Never Lost, Always Found

Chapter Eleven

        Thursday.

My stomach is churning before I know it, and I haven't even made it to Friday. Tomorrow's the show, and I've got an obstacle to go around, Benji. Benji's going to be there, and knowing him, he's going to probably make my life a living hell on that stage. So what am I going to do? That's what I'm letting Russell discuss with me today. We need a game plan ASAP.

I shoot out of bed, scarf down my breakfast, and dash out of the door. In my hurry, I realize I have to just leave my phone at home. Freakng great. I mean, it's really not terrible. But of course, I instantly regret my decision when my ankle twists and I fall to the ground. Luckily, a car stops, and I hear someone say, "Need a ride?"

Russell's Jeep's pulled right next to the curb. He jumps out of the car and helps me up. My arm's screaming in pain, and I'm grimacing. He gives a forced smile and says, "Come into my car. I'll take you to school." "Thanks," I say as he assists me into his Jeep. As he does so, I notice something unfamiliar about him.

"Russell, are you wearing glasses?" I ask. He nods, "Clever. Notice what colors?" "Black and purple," I say. "My favorites." He nods again. "I found them when I was searching last night for my normal glasses," he says. I nod, "So freaking awesome!" He turns left and pulls into the school's parking lot.

"So Paige, are you excited for tomorrow?" he asks. "Mitten drin," I say. I took German in seventh and eighth grade, so that's like, easy for me. Russell smiles. "So, anything we need to talk about for it?" I nod and answer, "Yeah. Benji's going to be there tomorrow, and I'm afraid he's going to do something to me. We need a plan." He pushes his glasses up his nose. "Well, I think I have one."

"You go through the back door of the auditorium, am I right?" he asks. I nod. "Perfect. I'll make sure he doesn't get to you. If he's going through the front door, I'm standing there. I'll distract him if necessary," he says. He puts his shoes up on the dashboard. "That's pretty good. I'm scared though," I say.

He takes his feet down from the dashboard and goes, "Hey, so am I." He opens the door and gets out, so I do the same. He walks into the school building, me trailing behind him, and he points to a book with a poster taped to the wall. It's a waver for the talent show. Few kids have signed their names for the acts, but from what I can see, I'm the only singer.

Phew. 

Watching people stare at me and Russell like we're aliens hurts. I'm waiting for a bell, but I can't hear it because whispers are making me shake. Russell grabs my hand and squeezes it. He feels the same way as me. Anxious, hurt, broken, lonely.

He needs me to stand strong.

The ring of the bell startles me, and Russell says, "No, don't go." "We have to," I say. He shakes his head. He points to the joint bathroom and says, "In there, now."

I shrug and go into the bathroom. I remember what Bailey told me in here. To be who I am. Russell locks the door and then sits down on the toilet. "Oh my god, what do we do?" he says. He starts to cry softly, so I walk over to him and rub his back. "It's okay," I say.

"It's never okay!" he yells. "I said the same thing. But now look. I'm friends with you. You have me, I have you," I whisper. He lifts his head out of his hands, and I see the tears lines streaking his face. I grab his hand and squeeze it. "Friends forever," I say. I pull up his sleeve and rub his cast gently. "Don't ever forget it."

He smiles, "I never will."

We walk out of the bathroom, trying to stay but secretly scared.