Hollow Veins

Chapter Twenty Part Two; Grazed By Death

Jasper's heart fell. How bad was it? It didn't matter yet. They wouldn't leave him. They couldn't. "Arm up!" Jaden shook his head and signed weakly, "Just go." Jasper pulled Jaden's arm over his shoulders, "Aaron come help!" They dragged him through an alley, all too aware of the slowing, sickening cries behind them. They continued forward Jaden admitting sharp gasps. Another screach brought speed to their legs. Tears were running down Jaden cheeks. He took shuddering breaths. Finally they stopped by a squat gas station. They pulled Jaden through the doors. They propped him against a wall. Aaron pressed his fingers against Jaden's wound. Ari snapped out of a daze. "Someone give me a knife." Ren deafly handed over the one from the man from before. "Move your hand, Aaron," Ari cut the access torn fabric around the injury. She pulled off her hoodie. She cut off the hood and pressed it against Jaden's side. He gave a silent scream and clenched his fists. The fabric was already soaked. Ari looked up, "Alice, Aaron go find something, anything with alcohol!" Jaden gave her a miserable look. "I'm sorry we have to clean it." He shuddered as she removed the hood and replaced it the rest of the hoodie. Aaron ran back to them. He handed Ari a plastic container of rubbing alcohol. Ari took it, "Any water?" Aaron sped off. Ari looked at Ren, "Let him grab your arm. This is gonna hurt." She turned towards Jasper and grabbed the edge of his shirt. Ari cut a section of fabric from it, then handed it to Jaden, "I know you can't scream but I don't want you bitting through your tongue." Understanding, Jaden shoved it into his mouth. Ari cursed, "Our medicine is still the backpacks. Got the water!?!?" Alice passed her a plastic bottle. Ari looked Jaden in the eye, "Ready?" He nodded, squeezed his eyes closed and grabbed Ren's hand. Ari adjusted the hoodie to catch the alcohol. Blood pushed through the wound as Ari poured the bottle. Jaden struggled. "Hold him!" Ari commanded. Jasper uneasily grabbed his shoulder and pressed him against the wall. Jaden knuckles were white and he clenched Ren's hand. His face twisted in pain. Ari pressed the hoodie back against the wound. "What about the bullet?" Alice whispered. Ari shook her head, "Idiot got lucky. It grazed him." She glanced behind her and barked, "Lie down, Prince! You may have broken something." Jaden trembled, trying to keep his breathing under control.