AUTHOR'S NOTE: I owe you all an insane apology for waiting so long to post this chapter. So sorry. But hey, I'm back! [: Anyways, enjoy this chapter, the Epilogue will be up soon. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 43

I was frozen, staring at the doctor while everyone moved around me. Clare and Eli embraced; Mrs. Torres sprinted into Adam's hospital room, and Mr. Torres and Drew let out celebratory cheers. "H-he's alive?" I whispered to the doctor for confirmation. The doctor nodded. He's alive! Relief hit me like a wave.

The sigh I released could've stirred a hurricane that engulfed the entire Western Hemisphere. Clare and Eli pulled apart, and she grabbed me for a hug. "He's alive!" she shrieked giddily. I still couldn't believe it. After seeing Fitz's knife…and all that blood…I wouldn't believe it until I saw his face.

Turns out, I would have to wait a loooooong time before that happened. The hospital would only allow one visitor at a time, a rule I detested so much as I sat anxiously in the hospital waiting room. Mrs. Torres took what seemed like a week to visit him. I bit my nails nervously. Maybe something went wrong. Maybe she's in there saying…goodbye. My impatience made me think of the worst-case scenarios, which made me insanely jittery.

Clare and Eli sat on my left, discussing some fight they'd had earlier at the dance. Drew, on my right, was wailing to Mr. Torres and Mr. Simpson about how much of a mistake he'd made cheating on Alli. Ugh, come on! The second Mrs. Torres came back into the waiting room, clearly relieved, I nearly jumped out of my seat. But before I could move, Mr. Torres ran off into Adam's hospital room. Ugh!

It had to be the longest night ever. After Mr. Torres, Mr. Simpson went in to talk to Adam briefly. And then after Mr. Simpson, it turns out Adam had asked for Eli. Ok. But then Eli was going to be taking Clare home, so she got to see him after Eli did. I thought my head would explode if I waited any longer.

"Fiona, you don't have to stay," Mrs. Torres said many times, making it obvious that she did not appreciate my presence. "No, it's fine, I'll wait," I'd mumble absently. Eli strode out of the hospital room and into the lobby, and in went Clare. I dropped my head into my hands. "Impatient, are we?" Eli teased. Ugh, how could Clare put up with that? Maybe I'm just being mean because I'm dying to see Adam but…well, you get the idea.

"I just need to see Adam," I answered tersely. "And he wants to see you," another voice chirped. I looked up to see Clare, smiling brightly as she entered the waiting room. I stood slowly, my legs nearly asleep. I glanced at everyone else in the room, making sure this was okay. Would he look like…himself? Drew caught my eye and gave me a nod, so I assumed everything would be okay. Clare and Eli called a goodbye to me, but I was so focused on seeing Adam that I can't remember if I responded.

I approached the room slowly. Oh my gosh, oh my gosh. "Adam?" I said softly, sticking my head through the door. The room was pungent of antibacterial soap. He laid under a hospital blanket on the bed, looking weak and worn. Tubes and machines hung around him. I took in the sight apprehensively. "Fiona," he smiled, his eyes lighting up. His hair had been pushed out of his face, and his cheeks were flushed. At the sound of him saying my name, my heart, which had plummeted down to the depths of my stomach, fluttered right back into place, beating wildly.

There was a tug at my heart, and I was instantly at his side, sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. "Fi, I-" he started, his voice breaking off. Without saying a word, he laid his hand out on the space next to me. I intertwined my fingers with his, smiling. "I thought you were…" I started, and then stopped. His eyes drooped down, frowning. And then, he let out this sad little laugh.

"What?" I asked, relief finally setting in. He looked up, smiling sadly. "We are one messed up couple," he stated. I swung our intertwined hands, feeling uneasy. "I don't think so," I protested softly, my eyes following the trail that went from a tube under his hospital blanket… Straight to his stomach, the stabbed area. "Either I'm in the hospital or you are. And either I'm getting hurt, or you are…" his voice trailed off, his eyes burning into mine.

