The Complicated Life of Aubrey Jones

Chapter 6

The next morning I wake up in extreme pain. Friday is usually one of my favorite days since after today I don't have to deal with school for a few days. Today though, is not a good day. I wake up to my mother already screaming at me. I get up and look in my mirror. The bruise on my face has darkened to a purple, but nothing I can't hide with some makeup. The real problem is my side. The bruise has become darker and huge. It hurts to walk and it hurts to breathe. Yet, I have to get up and walk to school anyway. I sit through five of my classes staring at the clock and trying to hide my pain. After fifth period, Zander comes so we can walk together to our last class. He comes up behind me and gives me one of those hugs from behind, the ones he knows I love. He squeezes me tight and I immediately cringe in pain. He lets go and stares at me with his worried, big, brown eyes. I try to look him in the eyes but tears start to form and I lay my eyes on the floor. The pain is worse than usual I don't know what's wrong. The bell has already rung so we are the only ones in the hallway. Without saying a word he grabs my hand and leads me towards the exit. I realize I can't even walk, the pain is so unbearable, I start crying. He gently picks me up and carries me out the door. He takes me out to the small meadow by the park and lays me down. I expect him to bombard me with questions, but instead he just keeps looking into my eyes. Standing over me small tears begin to silently fall down his face onto my cheek. This is even worse, this is the first time I have ever seen him cry and it hurts to know I am causing these tears. I want to tell him so badly everything that is going on. But I know I can't. I sit there for a while and he lets me cry.
"Can I just take a look baby?" he asks cautiously.
His dad is a doctor and Zander helps out at his dad's office. One day Zander will make a great doctor, so I completely trust him. I slightly nod a silent yes and he scoots closer. He grabs a t-shirt and wraps my side while absentmindedly stroking my hair. Zander carries me under a tree into the shade. He brings me into his lap and lets me fall asleep. After about a half hour, we decide I really need to go to the hospital. He helps me up, but I am unstable on my feet. I fall backwards and Zander catches me quickly. I look up at him and smile my silent thanks. Then suddenly I experience a sudden flash of pain and everything goes dark.💔