A Modern Love Story

Chapter 20 - CPS

Criticism spot! :)

Crutchie's POV

Jack was very patient with me as we got ready for school, knowing that I would be getting random waves of bad pain. It took a bit, but we finally were ready to head out, and Jack was careful to watch me as we got in the car in case I had a panic attack. We got to school with no issues, and as we sat with everyone before class, I kept pretty quiet and focused on supressing the pain in my entire leg.

I had made it most the day without any super bad "episodes" hitting me, but of course, while heading to the bench outside with Race during lunch, I got hit with a nightmarish wave of pain. I collapsed to the floor in the hallway, my crutch rattling as it hit the ground. I clenched my jaw tightly in order not to yell from the pain, grabbing my leg as if it'd do anything. Race quickly texted Jack before he knelt down beside me, putting his arms around my chest to hold me up so I didn't fully fall to the floor, as I was holding myself up with my hands.

"I'm sorry," I got out, feeling awful.

"It's okay, take some deep breaths," Race said, trying to sound calm.

"I don't think I c-can hold myself up-" I began, my arms giving out right then. Race pulled me against his chest, making sure not to let me fall. 

"I've got you, I've got you," he assured me, holding me as tight as he could. 

"It's getting worse," I got out, the pain climbing up me. "It's- it's spreading," I tried explaining, unsure how else to put it at the moment.

"You mean your entire body is starting to hurt?" He asked, and I nodded. "It'll be okay, just hang in there." Right then, heavy footsteps echoed through the hall, stopping right before us. Even though my eyes were closed from pain, I knew it was Jack, as Race didn't panic.

"I'll take him," Jack's soothing voice said, and I soon was passed off from Race to him. "We're going home, I should've made you stay," Race took off to the parking lot, leaving us alone. "How bad is it?"

"Really fucking bad," I answered, tears streaming down my face. 

"It'll be okay," he said softly, trying to sound calm. "You're so strong, just hang on while Race gets my car." 

"It feels like I c-can't breathe," I managed to say, struggling for air.

"Focus on my breathing then, follow me," he instructed, rubbing my back. "Race just texted me that he's outside, do you want him to come in and help get you to the car?" He asked, backing up slightly from me.

"I want to- I want to try getting up," I said, feeling sick.

"Okay, but I'm going to hold on to you, alright?" I nodded, backing up further from him. "Make sure to go slow." He stood up slightly and put his arms under mine to support me, preparing for what could happen. 

As slowly as I could, I began to stand, shaking as I did so. I clenched my jaw tightly while pain shot through my entire body, desperately wanting to prove to myself that I could do this. I only got a fourth of the way up before I crumpled back to the ground, Jack holding me tight so I didn't fully fall and get hurt.

"I can't do it, I'm so sorry," I sobbed, closing my eyes.

"Hey, it's okay, there's nothing to say sorry for," he said softly, seeming to be holding back tears. "I'll have Race come here, okay?" I nodded, giving up.

The two carried me to the car, my eyes still shut the whole way. I laid against Jack throughout the drive, my entire body aching. After laying me in bed he sat down beside me, brushing my hair from my eyes. I tried to smile a him as best I could, not wanting to worry him.