Rosewood School for Boys

Chapter 13 - Retribution

Thanks for reading and let me know in the comments if you like it!

-----------------------

A bright white light breaks through the veil of sleep and drags me to consciousness. Is this heaven? Am I dead? The sliver of wall I can glimpse through my cracked eyelids is painted a sickly pink that reminds me of an old ice cream shop.

A familiar voice speaks, "She's awake!"

"Noah?" I mumble, "Why are you in my ice cream shop?"

It takes considerable effort to turn my head towards him and a sharp pain shoots through my skull, making me wince.

I become suddenly aware of how my whole body feels battered and my ribs ache wickedly with every breath.

"She seems confused," a note of panic enters Noah's tone, "Is that a bad sign?"

"No she's just a bit muddled from her sleep sweetie." An unfamiliar female voice replies calmly.

Felix's scruffy head pops into view.

"We're not in an ice cream shop Liss."

I open my eyes further despite the brightness. "Where are we?" 

"The nurse's office, you think a boy's school wasn't going to have a med bay?"

That makes a lot more sense than an ice cream shop to be fair. The woman I heard speaking approaches me, she's older than she sounds with greying hair pulled back into a casual bun and a round face. She's wearing scrubs so I assume she's the nurse.

"I just need to check you over and then you can go back to your dorm okay?"

"Okay." I sit up slowly with Felix supporting my back, even the small movement makes my head spin.

She shines a small light into my eyes that makes the pain in my head spike uncomfortably then asks me a couple of simple questions like my name and how old I am. Her bony fingers explore my ribs to find where it hurts and whenever I wince Noah looks more worried. He's practically vibrating with anxiety and I'm slightly concerned he's about to explode everywhere.

When I've passed all her tests she steps back.

"There doesn't seem to be any permanent damage but you certainly have a nasty concussion so no sport for a while." I nod. "Your ribs could be fractured in a couple of places but they should heal on their own in six weeks or so."

"So I can go?" I ask hopefully, the smell of antiseptic is stinging my nose and I'm eager to get home and sleep.

"Not quite," my face drops. "Your ankle is sprained badly and I've already wrapped it up for support but make sure to keep it iced and your weight off it for as long as possible."

"Got it." I smile again.

"In that case you should get back and rest."

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and Noah darts forward.

"You shouldn't be walking yet, let me carry you."

"Don't be ridiculous, I'm fine." I stand up and the pain takes my breath away, my legs buckle beneath me but before I can hit the floor Noah's strong arms wrap around me.

He gently lifts me up and settles me against his chest.

"Fine I guess you can carry me." I roll my eyes before leaning into his warmth slightly.

Felix bounces along next to us as we walked. His eyes keep flicking to me then to the path then back again.

"What?" I ask him.