There was a moment of silence. "I- I guess we're kind of messed up," I admitted, comparing this moment, sitting on a hospital bed, to the last time I was. "And that was a pretty stupid move of me back there, getting myself stabbed," he said bitterly, looking down at his wounded stomach. "I think it was brave. If Fitz didn't stab you, he would've gone after Eli, or Clare, or…" my voice trailed off. Maybe this wasn't the best statement. "You," he said softly, looking up at me. His face looked pale, almost as white as the hospital gown he was wearing.

I gulped. "You're a hero," I smiled. He shifted over in his gurney, making a tiny space next to him, and then gestured me forward. I settled down slowly, trying not to lean on him. I was on the left side of Adam. His hand crept up next to mine, brushing by it lightly. "Maybe- maybe we shouldn't be together," Adam's words caused my heart to break into a million pieces. "Wh- I don't understand-" I stammered. No, no! His eyes widened. "Don't get me wrong, you know how I feel about you. It's just…one of us is always in trouble, or hurt, and you deserve better than that," he said, not looking directly at me.

I put my hand on his cheek lightly and turned his head towards mine. "We've been through so much, and we're still together. I think that means….we're supposed to be together," I said slowly, watching his reaction. "But Bobby and Fitz and Owen and Chantay and Bianca and the Gossip Minute and my mom-" Adam rambled. "This relationship is between us two, Adam, and I don't know about you, but," I paused. "I'd really love to continue this," I finished softly.

A smile spread across his sallow cheeks. "I'd love to continue this too," he answered. He took my hand off of his cheek and held it in his hand. "And as soon as I get out of this stupid hospital, I want to take you on a real date," he grinned. "I'll be counting down the days," As soon as I said that, Adam leaned in and kissed me. "And you know what else I love?" he whispered after the short kiss. "You."

~1 week later~

It was late Sunday afternoon that Drew approached me with his idea. I was leaving the hospital after a surprisingly fun day with Adam. He was in high spirits since he would be starting school Monday, but at the same time, he had admitted that he was nervous that everyone would think of him as a jerk for trying to take a stand against Fitz. Of course, I told him he was being ridiculous for worrying.

"Fiona! Wait up!" Drew called, running after me. I turned to see what he wanted. Apparently, Adam had expressed his worry to Drew, too. And, as if on cue, Eli and Clare walked in, there to visit Adam. "Hey, you guys?" Drew spoke up before they passed. Clare turned, eyes bright, and Eli turned with that suspicious look in his eyes, like always. "What's up?" he asked warily, probably thinking it had something to do with Adam.

"I have an idea…" he started. Clare blinked and smiled. "Let's hear it,"

Drew's idea was actually brilliant. All of us agreed, took out our phones, and got in touch with everyone at Degrassi (well, almost everyone). Drew's phone started ringing and a guilty look crossed his face. "It's Bianca…" he started, smiling sheepishly. Eli and Clare exchanged a look. "Tell her about your idea," I offered. "Do you really think that's a good idea?" Clare asked gently. Drew frowned, conflicted. "I'll see what she says," he decided, walking away from us as he answered the call. Eli, Clare, and I stood awkwardly. "See you guys Monday," I said, leaving. I really hoped Adam would be pleased with Drew's idea.

~Monday morning~

I stood at the front door of the Torres' house nervously. I ran a hand over my hair, making sure each curl was styled to perfection. I was wearing a teal long-sleeved dress with a black belt, black leather boots, and a big, heart-shaped silver necklace. After taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door. Mrs. Torres opened the door, and, to my surprise, smiled. "Hello Fiona," she greeted. "Uh, hi Mrs. Torres," I smiled back nervously.

"I just wanted to apologize for any trouble I caused," I rambled, twirling my necklace anxiously. Mrs. Torres smiled. "I owe you an apology, Fiona. I'm not proud of the way I acted. I- I'm just very protective of my children," she smiled again, almost sheepishly. "I totally understand," I felt like maybe we could be on good terms, you know? Maybe it wouldn't be so tense between us. "Adam, Fiona's here," she called up the stairs.

