Stay Away From My Friends (Jenna McDougall and Vic Fuentes)

Chapter 16

I spent about a week in the hospital. I didn't die from the shit I did, but the boredom of being in there almost killed me. At least I got some writing done. It was really nice. Kellin and I finished a song called King For a Day, and then Jaime helped me work on The Divine Zero. I also finished a solo piece for myself. I'm hoping I'll be able to record it later. 

Jonny visited me every day, and Kyle and Travis have come every other day. Mike and Kellin have could've been in the hospital injured with me too. They were there nearly all the time. Mom and Dad kept me company during school, taking turns taking off work. Tony was around Mike a lot, and it looks like Oli's going to be released soon.

I have to go back to school today. I'm not looking forward to it. By now, the whole school probably knows about it. And they already think I'm a freak. I didn't need this. But I guess I brought it on myself, didn't I?

Hopefully things will be somewhat normal soon. I'll have my friends, my family, and Jenna.

Jenna... Come to think of it, she stopped visiting me in the hospital two days in. I haven't heard from her since. I hope everything's okay. Maybe it has something to do with Ronnie. Maybe she's just upset over breaking up with him. If she has, that is. I haven't been told anything. I wonder how things are going there. I'll try to see later.

Mike woke me up gently this morning. He was careful making breakfast (not one thing broke!), and he made sure I got to Kellin and Oli okay. He's being overprotective. It's sweet, but I'm older. Shouldn't that be my job?

Kellin plays my favorite album as we ride to school. I'm sitting in the front seat for once.

"How are you feeling?" he asks as he drives.

I shrug. "Okay. But better than before."

He nods. "Good."

"Any word on Oli's situation?" I ask carefully, trying not to upset Kellin. I know he misses him.

Kellin stays staring ahead. "I don't know. He's supposed to be getting out soon, but we still haven't heard anything."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," I assure him. Only I don't know.

"Yeah," he says stiffly.

We talk about random stuff like bands and movies the rest of the way there. We pull into the school parking lot. Kellin turns off the engine and we both unbuckle. We don't move for a few moments. It's not until we look at each other and our eyes meet that Kellin throws himself at me, hugging me tightly.

"I've missed this," he says quietly.

I nod, hugging back. "Me too."

"I didn't think..." he shakes his head. "Never mind. It doesn't matter. You're here now."

I nod again.

"And if anyone gives you shit today, I'll beat it out of them," Kellin says, dead serious. "I might get to see Oli sooner than we've been expecting," he cracks a smile, lightening the mood.

I smile too. "Thanks Kells."

We get out, picking up our stuff. Today we walk in together. It feels like we should be holding hands at a moment like this, but we don't.

Heads turn and look as we walk in. People start whispering. I ignore them.

I don't look as bad now. I've showered and cleaned myself up. My scars are mostly healed, but I'm still wearing a sweatshirt to conceal them. I've eaten, so I don't look as sick. I look better. I feel better.

Kellin walks me to my first hour.

"I can hang out with you until the warning bell," he offers.

I shake my head. "Thanks but no thanks. I can handle it."