Stabs At The Heart || Dnf || ONGOING

{Chapter 22} Recovery

My struggles didn't start when Clay decided to push me down the stairs one day, they started when I was born. Since I grew up without a father figure in my home and my mother was always busy with multiple jobs, I didn't really have anyone there for me. At an early age I was taught to be independent, but with not much guidance. This is why I usually keep to myself.

When I met Karl, something sparked inside me. It felt as if that period of loneliness wasn't going to last forever. Eventually, Nick came along and everything was starting to make sense. I was growing numb to all the pain that I received from Clay and his friends.

But just as things were settling in, Clay had to ruin it by acting different to me. I almost lost my only friends because of him. And the treatment I received, along with a broken wrist, injured ribcage, and much more, was the main reason that I suffered every day for over a year.

I felt scared that he suddenly decided to change. I wanted to trust him but couldn't just keep my guard down that easily. Nothing made sense. So as I sat in the hospital bed with my mother by my side, and the doctor was explaining to us that the bill had been paid, I needed a true explanation.

"The paramedics said that a boy around your age was carrying you when they arrived. He explained everything that happened but wouldn't tell his name. Now George you have a serious third degree burn on your left forearm..." the doctor went on about my injuries.

I was done with this back and forth bullshit. If Clay couldn't pick a side then I might have to force him to. He either quits tormenting me with his friends for good or continues it and never talks to me again. I don't want to be friends with someone who abuses me.

I looked over at my mom, she was tearing up. I didn't know if it was because the hospital bill had been paid, or because I lied about the bullying coming to an end. Most likely the second choice. When the doctor left it was silent for a moment.

"Mom look, I only-" I started but was cut off, "You're getting pulled out of school," said my mom.

My first thoughts were Nick and Karl. Would they be okay? What if the group decides to target them? I didn't want to be separated from them, as a friend I felt a certain urge to be there to protect them.

"I've thought about this for a while now ever since I found out you were being bullied. I told myself that if it didn't stop I would pull you out for the rest of the year. So you're going to finish your sophomore year online," my mom explained to me.

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After an hour of talking and some explaining, mom had to leave for her next shift. I was supposed to stay in the hospital for another day for some scans and tests. The trip to California was cancelled as a punishment for lying to my mom.

During my time at the hospital I didn't do much. Nurses and the doctor would come in from time to time, I had to get an X-ray for my ribcage, and when no one was around I would watch cartoons.

The next day I was sent home with a bandage around my torso and some ointment for my burn. I waited in the lobby while my mom talked to the doctor one last time, then we drove home.

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"Are you sure you don't want me to stay home with you? What if something happens?"

"Mom I'll be fine. We both now how important it is that you work," I said to my mom to reassure her. She eventually left and I had the house to myself.

Karl and Nick were spamming me with messages. I told them everything and they seemed pretty upset.

Nick
calling mobile...

"What's up?"

"Dude are you alright? What the fuck is wrong with those assholes!? Are you going to another school?" Nick yelled through the phone, clearly distressed.

"Nah man I'm just finishing the year online. I'm praying my mom doesn't make a fuss or anything," I replied.

"Imagine her calling up Clay's mom and making him apologize," Nick laughed. I slightly laughed with him.

We talked for a bit, it was nice to hear that someone other than my mom cared. Though I knew Karl cared too. It was all honestly a heartwarming feeling.

"Anyways I gotta go. I've got finals to worry about."

"Alright cya man," I said.

Call Ended

The rest of the day was uneventful. I mostly sat around watching movies or just laid in bed, staring at my ceiling. It was clear that my time at home would be excruciatingly boring.