Chapter Twenty Seven

3rd Person's Point Of View

Dylan yawned from the corner, watching all of the boys slowly form a group hug.

He tried to tell himself that he doesn't care.

It's just a bunch of pets' problems. Not mine. They're just pets.

But Dylan did care. The seven pets have feelings. Just like a regular human.

That Tick kid, he looked pretty upset when he started crying, like he was holding it in for a while. Dylan thought to himself.

The rest of the people all looked surprised, confused maybe?

That kid must be strong. All of his emotions locked inside him, for a long time I assume, since his friends looked surprised.

"Let's get you back to bed Lyla." Nalla told her softly, her hand on her back.

Lyla nodded and held onto his arms as they walked slowly to the hospital bed. Nick stood right beside Lyla, almost touching the side of the hospital bed.

"Shall we continue?" Peter asked, including everyone in the question.

Everyone nodded and looked towards Nick.

He jumped slightly when he realized that he should get the ring out. Rummaging through his jean pocket, Nick pulled out a box. "Here you go Lyla." Jimin smiled sheepishly.

Lyla slipped it onto her left pointer finger.

"Alright, now it's Nalla's turn." Peter nodded to his friend, Nalla swallowing.

Nalla looked hesitant as he stepped forward, glancing over at Nick every couple of seconds. "I'm sorry for being so immature, Jimin. I never noticed. I'm so sorry." Nalla's voice broke slightly.

'You had one job Nalla. Look after the boys. You failed.

You are a failure.'

Then Nick does what he always does.

He walked over to Nalla and gave her a hug.

No one could break Nick.

Nick will always be the strongest.

—

Lyla brushed Nalla's bangs back from her forehead.

"You're so pretty." Lyla smiled up at Nalla, comforting her with her compliment.

Nalla's ears got red as she looked away. "Thank you Lyla." Nalla said, embarrassed as she handed over her box

"Woah." Lyla breathed, as she took the ring out. "I've never seen anything like this before."

Nalla scratched the back of her neck. "I thought you would like it."

Nalla was the last one to find a ring. She wanted to make sure it was perfect. Lyla deserves perfection.

Lyla put it on her left ring finger.

Dylan frowned and looked up at Lyla, hoping for an answer.

But Lyla didn't give him the silver of her attention.

Peter nudged Sammi forward. She stumbled forward and shot Peter a glare before turning towards Lyla.

Lyla laughed slightly.

"Here you go." Sammi tossed his box in the air slightly and Lyla caught it.

Ben facepalmed and Elisa let out a laugh.

Peter sighed with Nalla close behind.

"Thank you Sammi." Lyla chuckled as she slid the ring on her right ring finger.

Sammi shot her finger guns.

"Wow what a dork." Ben snorted as he walked forwards with his ring box.

Sammi rolled her eyes behind Ben's back.

"Mine's extra special!" Ben beamed as he slid the box into Lyla's hands.

"Oh really?" Lyla asked, interest peeking inside.

"Yep!" Ben nodded.

"It is special!" Lyla's eyes widened. "Ben this is so cool!"

"Just like me." Ben raised his chin.

Everyone laughed lightly, enjoying the show from Ben.

It fit perfectly on Lyla's right pointer finger."Guys." Lyla sighed. "These are all so beautiful. Thank you so much."

Elisa watched Lyla's eyelids flicker down slightly. She looked down at her hands. She was pinching herself.

She must be exhausted.

"Well Lyla." Elisa clapped her hands together lightly. "I think it's time that you get some rest. You need to heal fast so we can go home."

Everyone nodded and Jameson whispered 'home.'

"But I wanna stay up with you guys." Lyla whined, sitting up straighter. "I want to get to know you guys more."

"Lyla," Nalla spoke in a soothing tone. "I know you are our owner and all, but you're only 20. And I hate to say, but we are all older than you." Nalla gestured to Jameson. "Bunny Boy over here is 21. Elisa is 22 and Nick is 23."

"Ben and I are 24." Peter spoke up.

"And we're 25." Sammi gestured to herself and Nalla

"Eldery." Elisa coughed and smiled innocently when everyone looked over at her.

"As I was saying," Nalla hid a smile. "We can and will take care of you, even if you are our owner."

"Lyla please understand that we only mean the best for you." Peter added genuinely.

Lyla sighed. "You're all so grown up aren't you?" She smiled sadly. "Alright, I'll go to bed. But I do want to do introductions and get to know you all."

"When we get home." Sami nodded.

Peter scratched his nose. "Sleep well Lyla."

Nalla pushed Nick and Jameson slightly towards the door.

"We'll be out in the lobby!" Ben waved brightly.

Sammi pulled Ben away by his ear and closed the door.

Lyla laughed to herself before Dylan cleared his throat.

"Yes Dylan?" Lyla asked with a smile.

She's so calm.

"Are you sure you're okay? I think a therapist or someone is coming in to evaluate your mental health. And the hospital has to report the gun wound...." Dylan drifted off upon seeing Lyla's sour expression

"I don't want help. I can handle it." Lyla told Dylan, but also herself.

"But Lyla, look where you are now. This is what happened without help. I don't think its safe for you without help. I cant relax, knowing you're going through hell." Dylan explained in a desperate tone.

Lyla bit the inside of her cheek, her nose prickling with tears. "I have the boys now. And I have you." Lyla met Dylan's eyes. "I have eight people by my side now. And I trust all eight of you. I do not need any help."

Dylan swallowed as sadness took over him.

I need to talk to the seven.

"I will try my best to clear up the gun report. I'm sure your father could get rid of it in-"

"Don't contact my father." Lyla said immediately

"I would never do that. I was just stating...Forget I said anything about him." Dylan spat out him with complete disgust.

Dylan looked down at the floor.

Lyla curled her fingers around Dylan's.

Dylan looked up, softening his facial expression.

"Dill, can I have a hug?" Lyla's lip trembled as she asked the simple question.

A question she rarely asked, for fear of being weak in front of Dylan.

Without responding, Dylan stood up and hugged Lyla as securely as he could.

"I'm here for you Lyla. I always will be."