Academy Everlasting

Chapter 10: The Plan

Chapter 10: The Plan

Once lunch is over, the guys all get up and start to clean up the mess. I slowly stand up too, wincing as my ribs protest the movement. I go to pick up my plate but Victor beats me to it.

"Go rest on the couch, Princess," he tells me, giving me a soft smile. His smile fades and he looks at me in concern. "Unless you are suddenly feeling better?"

All conversation stops, and I feel everyone looking at me. I'm confused, why are they all looking at me like that?

I start to tremble and the shaking movement hurts my ribs. Realizing they are all still waiting on my answer, I shake my head from side to side.

"Still hurts," I whisper, trying not to whimper at the pain. I hear several guys give sighs as they start moving again. I can't help put sigh too, wishing the medicine really did work that fast.

Victor lays a gentle hand on my back, "I'm sorry it still hurts, Princess, I was just worried that you might have a bad... reaction to the medicine, which is why I asked. Let's go get you comfortable."

He keeps a warm hand on my back and ushers me out of the kitchen and onto the couch. He grabs one of the blankets that Luke had brought and gently covers me.

"Do you need anything else, Princess?" he asks and I blush at the concern and care in his tone.

The one thing I really need to do, I don't want to ask him to help me with, so I shake my head no.

He looks at me for a moment, before gently cupping my cheek. "You can ask us for anything Sang, we all would gladly help you however you need us to." Victor gently caresses my cheek and then let's go and straightens up. "We'll be right in the other room, call out if you need us. Once we are done with the mee.. cleaning up we'll join you and discuss the plan, okay?"

I nod and watch as he exits the room. What was he going to say? I wonder, as I set the blanket aside and slowly, painfully stand up. I make my way to the bathroom, holding onto the wall for support. Grateful that it is not my dominant hand that is injured, I quickly take care of my bladder, flush and then wash my hands.

Looking at the mirror, I grimace at my reflection. My hair looks greasy, and hangs limply around my pale face. My eyes have deep shadows and there's a purpling bruise across my cheek where she had managed to hit me.

I shut off the water, and turning away from the mirror. I dry my hands and exit the bathroom. I head back into the living room, but with every step I take my ribs hurt more and more.

It hurts so bad that I end up leaning against the wall to catch my breath. I'm about ready to call for help, when I hear North's voice in a furious whisper.

"I don't fucking care how many times you've tested it safe," the next couple words are muffled but I catch my name and 'overruled, disagree,' before I clearly hear, "if you are wrong and you hurt her, I swear I'll make you pay for it forever." North growls.

"Enough, Mr. Taylor," Mr. Blackbourne's tone is sharp. "I would never have allowed her to take it if I was worried that the formula hadn't been exhaustedly tested and deemed safe. The only reason it isn't being distributed to the public is it is hard to explain what the active ingredient is. Now, I suggest we move on to the next item to discuss and get out to her before she starts to worry. Dr. Green still needs to wrap her injuries and there is much we need to discuss."

Worried that they will think I've been purposely eavesdropping and not trying to catch my breath, I hobble back to the couch and settle myself, trying not to whimper as I sit back to quickly.