh yes and you scared cheap Barbie."

"I'm apparently kicked off the wedding list for that."

"Really!"

Sighing I wished I was that lucky but it was better than nothing I suppose "No, just the brunch."

There was a long gust of air being released from the other end "I wish you wouldn't go."

Squeezing my eyes shut I knew what she meant and I wished I was more like Tess. If she were in my position she'd tell them to fück off and never even step anywhere near the wedding but I'm not Tess. I hate how I feel obligated to help my family whenever they asked, from a young age I've come to their assistance. My father when he asked me to help him cover his tracks after yet another affair, I pretended not to notice the flaws in our family when my mother flaunted our 'perfect family' around her friends, and Stacy with her constant eating disorders. In a way it's a bad habit I've grown accustomed to.

"You know that I want to but-"

"I know it's your family." she huffed "I can't wait for the day you tell them to go fück themselves."

"Me too." I sighed, hoping for the same some day

"Alright honey I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Night Tess."

Hanging up I placed my phone down and switched the lights off. Settling against the pillow I released a deep breath, exhausted after the day's events. The Greg situation definitely put a smile to my face but Tyler was a whole different story all together. Sure I didn't understand the reasons behind what he did and I doubt he would be willing to come in private with me and discuss it although I must admit I might lash out and finish the job I began. But Tyler I didn't understand at all. We haven't spoken since high school when he laughed at me after explaining our six month relationship was a sham and now he suddenly reappears for my sister's wedding and with the need to 'patch' things up. His sudden appearance reeked of an unknown agenda. I asked Aaron if he had any idea what his sly cousin had planned but he was as clueless as I was.

I am pleased with how I dealt with him, I didn't think our first encounter would be so smooth. But I kept my chin up and dealt with him like a grown woman and not the scared teenage girl that he toyed with ten years ago. Closing my eyes I reached to sleep the eventful day off when the phone on the nightstand rang.

Brows pulled together, I reached for the phone expecting Tess but as my gaze settled on the screen I frowned. The number was one I haven't seen before.

"Hello."

There was no response from the other end and that only pricked my suspicion of unknown caller. Again I repeated the greeting readying to hang up when a raspy voice spoke my name causing my heart to leap to my throat.

"Wes?"

Again he was silent as curiosity ate away at me. My fingers tightened around the phone as the seconds ticked by with still no reply. Having enough after a minute passed I broke the silence "Wes, what's going on?" I asked as I sat up properly

"I need you."

*********

Racing through the entrance of the hospital I passed a group of doctors stepping out for a cigarette break. With my heart lodges in my throat I dashed through the patients readying to exit the hospital, I skipped the front desk that had over ten people crowding the thin woman who attempted to answer their questions as best she could. She would be no help to me if I have to wrestle those other people off of her. Starting towards the waiting room I ignored the stares I received from the other patients as I jogged through a pair of swinging doors. Wes claiming he needed me earlier had me confused and fully awake but his next words are what had me running through a hospital like a mad woman. He gave me the address to this hospital and asked me to come and just hung up leaving me thinking the worse case scenarios.

So the fact that strangers were gawking at my sky blue satin pajama bottoms and tank top didn't effect me at all, all I could think about was finding Wes, preferably not in one of theses beds. The he I had of finding Wes standing and well dwindled as I spotted his family sitting in the waiting room. Carrie sat with her long hair curtailing over her face, hands clasped with Marbella who's eyes were brimmed red as she stared up at the ceiling. Standing by a pair of swinging doors was Anna who had her back to her sisters, her head rested on Dominic's shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. The scene before me frightened me further as I approached the family. Marbella spotted me first, her eyes narrowing as I stood between them.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, although it was so intimidating since her voice cracked from the tears she attempted to hold back

Carrie snapped her head up, surprised to see me as Anna whipped around an identical look of shock on her face. Ignoring their confusion I didn't bother beating around the bush and asked the question invading my mind since Wes hung up "Is Wes okay?"

All three sisters shared a look of puzzlement, Anna nodded "Wes is fine." she assured me

Of all the sisters she was the most collected, although her eyes were puffy she wasn't crying at the moment like Marbella or trembling like poor Carrie who stared up at me like a lost child.

Stepping forward I asked "Then where is he?"

