Swimming Lessons (Harringrove)

Chapter 7: Hands Heal Bruises

When we had gotten to my house it was 30 minutes past midnight. It was an odd quiet as we all entered but due to the house being empty, it was normal, it just was.. I guess an uncomfortable silence.

I then helped the kids bring the two, still unconscious teens in. We got Billy situated, laying him down onto one of my couches that laid in my living room. Max then without instruction went into my kitchen and returned with two ice packs. She wrapped them in cloth before placing one on Billy's forehead and handing the other one to me. "For Adrain." She informs.

I give the ginger a soft smile as I held Adrain in my arms, holding the ice pack between my fingers with the hand I was using to supporting her back as I held her in a bridal style like manner.

"When do you think they'll wake up?" Max then asks. Looking down as she seemed to try and hide the fact that she was concerned for the two. I didn't know for sure the answer to that question, however, I had enough of an idea to give her a response. "Soon, I am sure." I state, before glancing down at the unconscious female in my arms.

"She's over worked herself. Plus the heat, I think it was all just too much," I admits. "As for Billy, his body went through a lot also." I add, pausing for a bit. "I can tell you're worried. Try not to get too worked up about it. Just get some food, watch some tv and sleep," I say with a soft smile, glances over at the other kids who were already doing so. She then lets out a shaky sigh. "Aren't you hurt too? Do you need help?" She asks.

"L'll be ok Max. We all will. Just, try and relax, okay?" I say again, trying my best to reassure her. She then let out another sigh but nods as she joins her friends in the room.

I then proceed to head upstairs, going into one of the guest bedrooms that in reality was pretty much Adrain's room due to the fact she almost always was here anyways. I then set her down onto the soft comforter, leaving to go get a cloth from the bathroom and wipe underneath her nose and even down her cheek a bit where the blood had fallen.

Once that was taken care of, I then took the ice pack Max had given me and put in on her forehead. Then proceeding to pick up some small spare blankets that Adrain had neatly folded at the corner of her bed, and gently placing them on top of her. I then looked down at her. Seeing her in such a state didn't sit well with me. In fact, this whole situation didn't sit well with me. I was happy everyone had survived after all that though. I wasn't sure we'd all get out of that, but by the grace of God we did.

"Wake up soon, Jellybean." I spoke, my voice barely being above a whisper. The nickname being something I had called the girl since she was little. It started off as a joke but now, I found comfort in calling her the name and I like to believe she felt that too. I then headed downstairs and just like I had expected the kids were eating some snacks as they sat on the couches and quietly played some cartoons since Billy was sprawled out on one of the couches near them.

I then myself went into the kitchen, fetching myself some water before looking at them in the living room. "Try and get some sleep you guys. I have a feeling what happened today is just the beginning." I remind them. They all look at me and nod. The kids, yes we're enjoying themselves as they felt it was ok to relax finally, even just a little bit. All while also using things such as tv and snacks as a distraction. A distraction so they didn't have to think about what happened, and what is yet to happen.

I therefore just left it at that as I went upstairs, going into my own room which I missed so much. I then however, this time threw my clothes off, leaving myself only in my boxers. I would've usually found something else to put on as I sleep, but thanks to my exhaustion, stress, bruises and my pounding headache, I didn't really give two shits. Therefore I flopped onto my bed as I lazily moved around and crawled my way into my blankets to get warm and comfortable.