Student Survival 101

Chapter 3 Salty water

" Lift her up! Quickly!" We heaved Annabelle onto the table. Her limbs shaking uncontrollably, the shock of pain over whelming her nervous system. Hurriedly I ran to the biology prep room, conveniently placed next door.

" Bandages, bandages." I repeated in a mantra searching frantically; my eyes finally set on a first aid kit. A scream ripped through the air making me jump, it wasn't helping my nerves at all. Or any one else's for that matter.

" Shiiiiittt! Lil HURRY!" I ran back to the room as Darcy called. Annabelle was gasping and grabbing her side for dear life, brown eyes scrunched up.

" Lillith what are we going to do?" Sam was holding her arm, waiting for me to speak.

" Calm her down, Sam I need your help." He nodded and stood next to me. In an instant Maya and Michela came to Annabelle's side, stroking her head in an attempt to calm her. I took some gauze out of the bag and pressed it against her side. Trying to staunch the bleeding. She gave a whimper but didn't move.

" Sam, press on this. I'm so sorry Annie." I removed her bloodied cardigan, then unbuttoned her blouse to reach the wound. Her stomach was stained with blood, the skin unrecognisable. I made quick work with the antiseptic, washing gently the blood determined to stay. The room was quiet, almost peaceful but that was just a mask on the reality. Annabelle started shivering and fresh blood flowed from the hole in her side.

" She's bleeding again!" Sam's voice quivered.

" Just keep pressure on it!" I was starting to panic. It was like life had slowed, I looked around the room. All the others; Tony, Primrose, Rebecca, Riley. They were all huddled a mere metre away. Watching, hoping. I could make out some one calling my name; asking me a question but my mind was searching. Searching for something that would mean life or death. Then it hit me. I ran out of the room and up the stairs to the chemistry prep lab. Salt. I needed salt. " Hmm Sodium chloride? Yes! That's it!" I ran, bottle in hand, back to the classroom. " Sam I need a clean gauze. Now!" I rammed into the room and straight to Annabelle's side.

" What are you going to do with that?" Michela observed quizzically.

" Just hold her down." I poured some salt onto the gauze and soaked it with water; taking a deep breath. " I'm so sorry Annie." In an instant I pressed the gauze to the wound. It was like watching a chemical reaction about to bubble. Annabelle twitched then, she screamed. I screwed my eyes shut, trying to block out her tearful cries. It wasn't long till she stopped moving altogether.

" Annabelle!? Annabelle!? Wake up!" Maya cried as she tapped her cheeks.

" Don't bother, it's better if she sleeps. She won't be in pain." I took some bandaging and wrapped it around Annabelle's stomach to hold the gauze in place.

" At least the bleeding has stopped." Michela tried to add some optimistic cheer.

" For now at least."

" Looks like we're spending the night here." Sam grumbled before taking his blazer off and folding it under Annabelle's head. I surrendered my coat and wrapped it around her. She looked so small, swallowed by the jacket. Dragging a chair to the door way I sat down and leant against the door. Wrapping my blazer around my shoulders.

" You don't have to stay up and keep watch you know. I don't think it's very comfy on the chair." Primrose dragged a chair to sit next to me.

" I know, but I want to." I sighed and watched as everyone chose where they would sleep. Annabelle's face was relaxed and quite peaceful. No one would have known the horror she'd been through mere minutes ago.

" You should at least wash up before you sleep." I was confused for a moment until my eyes set on my hands. They were stained with dry blood and now, as I came to realise, my face had also acquired some crimson make up. I inwardly groaned and stood up; making my way to the sink. The soap filled my nostrils, thankfully removing the metallic stench of blood.