The Turn of a Page

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

            After managing to carry Baz up the stairs, Toby and Derek were in and helped Charlie; we placed him on his bed and I thanked Charlie about fifteen times before he eventually went to bed.

            Placing my attention back on my top priority, I went and sat by Baz’s side on his bed. Stroking his hair as gently as I could, I cried heavily and felt my tears hit my leg as they dripped down my cheeks.

            ‘Oh, Baz. I’m so sorry this had to happen. And I know you probably don’t want to see me right now, but I want you to know that I won’t leave you.’ It was hard to talk knowing that he couldn’t talk back, but I refused to transform as it wouldn’t help. ‘I don’t understand why you’re angry with me, or why you shouted, but I don’t want to lose you and I want to put this right. If you don’t want me to be a wolf, then I won’t. I won’t change anymore from tonight.’ He pushed his muzzle under my hand and then slid his head along my palm. ‘Hmmm, please get better soon. I’ll stay with you until you are.’ I stopped talking and lay down beside him on the bed with my arm over his chest which was still heaving randomly.

*****

            It took about two weeks for Baz to heal, but his muscles still ached whenever he stretched too much. Hardly letting him out of my sight, though trying not to seem too clingy or protective, I allowed myself to try and relax knowing that he was safe once again.

            In the two weeks I had spent watching over him, Baz, Charlie and I didn’t go to school; we had a lot to catch up on. After the talking and worrying, we did eventually go back. We were now sat together in the back of one of our English classes; Baz and I were in each other’s arms, trying to make things seem normal.

            The bell rang, which made me jump, Baz chuckled as we stood up and walked out of the room towards our next classes. ‘I’ll catch you later. Be good,’ Baz said as he kissed my cheek and then wandered off with a wave.

            I made my way to History, hoping I might bump into someone I knew. Just as I rounded the corner, my head hit someone else’s. Once the pain had subsided, I looked up. ‘Ethan!’ I exclaimed. ‘Oops. We really need to stop bumping into each other like this.’

            We both giggled. ‘Yeh,’ he agreed. ‘Where are you heading?’

            ‘History. What about you?’

            ‘History too, I guess we’re in the same class this term.’

            ‘Well you do know you’re going the wrong way? Follow me.’

            He followed. ‘Thanks, I’m still not totally used to where all my classes are. I’ve never been good with finding my way round things. This school is so big. How was your holiday?’

            I admired his attempt to keep the conversation flowing. ‘It was... eventful. Baz took me on a very interesting camping trip with some friends of ours. Somewhere in the hills up north-ish,’ I went on to explain. ‘How was yours?’ I asked.

            ‘It was average. Nothing much happened in mine. How was camping with a load of werewolves then? I imagine you didn’t get much sleep.’

            Opening the classroom door, I let him walk in first. ‘No, they howled nearly every night, and there was a bit of arguing between two of them. But long story about it all and I won’t bore you.’ We sat down and let the next two hours go by slowly.