Chapter 21: You're Not Alone

                                    

                                          
A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are. — Unknown
Y/N POV
Hours after Colin left, Scar and I finally got Rose to bed. Hearing Colin's voice seemed to have triggered her, and when she realized he wasn't a part of their lives anymore, Rose told us how much he yelled at her and verbally abused her. Thankfully, he never hurt her physically, but it made sense why she flinched when I raised my voice at her by accident. 
I stroll into my room with Scar close behind me. The feeling in my feet has almost entirely returned, but I still feel the effects of my time in the snow. I'm exhausted, I can feel my bed calling for me, but I also want a shower. My feet carry me over to my bed, where I collapse.
"You okay?" Scar walks over and sits down beside me. 
Chuckling, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" There is clear exhaustion in my voice as I look at her. 
"Y/N, you stood barefoot in the snow for nearly an hour to protect me."  She takes my hand and intertwines our fingers. 
"It wasn't that cold. Besides, I was wearing socks." I chuckle, trying to keep it light. 
"Even if you didn't feel cold, pretty sure you got frostbite, and I still think you should get checked out." I know she's trying to help, and everything she says is true, but I don't care. 
"If it doesn't feel better by tomorrow. I'll get them checked out, but for now, I'm going to shower and then bed." I squeeze her hand. Groaning, I stand up and walk toward my ensuite.
--
I walk back into my room a short while later with a towel wrapped around me. My heart sinks when Scar is not in my room, and I realize her suitcase isn't in my room anymore. There's a light knock at my door a couple of minutes after I finish slipping into my shorts and baggy T-shirt.
Smiling at her politeness, "You can come in. You don't need to knock."
Opening the door, Scar crosses the threshold of my room in her shorts and sports bra, and she almost looks nervous, slightly confusing me. "I wanted to say goodnight."
I understand we agreed to go slow, but I figured she'd want to sleep in the same bed at least. Although it's been a long day, I won't push her. I smile at her, "Goodnight, Scar. I'll see you in the morning," She hesitates as she steps further into my room, and I watch her fidget nervously with her hands. Silence engulfs us as I squeeze lotion onto my hands and then apply it to my face, massaging it into my skin. 
"Right, sorry." She nods, "I'll let you finish getting ready for bed." She turns to leave, and I quickly close the distance between us, taking her hand. 
"You know you don't have to sleep in the other guest room." She turns back to face me, and I instantly see the relief in her eyes. "You don't have to be alone." 
Guiding her toward my queen-sized bed, I pull the covers away, and she slides into my bed and under the covers. Turning on the end table light, I join her after I walk across the room and flick the switch for the overhead light. 
I slide in beside her. Turning off the end table light, I pull her back into my chest and wrap my arms tightly around her. She wraps her arms around mine and interlocks her fingers as if afraid I'll disappear before she rests her head on my shoulder. I kiss the top of her head and rest my head on hers.
"Thank you." I almost miss what she says as her voice is barely above a whisper.
"For what?" I question.
"Everything. You were ready to fight Colin for me and Rose. More importantly, you have never hesitated when I've asked for something. Most of the time, I don't need to ask you already know. Plus, you've always put Rose before everyone. You don't know how nice it is not to worry about being judged, something not getting done, or knowing someone is there. These last few months have been weird, but time hasn't passed between us." She snuggles closer to my chest as she speaks, and I squeeze her tightly and kiss her head, letting her know I'm not going anywhere.