"He's behind those doors." Dominic answered and pushed one door open with his free arm

Like a woman possessed I sped forward scanning the hallway when I spotted a familiar dark head bowed a few feet away. He stood with his forehead resting against the white wall of the hospital, hands raised over his head. My heart leapt in pure joy when I realized it was Wes. Forgetting the multiple eyes behind me watching I started toward him deaf to the world around us as my blood pumped furiously in my ears with every step that brought me closer to him. The emotions parading through me were mixed; relief being the most important one, over the moon with happiness that he was really fine, angry that he left me thinking something happened to him, and thankful he was laying in

one the hospital beds like a originally feared.

His head lifted off the wall as he turned around and leaned his back against the wall, his eyes although weren't brimmed red were glassy with unshed tears met mine momentarily and I couldn't stop my legs when they quickened their pace so I was jogging to him. He pushed off the wall his expression unreadable as I closed the gap between us and threw my arms around his neck not caring how he may interpret my actions. There was no second guessing my actions or any thinking at all when I squeezed him harder before planting a kiss on the side of his neck, I buried my nose in his neck and inhaled his musky scent. I couldn't help but sigh in content as his smell made its way into my lungs, it was reassurance that Wes was really okay. I didn't realize just how terrified I really was that I'd see Wes in one of these rooms until I was holding him tight in my arms sending a silent thank you that he was in deed fine.

"I'm so happy you're okay." I admitted out loud although it was muffled against his skin

"Sorry I called so late." he said as he pulled back

Reeling in the emotions that spilled forward at the sight of Wes, I sniffed surprised I reached this level of relief. "What's going on Wes? Why are we here?" I asked

He released a deep sigh and turned on his heels but not before I saw the sadness flash in his eyes "My dad had a heart attack a few hours ago."

"Wes-" I began to apologize but realized there was no good going to come out of that

I'm not really the best person to comfort anyone mainly because I can't really comfort anyone especially not in a situation like this, I can't sympathize with him because I've never been in his position before. I could empathize that was for certain and I hope it's enough. I don't really have much experience in this department since I come from a family who is more like a pack of savage wolfs compared to Wes's tight knit family. Taking a deep breath I took two steps forward so we were shoulder to shoulder.

"Is he okay?" I asked

"The attack was pretty serious but the doctors aren't sure if he'll be the same again."

'Why? It's a heart attack not a stroke." I questioned

His shoulders tensed causing me to regret my bluntness, reminding myself to be more sympathetic to his situation I waited for an answer. Wes rested his right arm up on the wall in front of him he sighed "My dad has Alzheimer's."

Cursing myself for my bluntness once again I found myself searching for anything to say not just words of comfort either but came up short and opted for silence instead.

"He was having an episode when the heart attack hit him, he was lost between the past and present. The doctors think his panicking is what triggered the attack since he already has heart problems as it is." he explained "I was with him when it happened. I dropped by to check on him since Marbella told me he has been difficult lately and I thought I'd go calm him down like I usually do but that obviously didn't go well."

"He doesn't live in a nursing home?"

He shook his head, back still to me "He lives at home and we take care of him."

The matter fact tone in his voice reminded me of the argument I over heard Wes and his sister Marbella having a few days ago, they were talking about their dad. Marbella wanted him to get proper care but Wes opposed to it. Taking another step forward I now had a clear view of his expression although I wasn't too sure I wanted to see the sadness burning in his grayish blue eyes.

"When was he diagnosed?" I asked

"A year after my mom's death." he answered in a soft whisper like he was telling me a secret "He was a broke man after her death; didn't eat, sleep, groom himself or even get out of bed for days at a time and that was only when we got him up. Marbella moved back in at that time to take care of Carrie and I while my dad grieved his love, Anna was in Italy at that time. She thought it would last maybe two months, four the most but as the months rolled by and there was no change we grew concerned. We had just lost our mom when we lost our dad too, it was hard for us all especially Carrie who didn't understand why daddy didn't play with her. Around the eleventh month he began talking a little more and once in a while he even smiled which was rare so we though he was improving. We didn't realize anything was wrong when he'd forget our names, maybe it was the fact that we were excited that he was getting back to normal that made us ignore the small detail but we couldn't do the same when he started asking for my mom."

