Speechless (GRETHAN)

Chapter 13: The Emergency Room

Ethan Dolan

Funny thing the human brain is. It's known to be one of the most amazing and complex organs of the body among most others. It's also capable of great things and....not so great things. Some great and notable men and women have put their minds to work and have come with up exceptional results. I, on the other hand, am here in a hospital, thinking of the worst possible outcomes this day could have in store for me and my boyfriend.

After hanging out at the skatepark with Grayson the other day, I was looking forward to meeting him today. Earlier this morning, I routinely texted him to inform him that I was waiting outside his apartment complex; all ready to pick him up and head to school but I got no reply.

Now for one, I know Grayson loves to sleep more than usual and there are days he does, missing out on school. Taking this into account and no reply to my multiple messages, I assumed him to be asleep. Snickering to myself, I headed to school and spent the day attending classes and religiously taking well-worded and quality-enforced notes which otherwise I wouldn't. I knew that my boy would require them. School was just a bore for me since I was here to enjoy and not learn. My boy taught me all I needed to know. Heck, I don't even know where my future lies and what I'd like to be when I grow up. Regardless.

The day went by with me socialising with my soccer buddies. Lunch was a bore without Grayson. I repeatedly sent him texts during the passage of day but he replied to none. Trying to keep nervous and lugubrious thoughts at bay, I successfully made it through the day. I had football practice after school but now been two hours since lunch break; the last time I texted Grayson and still not having received a response from him, I grew afeared. Something was obviously wrong, he'd never not text me.

Leaving Nate, a quarterback in charge of the practice, I hopped into my car and drove through town, all the way to the shadowy and dark end of the conurbation where Grayson lived. Practically falling off the stairs as I ran up to his apartment, I pounded on his door regardless if Nathan answered.

Similar to previous references, no one answered the door and I pushed it open. I knew it would be unlocked, just as always. The apartment was silent and full of darkness. The television which was incessantly turned on was now turned off. Nathan's throne was empty, so was the living room and the adjoining kitchenette. The floorboards creaked as I entered the place.

"Grayson?",I called out. I got no reply. Good thinking Ethan! The boy can't speak and you're expecting a reply? Has the sunlight gotten to—

My thoughts were interrupted by a whimper. I dashed to Grayson's room to find him curled into a ball on the bed. He sobbed quickly, his head buried into his pillow while he tightly clutched his teddy bear with one hand.

"Grayson?",I spoke lightly, entering the room. "What's wrong?" Grayson sat up in bed and his tear-stained face looked back at mine.

I took a seat by the edge of his bed and I pulled him in my arms. "Shhh....shhh it's okay. Ethan's here. I'm here for you babe." I caressed his hair, pushing strands dampened by tears out of his face. I wanted to know more. Why was he crying? What exactly went on here? But pushing questions so soon wasn't the best arrow I had in my quiver.

The boy in my arms looked at me and I kissed his forehead. Snot rolled out of his nose and he sniffled dismally. I smiled at him and I removed my kerchief. I wiped his nose and his tears while he was cuddled in my arms. After all, he was mine.

A thought crossed my mind and maybe a little levity could brighten up this room. "Come on, let's eat and then you can tell me why you bunked school." I grabbed his arm and pulled him up but Grayson was quicker. No sooner did I grab his arm, he swiftly pushed me away and I lost my balance. I fell onto the floor while he cried harder, tightly gripping his arm which I had taken in my hands, not long ago.