♘ Be Brave ♘

LXXVII

I don't think - I run. Holding Cassandra in my arms, I race over to the infirmary. Damn it, Cassandra! I told you to go see a doctor! I'm already breathing heavily, but I refuse to stop. She'll be fine. She's just tired. She'll be fine. I chant this over and over like a mantra, but it's not helping.

The blood is still seeping down her nose, and I can't wipe it away. I need to get her to the infirmary first. I arrive there in record time, and the nurse is surprised to see me. "What is it now?" For some reason, she sounds annoyed. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"Isn't it obvious? My girlfriend is unconcious!" She glances at Cassandra. "Oh. Okay. Bring her over to the examination room and lay her down on the table." I do as I'm told, and take a seat next to Cassandra. The nurse puts on a pair of gloves, and busies herself checking on Cassandra.

Then, she turns around, as if noticing me for the first time. "Why are you still here? I'd be much obliged if you'd leave the two of us alone." I frown. "But-" She points at the door. "No buts. I'll make sure your little girlfriend leaves my infirmary alive. Get out."

I know it'll be pointless to argue, so I force myself to obey. I claim one of the chairs in the small waiting room and try to calm down. Just then, Lauren and Zeke burst into the room. "What happened?" I wince. "No idea. That nurse is as friendly as Eric, and she just told me to get the hell out of her precious examination room."

Lauren sinks down to one of the other chairs, and starts crying. "This is all my fault. I shouldn't have yelled at her-I shouldn't-" Zeke embraces her. "Shhh. It'll be okay. She's going to be fine." I try to hold back my own tears as we wait for the nurse to come out.

The clock ticks as time goes on, each second feeling longer than the one before it. About an hour later, the examination room door opens. "Y'all can come in now."

We don't need to be told twice. Inside, Cassandra is awake, resting atop the examination table. "I'm so, so sorry, Cass! I never should have yelled at you. I guess I was just... jealous because you were spending more time with Four. Not that I blame you, of course. God, I'm such an idiot-"

Cassandra laughs, but it sounds forced. "Can't argue with that. C'mere, you." Lauren walks over to give Cassandra a hug. Enough with the small talk! I turn around and face the nurse. "What happened to Cassandra? Is it bad? Will she be okay? She has to be okay."

I'm rambling, but I don't care. I don't care. I don't care. The nurse makes eye contact with Cassandra, and they seem to be having a silent conversation. Cassandra nods, and looks at each of us in turn. Then, she clears her throat, and, as calmly as possible, says, "Guys, I.... I have leukemia."