I swallowed hard and watched the different emotions play across his face, each one showing a side of Wes I didn't want to know existed. This was a Wes that suffered a double loss at a young age, losing both parents couldn't be easy and then to take care of one who had a mental illness that caused him to forget you must have take a tool on his adolescents.

Going on instinct I reached my hand out and placed over the hand that rested against the wall. He stiffened at first, not expecting the contact but as he relaxed he turned his hand and caught my gingers with his "I could have prevented this." he muttered under his breath

My brows knitted together "You couldn't have predicted that your dad would have a heart attack Wes, let alone predict he'd be diagnosed with Alzheimer's."

His fingers gripped mine roughly as I spoke and I felt guilty once again as his larger fingers tightened around mine as if I'd disappear, the realization frightened me.

"Wes is there something else you aren't telling me?"

Sighing, he gave my hand one last squeeze before he broke the connection "I caused all of this to happen to my dad."

"Wes that's impossible-"

"I did." he snapped unexpectedly "My dad only got sick after my mom's death."

Warning bells ran in my head telling me to back off but I couldn't help but give in to my curiosity "What are you saying?"

His shoulders sagged as he released a long breath from his nose "I killed my mom."

Speechless I blinked unbelievably at Wes; the man I've lived next to for a year, the man who's constant smiles and jokes have irked me for that long as well. Never in a million years would I have thought that Wes would be able to hurt anyone let alone kill his own mom. There had to be more to the story, there just had to be. Wes isn't a killer, my gut screamed for more information. Preparing myself for whatever was to come next I asked realizing there was no turning back after I walk through this door.

"How exactly did you 'kill' her?" I asked softly

He clenched and unclenched his jaw mulling over whether he should explain or drop it now, although I'm not sure if I would allow him to shut down now.

"It happened when I was sixteen, one of my friends was hosting a party that was unsupervised so everyone from school was going. Of course I wanted to go and my parents said yes not knowing there were no adults there to watch us. Being like any other teenage boy I begged them to let me take the car so I could impress the girls, it took a lot of convincing but eventually they caved in. I never went to an unsupervised party so I didn't expect so many older kids or alcohol. I was offered a drink and being the stupid teenager I was I took each red cup given to me and by the end of the night the world was teetering but I was still conscious unlike my friends. It was close to dawn when I finally left and way past my curfew."

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard "I knew I was drunk but I thought I could control the car long enough to get home. I managed to do an okay job until I reached a curb a few minutes from my house, it was an ugly turn and I wasn't sober. I turned too far right and hit the car coming the opposite way." he paused, the painful expression crossing his features indicated he wasn't in the present with me "My mom was in that car. She was worried when I didn't come home at midnight she borrowed the neighbors car and searched for me all night. It all happened so fast I didn't have time to try getting the car under control."

Shaking his head he squeezed his eyes further as if willing the memory away "I held her in my arms as I waited for the paramedics, rode in the ambulance holding her hand and stood in this very hallway twelve years ago praying that she would come out with a smile on her face but she never did. During the crash she banged her head on the dashboard hard causing internal bleeding in her brain. She was pronounced dead within the same hour she arrived."

I felt my throat close up with the emotions tearing my heart apart as I watched Wes swallow, his mouth in a firm line as he relived the horrid memory of that day. I knew I should do or say something but I couldn't utter a word or move an inch as I processed the new information. It was an accident, he was a drunk teenager and didn't mean to cause anyone harm let alone his own mom.

"I remember my dad walking through those doors, he slapped me for the first time that day. He was angry that I was reckless enough to drive knowing I had too many drinks and still had no idea that she was dead, I didn't have the heart to tell him that she was gone but she was.... she was gone." he whispered softly

My bottom lip trembled as the tears stinging my eyes over flowed, the emotional meltdown was triggered by the broke, regret filled tone he spoke in. Not of a man who understood he made a mistake but a boy who wished to turn back time. I couldn't even imagine how he must have felt then; it was obvious that he loved his mom but to have to deal with the guilt at such a tender age must have taken a toll on him. Wiping the tears away I felt a pair replace those as I pictured a sixteen year old Wes sitting at his mom's funeral knowing he was responsible for what happened to her, with all those eyes watching him knowing what he did too.

