A Modern Love Story

Chapter 24 - Wheelchair

Criticism spot! :)

Crutchie's POV

Jack pushed me into class, bringing me to my desk before heading to Weisel's desk and talking to him. He was only there for a few seconds before returning to my desk, pulling up a chair beside me. Thankfully, we were simply watching a documentary in class today, meaning we had plenty of time to talk.

"What were you talking to him about?" I whispered, confused.

"I was telling him that I had to sit by you because of some medical stuff," he explained, smiling sweetly. "I got us the worksheet for the video," he added, handing me one. We then began to focus on whatever was playing, knowing we needed the points for our grades.

Roughly halfway through class, Jack looked at me, stretching. I couldn't help but smile a little, adoring the way he always yawned when he did so.

"Is it cool if I go to the bathroom quick? Will you be alright?" My mind began racing, my heart pounding.

He'll only be gone for a few minutes, what could possibly happen in that time that'd be so awful? 

I nodded, assuming it'd be fine. "I won't be long," he said before getting up, heading to the front of the room and asking Weisel before leaving. 

I moved his sheet so it was beside mine, getting ready to write down any answers that might come up while he's gone. Suddenly, though, I could feel someone's eyes on me, making my entire body tense up. I stared right at the papers, now feeling sick to my stomach. Before I knew it, a note was passed to me, some people near me beginning to chuckle already. As always, I knew I had to open it, as I'd just get horribly beaten up if I ignored it. With shaking hands, I unfolded it, wishing I had begged Jack to stay.

How do you manage to get more and more pathetic?

While it was thankfully only one sentence, it still made me feel ill, my eyes burning. I was already having a horrific day, and this simple note was the last thing I needed. Right then, Jack returned to class, knowing right away that something was wrong. Unlike usual, I didn't even bother to hide the note, feeling far too exhausted. He sat down and read it, looking back at me with worry. He could tell by the look in my eyes that I just wanted to drop it, so he did just that, balling the note up and throwing it in the nearby trash.

I stayed pretty silent throughout the morning, and before having to leave me with Race, Jack stopped by my locker and knelt down in front of me. He smiled sweetly like he always did, taking my hand in his.

"You're halfway done, we'll be back at my place before you know it," he reassured me, my heart skipping a beat as he spoke. "You've got this, alright?" I nodded, trying my very best to smile. "C'mon, say something, just for me," he pleaded cutely, and I jokingly rolled my eyes.

"I love you," I said quietly, my face hot.

"I love you too, thank you," he stood up and kissed me on the head, also clearly blushing. "I'll see you soon," he said, Race now taking over as my 'protector.' 

After school was finally over Race took me to an area of the building that was usually empty so I could take my medicine in peace, and also so we could wait for Jack in a safe area. Right when we thought we were safe, the Delanceys just had to show up, my heart dropping.

"Got rid of the crutch, huh?" Oscar asked, chuckling.

"Fuck off," Race spat, moving in front of me.

"After the countless times we've beat you, you still think you have a chance?" Morris teased, crossing his arms. "You know what, let's see if you do," he added before going after Race, the two fighting.