The Light and Dark in Us

11. M'aider

The freezing cold water engulfs me before I can even shout out, and I instinctively grip Jamie as the splash erupts around me.

Panic floods my mind and my eyes snap open underwater, Jamie's on top of me, and we're sinking.

I curl my hand around a fistful of his clothing, hooking my other arm under his shoulder. Then swim as hard as I can with Jamie's extra weight, and eventually break the surface, gasping for air.

I tread water and push Jamie's body as vertically as I can, resting his unconscious head on my shoulder so he can breathe and try not to panic.

Raphael and Saskia are knelt at the edge of the pool offering help, Anastacia stands behind them with her hand over her mouth.

"Odie!" Saskia calls, "Hold onto me!"

I kick against the water and drag Jamie along with me, reaching out with my free hand. Raphael and Saskia grab onto me, then help me get Jamie out of the pool.

I push myself out and lean over Jamie, heart pounding.

He's not breathing.

"M'aidez. Help." I choke, placing my hands on his chest and pushing sharply and forcefully.

"Does anyone know CPR?!" I yell, pushing again. Panic is all I can feel, I'm wide awake, and terrified.

Raphael shakes his head, in a daze of confusion.

"You're doing great Odie," Saskia reassures, "just keep going."

"Someone get help." Anastacia demands frantically.

Panic continues to swell in my chest, I reach the last resort, mouth to mouth.

I press my lips against his and blow air into his lungs, willing for it to work.

Jamie coughs up water, and I nearly collapse with relief. He stares up at me, and I realise I'm still leaning over him, my face inches from his.

There's a second of silence, everyone surrounding watching in anticipation.

Jamie tries to sit up and Raphael helps him, his eyes stay trained on mine.

"Odette," He murmurs almost sleepily, "You're very bizarre."

Jamie blacks out again and collapses into my arms.

Anastacia watches with wide eyes, as if she's seeing something she doesn't quite want to believe.

I glance around at the people surrounding me. Lottie and Ellie must have left before we fell. Henri still isn't there.

I swallow. "We need to get him to the infirmary."

—————————————

"You are in a lot of trouble." Professor Devine states, her arms are crossed and an eyebrow raised.

Anastacia, Saskia, Raphael and I are stood outside the infirmary. A very unimpressed Professor before us.

"You three." She points to the Conch students. "Go back to your house quarters, the head would like to see you. And Miss Étoiles, you need to come with me."

I follow Professor Devine to her office glumly, my eyes cast to the floor and my hands clasped in front of me.

She sits behind her desk and I take the chair opposite it, wringing my hands nervously in my lap.