"I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I didn't mean to hurt her." he said in a broken whisper

"It was an accident." I hiccuped with a shake of my head

He turned in my direction, eyelids opening and the gleam of tears filling his stormy gray eyes felt like a jolt in my chest. Shaking my head I didn't have to think of what to say or do next as I walked to him, eyes locked and wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him to me. His strong arms came around me immediately, the way they tightened around my waist was almost desperate as if he were afraid the floor would split open and suck me under. Swallowing past the lump in my throat I felt his body tremble in my arms as silent sobs shook his larger frame. I couldn't help but weep as wet trails hit my shoulder, the stray tears causing more of my own to fall. I cried for the grown Wes who carried such a heavy burden and guilt for all these years, for the younger Wes who dealt with a tragedy he never meant to occur, for the young teenager who lost both his parents and had to live with the knowledge that he caused the pain in his life whether it was accidental or not, it was him behind the wheel.

I couldn't even attempt to imagine the grief and sorrow he endured at such a tender age and then to cope all these years with his dad's illness knowing he caused the chain reaction must have tore him apart.

"I never.....meant to huurrt her." he croaked

I squeezed eyes feeling my heart break for Wes "I know you didn't." I said, I tightened my arms around his waist feeling my own desperation to keep the contact we both craved "I know you didn't." I repeated

I'm not sure how long we stood in the middle of the hallway holding each other as we both cried silently, staff members and families of patients maneuvered around us as if we were a part of the hospital's decor. No matter how many minutes passed neither of us felt the need to move as we shared a moment, a moment where Wes dealt with his past and I dealt with the sadness clawing at my insides for him. I knew I couldn't really do anything to settle the ache in his own heart but this was what I had to offer, this right now. This was all I could do and it killed me that I couldn't take away the flash of sadness in those eyes I've lost myself in many times before.

Inhaling a deep breath I felt a tightening in my chest as his arms loosened around me but I didn't voice my protest as he pulled back. Instead I lowered my arms and took a step back ready to give him the space he needed. Clearing my throat I felt the urge to wrap my arms around him again and promise him it will all be okay when I'm not even sure if it will. It was a sudden need to bring him some peace that made me want to promise something I shouldn't.

I was shocked when he took a step forward, his large bronze hands cupping my face and tilting it upwards so we were eye to eye. The dry streaks of his tears on his cheeks a reminder that he was suffering beneath the façade he puts up. I gulped, frightened by the intensity of his eyes considering the serious moment that just passed between us.

His thumbs swiped the left over wetness on my cheeks "Thank you." he whispered

Offering a weak smile I leaned my face into his hands loving the warmth "Don't mention it."

His Adam's apple bobbled as he continued to stare down at me, as he continued to stare down at me as of it were the first time he has seen me. The intensity of his stare had me squirming uncomfortably. He leaned forward, his lips a fraction away from mine, his breath ghosting over my lips. I tilted my head further up anticipating the contact of our lips, I craved his mouth over mine like my lungs craved oxygen.

I nearly sighed in content when his lips brushed over mine. It wasn't a passionate kiss like we usually shared, this one was more soft, delicate and meaningful. The emotions pouring from the soft brush of his full pink lips caused a sudden pang in my chest as our lips moved in a slow dance I couldn't stop even if I wanted to. It was like being under a spell, the fluttery feeling in my chest felt like a humming bird's wings with every brush of his mouth. There was no doubt in my mind that this was a knee buckling kiss, one that made you hot and bothered under the collar long after it ends.

Sighing, I slid my arms around his neck and tilted my head to the side to fit our mouths better. His lips curved into a smile at my action, he tasted of coffee and a sweet tanginess that was Wes and I loved the taste of him.

"Mr. Valsero."

The small voice calling Wes's family name caused me to abruptly lift my head and break the contact of our mouths causing Wes to groan in protest. I swiped my tongue over my bottom lip and tasted him on my lips, I wanted to ignore the female and return to what we were doing but restrained myself. I glanced over my shoulder and caught a glimpse of a short petite woman watching us with a soft smile. Her eyes danced with mirth that caused a fresh layer of blush to taint my cheeks.