Adam bounded down the stairs. "Careful!" Mrs. Torres warned. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her. I grinned. "Hey," he smiled back gently. "Hi," I greeted. "Where's Drew?" Adam asked his mom. Mrs. Torres caught my eye and smiled. "He went to school early. Something with football," she lied. Adam nodded, accepting the answer.

"C'mon, Prince Adam, we'll be late for homeroom," I said, trying to hide my huge grin. Adam grabbed his backpack off the floor and slung it over his shoulder. "Let's go, Princess Fiona," he teased, taking my hand. Mrs. Torres waved goodbye and we stepped out onto the lawn. Adam's eyes nearly shot out of his head when he saw our ride to school.

"A limo?" he exclaimed. I smirked. I threw that surprise into Drew's idea. He held the door open for me and we both slid in. "This is awesome!" he exclaimed, eyes lit up like a child in a candy store. "Thank you so much," he said, turning to me. In one fluid motion, I swiped his beanie off of his head and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "No problem," I responded. He made a grab for his hat, but I was too fast for him. "You look gorgeous," he complimented as I slid it onto my head playfully. "You always do," he added, grabbing the hat swiftly. We continued laughing and stealing the hat from each other for most of the ride.

We were halfway to school when Adam started tapping his foot nervously. "What are you doing?" I laughed. "Just a little nervous," he said sheepishly. I placed a hand on his knee and he instantly stopped. "You have nothing to be worried about," I promised, pressing my forehead to his. He smirked. "We're here," the driver announced. I hopped over Adam and got out of the car first, opening the door for him.

Clare, Eli, Drew, Holly J, Sav, Alli, and the entire school were waiting in front of Degrassi. A huge banner hung above the doors to the school, which read, "Welcome Back Adam!" Adam stepped out of the limo slowly, taking in the sight. It started with one clap from Drew, and then Clare, Eli, Holly J, Alli, and Sav joined in, and suddenly, the entire school was applauding. Adam remained still, a huge, genuine grin spreading across his face. Handfuls of confetti flew into the air.

Adam spun around to face me, turning away from the thunderous roar of applause. I was clapping along with everyone. His smile was lit brighter than any star I'd ever seen, more genuine than the Dior sunglasses I got from Christian Dior himself. He stepped closer to me slowly, but surely, each step with purpose. Swiftly, he grabbed me around my waist and pulled me in for a kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck. It didn't really matter how many times we'd both fallen apart, because really, it only made us stronger. After all that, it didn't matter what anyone thought. In fact, I had a feeling we'd be together for a pretty long time. When we finally pulled apart, people in the crowd were hooting and whooping. Adam blushed. "Hey, it was our idea too!" Drew spoke up, punching Adam in the shoulder jokingly. They high-fived and did that bro-hug thing. Him and Eli did the same. By that time, we were swarmed by all of our friends, in a big circle.

"Hey Adam?" someone spoke up. We all turned to see Bianca and Chantay standing on the sidewalk, looking guilty. "We're both really sorry," Chantay spoke up. Bianca nodded in agreement. I glanced over at Adam. "It's okay," he sighed. Bianca nodded and strutted away, winking at Drew. "So, now that everything's fine between us, can I post a story about welcoming you back to Degrassi?" Chantay asked eagerly. Adam put his arm around my shoulders and we exchanged a look. He raised his eyebrows at me, and I grinned.

"Don't push your luck, Chantay," I sneered. She stuck her grubby nose into the air and retreated back into the school. The crowd was making their way back into school, and so were our friends.

Adam held out his free hand for a low five. I met it and giggled. "Welcome back to Degrassi, Adam," I whispered. He smiled again and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "I love you," he said sincerely. "I love you too," I grinned back. And with that, we headed back into Degrassi, his arm around my shoulders, smiles on our faces, and a bright future ahead of us.

AUTHOR'S NOTE PART 2: i dont think this came out very well, and i feel really bad for neglecting this story for so long. please review? thanks for reading! EPILOGUE TO BE POSTED ASAP[: -C