Diego Campbell

I got to the infirmary with some soup Sherri had made for Diego, I went inside and found him awake "Hey, feeling better?"

"Not really," I mumbled. "How're you? How's everyone at home? Dad's been coming to see me everyday, he's still really pissed," I said, wincing as she helped lean me up and put pillows behind me. 

"They're doing the best they can...with the...funerals and all." I sighed "Yeah, your dad hasn't been too happy about all of this. What happened? It was over that girl, right?"

"When's the funeral?" I asked quietly, knowing she'd know I meant Trace's. "I was just talking to her... and he came up. Quin. Beat the fuck outta me. She musta told him what happened while... he was gone. We thought he was dead... not like she... cheated on him. I took... advantage of her... I know it was wrong," I said, wincing between words, and slowly took a bite of the soup.

"It's tomorrow." I muttered, trying not to let tears threaten my eyes. I had already cried so much..."So, you and here were together? If we didn't make mistakes we wouldn't be human. Do you think you'll be up to coming home tomorrow?"

"I gotta be there... for the funeral. I'll crawl if I have to," I said and cleared my throat a little, trying to hide my emotion. "It was after she found his shirt... out in the river. She was hurting... I kissed her... she kissed me back... I didn't mean for it to happen."

"Has she been by to see you?" I asked him.

I shook my head. "Nope. I can't say I really expected her to either. I... I was a fool to think she'd ever want to be with me," I said and looked down at my lap as I ate.

"No, you weren't. Maybe she just needs time or something."

I shook my head. "She doesn't need time. She never loved me. Never wanted me for anything more than a friend. I was stupid to think anything different."

"No you weren't. It's not like we've been brought up with a lot of variety, when they got here and made things more interesting."

"I love her Cody. I love her with everything in me. And she's never gonna love me back. I just... I just want to go home. I need to go home."

"If home is where you want to be I'll find a way to get you there today. We're more than ready to have you back."

"Do you know where Pepper is? She doesn't want me up and walking yet, with my injuries and everything. But if I'm okay to be moved, I'd love nothing more than to go home."

"We can move you in one of the carts if we have to, you won't have to walk."

I nodded. "Whatever will work. I just... I gotta get away from here. I gotta get away... from her. Before I find a way to get up and go do something I'll regret."

"Alright, I'll go find Pepper and talk to her."

I nodded. "Thanks Cody," I said and put the bowl on the table, laying my head back against the pillows.

I talked everything over with Pepper and as long as Diego wasn't moved around too much he was free to leave. I went back to the infirmary where he was resting "Hey, she gave me your meds and said you could be on your way. I'll go get some of the guys to come back with the cart."

"Thanks Cody. I mean it," I said and squeezed her hand before she left.

I got back to their camp with Carlisle, Cole, and Darnell. "The cavalry has arrived." I smiled, at Diego.

"It's good to see you sitting up son," I said and smiled at him, my heart breaking still at seeing him like this.



"Good to see you guys. I just want to go home..."



"That's where we're taking you D," I said and patted his shoulder gently.

"Yep, you're homeward bound. Cody already has everything you'll need medical wise and your mom has your room ready and waiting."
-Cole

I nodded. "Thanks guys. For everything."


"Of course, you're my son. If I didn't have to set an example for everyone else I'd make that little fucker pay for what he did to you. You're lucky to be alive."



"I'm fine Dad. I deserved it," I said quietly.


"You did not deserve this. You can barely see out of your one eye."