"The doctor would like to speak to you about your father's condition, Mr. Valsero." the nurse said, her eyes trained on my flaming face

Wes dropped his hands from my face, I felt his body tense beside me. Forgetting my embarrassment I turned on to face him and saw the sadness filling his eyes. Weaving my fingers with his I felt a genuine smile tug at my lips as he looked down at our joined hands, he seems so shocked that I want to hold his hand.

"I'll be here when you come back." I assured

He nodded, a soft smile stretching on his face. Leaning forward he brushed his lips across mine softly. As he pulled away I felt a abnormal thump in my chest and it had everything to do with the depth of the brief kiss. He stared down at me with a tenderness in his stormy orbs "I love you." he whispered

My lips parted in shock, he couldn't have said what I think he did. Blinking unbelievingly at him I knew I heard right when I meet his soft gaze and my heart sank at the realization. He actually said it. I felt a part of me perk with the confession and a large part fill with dread as our relationship just grew more complicated. I wanted to tell him to take it back or ask if he really meant it but the sudden clearing of a throat stopped me from doing either.

"I'm coming." Wes answered and pecked my lips once more before walking past me

In shock, I turned on my heels and watched him walk down the hall with the nurse a few feet behind him and I bet her eyes weren't on his back unlike mine. Running a shaky hand through my hair I took a step backwards resisting the urge to run back the way I came.

Wes said he loves me. The same Wes I loathed for a year and somehow ended up growing attached to said the 'L' word. Chest heaving with my deep breaths I sank down onto the twin set chair lining the white hallway, hoping to process everything that just happened. Wes said he loves me. I released a deep breath from my nose feeling a bit panicked, this couldn't be happening. We've been together for almost two months and yes we have dealt with serious matters during such a short time but those moments couldn't mean love. I do like Wes, a lot and I've even been thinking of taking a step forward and committing to a real relationship but love?! I'm not ready to even think of that cursed emotion! My past attempt at finding love is still hanging around like a pesky bug, how am I suppose to jump into another attempt at finding 'love'.

Do I even love Wes?

"Hey."

Tilting my head up I attempted to flash Anna a smile but felt the corners of my mouth shake. "I thought you could use this." she said and handed me a cup of coffee

"Thanks."

Taking the cup I took a sip surprised that if tasted almost exactly the way I liked it, Anna took the seat beside me with her own cup in hand "Wes told me a few weeks ago how you liked it." she explained noticing my expression

My fingers tightened around the cup, looking down at the milky liquid I nodded "Wes knows more about me than I thought." I muttered under my breath

"He really likes you, you know." she said

Lifting my gaze I felt a pang chest as I looked into her stormy orbs, identical to the ones I've gotten lost in so many times before. I struggled to keep my emotions in check, staring into her eyes reminded me of what just occurred with Wes. Did he really mean it?

"He's went out with a lot of girls but I've never seen him look at any of them the way he was just looking at you." she said, her lips curving into a gentle smile "He's different with you, more himself and more...happier." she explained

I shook my head, this really wasn't helping especially at the moment "Wes is always like this." I replied hoping to convince myself more than her

Anna shook her head, lifting her own cup to her mouth she took a small sip "My brother has went through a lot and I've seen him depressed after our mom's death and than our dad was diagnosed." she paused, reeling in her thoughts "He smiled but it wasn't his usual ear to ear smile, it was a sad smile and with our dad growing worse I worried he would fall back into a depression but seeing him earlier with you settled my worries."

"I didn't do anything." I blurted like a guilty criminal

She cocked her head to the side "Didn't you?"

My brows pulled together in confusion, Anna smiled at my puzzled expression. She leaned forward and placed her slender hand over mine "You were here for him when you needed him, sometimes when the one you love is by your side that's enough to pull you through any hardships."

I gulped, feeling my heart beat skip a beat at her words. Forcing a smile I found my hands trembling as the façade crumbled around me like the walls of a poorly built structure. Tears stung my eyes threatening to fall and expose my true feelings beneath. Turning my head away from Anna who sensed something amiss I felt the figurative clock ticking around me, a sign that I didn't have much time before I had to deal with my feelings and decide whether I was through caution with the wind or running with my tail between my legs.

At this point I didn't know what I wanted and that scared me more.