Running To You (A Kellington Fanfiction)

Chapter Eight: It Was Their Anthem

Kelly was standing next to Riker and Rocky, beside where her unconscious boyfriend lay on a couch offstage. “What’s wrong with him?!” she demanded.

               “I don’t know I looked over and he just went down!” Rydel said somewhere from her left.

               “Alright guys, back up a bit and give him some space to breathe.” Mark said, slowly guiding Riker away. Just then, Ratliff was suddenly aware of his surroundings.                       

Stormie and Cheryl kneeled next to where he lay and fanned his face. “He probably just got overheated.” Stormie said to calm all of their worries.

“Guys.” Ellington mumbled slowly. “I’m awake.” He said trying to sit up, but a pair of strong arms gently pushed his shoulders back into the soft material of the couch. He looked up and saw that it was Ryland. “Thanks buddy.” He said with a small smile. Ryland smiled back and let go of his shoulders.

“Ellington, do you know where you are?” Cheryl asked.

“We’ve gotta get back out there.” He said, ignoring his mother and trying to jump up.

Ryland was too quick for him though. This time, his hands stayed firmly against his shoulders so he wouldn’t move. He closed his eyes and groaned when he realized he wouldn’t be getting up anytime soon.

“Ellington listen to me,” Cheryl started, “We need to make sure you’re okay so you don’t have to go back to the hospital, okay?”

He nodded his head silently.

“Okay, where are you right now?” Stormie asked, still fanning his sweaty face.

“At the venue for the show. My name is Ellington Lee Ratliff. It is May 22nd. I am currently on tour with the band R5. And Barack Obama is the president. I know my name, the date, and the president of the United States.” He opened his eyes and looked at both of his mothers. “I also know that I need to go back out there and finish the show.” He said sternly.

“Okay, I think you need to lay here and relax for a little while longer.” Cheryl replied.

“Can I please sit up?” he asked gently.

“Yes.”

He slowly pulled his body, and Rocky helped by lightly pushing his back until he was in a sitting position.

“Thanks man.” Ratliff said, putting his arms on his knees. He looked up and saw that a few feet back from where his mom and Stormie were kneeling, Ross, Rydel, and Kelly were standing watching him with worried eyes.

Rocky nodded silently. He had seen his best friend go through way too much these past couple days.

He started to feel dizzy and lightheaded again so he put his head in his hands and breathed slowly. Cheryl sat next to him and put an arm around her son’s shoulder.

“Can I have some water.” He mumbled.

“Can someone get him some water?” Cheryl looked towards the three young people standing a few feet away. Ross bolted away in an instant and came back 30 seconds later with a chilled bottle of water. He handed it to Cheryl and she thanked him with a smile.

She took the cap off and handed it to her son. “Here you go. Drink slowly.” She said wiping his sweaty hair off of his forehead.

He took the bottle and sipped at it slowly and his breathing got a little heavier.

“Talk to me, Ell.” Cheryl said concerned.

“I’m fine.” He reassured her. “I think I’m just overheated. I’m really lightheaded.” He put the water bottle down and bowed his head, lacing his fingers behind his head. He looked down at his shoes and for whatever reason, imagined one of his and Kelly’s many date nights. Laying on the couch together, watching the Lion King; and his breathing slowed down. He slowly lifted his head and noticed that Kelly was still standing there, arms crossed, watching his every move. She looked like she was trying not to cry; and she probably was. He looked into her eyes, and she looked back into his.