One Of Them

Chapter 8

~Ashton~

I've dislocated my shoulder about a trillion times over the past nineteen years of my life, but I never popped someone else's shoulder back into place.

"Remove your shirt," I calmly tell Ezra.

He nods, slipping his shirt over his head with his good arm. I do notice him grimace once or twice. I place my hand on his dangling arm and steal a glance at Sabina, surprised to find her watching us intently.

Why does she seem fine with seeing the guy she claims isn't her boyfriend shirtless? I've seen girls' reactions before around shirtless guys. They either go wild or turn away uncomfortable, their cheeks bright red. Sabina is just so...

"Get it over with already."

My mind clears, refocusing on a pale Ezra. "Ok, ok, hold on a second." I rummage through the chest at the foot of my bed under his watchful glare, then smile as I hand him the frayed hand towel. "Here bite down on this." He obeys. "Now this might hurt just a bit," I tell him.

Taking a deep breath, I pop that shoulder right into place. Ezra cries out in agony, tears streaming down his face. I try not to sympathize.

"It's done," I say, handing him back his shirt.

He spits out the towel and gives me a brave smile. "Thanks, I owe you one bro."

"I'd rather not have to get a dislocated shoulder for you to owe it to me," I smirk.

He chuckles, "I don't blame you." Then letting out a sigh, "Well thanks again. I really wasn't looking forward to going to the doctor."

"Anytime."

He cracks a smile. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and find Sabina."

I scan the room and for the first time notice that the princess has fled. "Good luck with that," I say.

"You have to know her to be certain that she's most likely outside the room pacing back and forth nervously," he says with a sigh to his voice. The boy looks like a lovesick puppy. Ugh.

This makes me frown. "Yeah, I'm sure you got that right."

No more said, Ezra, pats me on the back before exiting the room.

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~Sabina~

I pace back and forth nervously right outside the dormitory, hands over my ears to block out the screams of terrible pain. At last, it stops, and Ezra steps out.

"Is it done?" My voice comes out shaky.

He nods. "My arm's all good and new."

I let out the breath that I was holding. "Thank goodness, I couldn't bear to see you like that!"

He smirks. "You're being such a girl by making a big deal."

"I am a girl." I glare.

"Oh believe me Sab, I know." He opens up his arms and smiles, his dimples showing. "Your brother is in need of a hug."

"Ok, girl seeker." I go and embrace him. Boy, did I really miss this guy.

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A week and a half later, I find myself in a dimly lit room with the doofus, Shawn.

"Ready to begin today's training?" he gives me a lopsided grin.

Just because I forgave him doesn't mean I like him. It's hard to forget what he did to me. "No," I respond cooly. Or at least I hope it came out cooly.

He chuckles. "Well, it's too late to turn back now."