The Sokolov Family (Completed)

Chapter 17

17

It came to the end of the day and Mr Lewis got on the microphone to thank all the parents for coming, to the students for their active participation and the teachers for making the event possible. He went on to remind the students that it was Friday tomorrow and that he would be expecting their attendance.

I had to admit I had enjoyed my day, even though it hadn't started out the best and I had been initially upset with Maureen for arranging the three footed race for myself and mum to take part in. In fact, that ironically turned out to be the turning point for my enjoyment of the day.

That changed as I made my way with Steven, mum and Sofia to the gate.

'Ryan...Ryan', I turned to see Maureen meandering through the departing families to get to me.

I stopped and turned to her.

'You need to come with me', she said urgently.

'What is it?'

She looked at my family, then back to me. 'It's Patrick, he's had an accident'

It was then that I realized that I hadn't seen Patrick since the sports day had started. I turned to my mum. 'I'll go home on the bus', remembering my politeness, I add, 'is that okay?'

'Sure. Go on'

I rushed off with Maureen, when we were out of view from mum, she stopped. I stopped next to her confused.

'He wasn't in an accident'. I was even more confused. 'He's been beaten up. The ambulance has been called'.

I looked around me urgently. He wasn't there. 'Where is he?'

Maureen placed her hand on my shoulder. 'It isn't pretty'

'Where is he?'

She looked at me for a while and then ran off saying, 'come'

I followed her into the school, down two corridors, into the science block. I saw a gathering of teachers and a few students before I spotted Patrick on the ground. I slowed as I got closer fearing the worse.

Patrick lay in the recovery position and Mrs Tillier, the Maths teacher had a wet cloth on his forehead, talking to him. His face was almost unrecognizable, it was swollen up and red. I heard him force a chuckle at a statement that Mrs Tillier said.

Somehow, Maureen and I made ourselves to the front of the crowd that had gathered and Mrs Tillier turned her head to us, knowing that we were his friends and whispered, 'he'll be fine'.