From Mystery to Romance

An Emily Chapter: The Injury

I fell.

But not just a normal fall.

I fell in love.

With Xander.

That night on the beach together was something I will never forget. 

It was the night of my life.

It was the night I fell in love

________________

It was the end of August. North started eighth grade while Julia returned to her online college courses.

I, of course, stayed at home.

It was a Friday night so North was home late. Usually, Xander takes her out when it's a Friday.

Sometimes Xander and I go out on Mondays, but we kind of stayed away from each other after the night at the beach.

North still wasn't home but none of us cared.

That wasn't until Xander called that got us worried.

My dad answered the phone, "Hey, Xander. How's North?"

There was some chattering on the phone. Every word Xander said made dad more worried.

"Is she alright? Who could have done this? Oh. Oh, I see. What? Hosptial? Which one? God!" My dad went on.

What does he mean by "hospital"? Did North get hurt? Did Xander get hurt?

My dad finally hung up.

"What happened?" My mom took the words out of all of our mouths.

My dad took a deep breath, "North and Xander were at a mall. They were walking around and a teenager with a gun was there. He...he tried to shoot North but Xander was able to push her away. The only problem is, he was able to shoot North's leg. Xander was able to take her to a hospital, though."

We all stared at him in shock. Who could have possibly tried to hurt North?

"Who would do such a thing?" Mom said fighting back her tears.

"When North was in the hospital, she told Xander that she knew the boy. He was an eighth-grader that bullied North at school when she was just in sixth grade." Dad explained.

 "But-but North is so innocent!" I yell.

"Why would someone go this far?" Ruthy said.

"I didn't even know North was bullied! Wouldn't she just tell us?" Julia said.

Of course, she wouldn't. You're too busy crying about going to Paris. I tell myself.

"Xander told me that one time he saw North at the park and some kids were making fun of her. Turns out that wasn't the only bully North faced." My dad explained.

"Did the police catch him?" My mom said.

Dad nodded, "Police are all over the mall."

 "What hospital is she at?" Ruthy asked.

"She's at the local emergency in Los Angeles." My dad answered.

"Do you think we should go to her?" I tell dad.

He shook his head, "Xander said her injury was barely anything. In fact, she was able to get out of the hospital now and he's driving her home."

"Oh," We all said.

We stayed for a bit silent. It was going to take a while for North to come home. Everyone agreed to go to bed.

But I couldn't fall asleep. I was too worried about North. What if she gets shot again? What if she wouldn't make it home?

Apple comforts me a bit. I could even see the worry in his eyes.

Then suddenly, the door opened.