To Love a Stray Ch. 14

"Nonononono," Rosy chants on a long sob.

"Oh no you don't," I snarl and shove Conner away planting myself firmly between them. "You have outstayed your welcome Conner," I warn savagely.

"Rosy, if you ever need a friend or a place to stay for whatever reason ..." Conner lets his remark trail off as I growl and take a step towards him.

"It would be best if you left," Sam says coming to stand beside me while Mitchell moves to my other side.

"Conner Stephan! Leave immediately!" Wade orders stepping forward to stand at my side.

The sound of vomiting draws my attention and I turn my head to see Rosy leaning forward as she loses the food she ate.

"It's over now Rosy, it's over now Rosy," Jazzy chants and I can hear the worry in her voice.

I move towards Rosy leaving the others to see Conner from the premises and I can only watch as Doc checks Rosy while Donny hands Jazzy a wet tea towel. Jazzy brushes a few stray hairs back off Rosy's face and places the damp tea towel on her forehead.

"How is she Doc," I ask quietly.

"I think its reaction catching up with her," Doc says softly.

"Do you want to sleep out here or in on a real bed," I ask Rosy quietly.

"With you," Rosy says without opening her eyes.

"Donovan, you ready to go home and let everyone here get some sleep?" Marissa asks in a whisper.

"I'm sleeping here," Donny says sounding startled.

"Go sleep at the house even if it is just for tonight," I tell him knowing Marissa needs him close.

"If Rosy has a nightmare she might need to know I'm here," Donovan argues.

"We can take care of Rosy," Mitchell tells him kindly.

"It will be easier for Rosy if I'm here," Donovan tells him.

"Donovan," I say turning my head to look at him.

"Yeah?" Donny asks warily.

"They're our parents," I tell him and he regards me silently for a few moments.

"You know no-one believed we'd see you alive again after strays got hold of you. Maybe if it had been within the hour or even a day ..." I tell him stretching the length of time we had been able to realistically hold out hope for him.

"Go sleep where they can look after you. Don't worry about me. Do they," Rosy says and motions at us all, "look like they can't look out for me?"

"You sure?" Donovan asks doubtfully.

"Go be a kid while you can," Rosy says firmly even though she looks weak. Donovan smiles and kisses her on the cheek before standing up.

"I'll see you in the morning then," Donovan promises. I watch him leave the room and Marissa follows him like she's scared to let him out of her sight, Wade pauses to look at Rosy.

"Thank you Rosy. Thank you much more than I can ever say," Wade tells her before walking from the room.