I Thought You'd Never Ask... (a story rewrite)

Poor Daniel

//David\\

Crying for the past half hour doesn't seem to be doing any favours for my face. I was as red as a tomato and sweat mixed with my stream of tears. Gwen may have bandaged up the stab wounds from Nurf, but she can never bandage my disappointment for Nurf's poor behaviour. I gasped in pain as I opened the car door, an unpleasant feeling shooting up my arm.

I speed away through the bumpy dirt roads towards Sleepy Peak General, restlessly shifting around in my seat. Gosh, I wonder how far Daniel's recovered from the Kool-Aid incident? Such a nice guy didn't deserve this, poor Daniel.

Once I arrive, I step out and breathe in the fresh outside air, smiling widely. Not used to going into town, I've prepared a nice outfit to be at least presentable for Daniel; a dark grey flannel shirt, my favourite pair of khaki shorts, and a lovely navy blue bandanna fixed around my neck. Entering the hospital doors, I veered straight for the vending machine and bought some dark chocolate. Then I made my way down the pristine hallways towards room 168, where Daniel was! Cracking open the door I could see he was facing away from me, breathing softly. Probably sleeping.

I carefully laid the chocolate bar down on the bedside table, startled when Daniel spoke up. "David? Why are you here?"

"Hello! I got you some chocolate that you might like, though I'm not too sure what you like because we haven't really talked that much and...hang on, how did you know it was me?"

"You're the most likely person to have visited...no one else has." Daniel slowly turned in his bed to face me, struggling a little.

"Oh...well anyway, hope you're not too sick for some chocolate!" I held up the bar in front of Daniel, smiling. Daniel looks a lot paler than normal, I must say. He eyed the chocolate warily. It looks like he appreciates it! Well, I hope he does.

He turned his head to stare out the window. "One of the nurses said I'm good to go in two weeks," Daniel announced solemnly, his bright blue eyes looking a little dim.

"I'm not going to buy you chocolate every day!" I exclaimed harshly, then covered my mouth in realisation. "Sorry for shouting." I weakly apologised.

"It's okay." Daniel offhandedly replied, turning back to glare at me.

Not knowing what to do in the silence, I held out the chocolate. Daniel slowly took it, turning his back on me and curling into a ball. I walked to the other side of the hospital bed, seeing Daniel nibbling slowly on the chocolate. Placing my hands on my hips, I cocked my head to the side and grinned. "You like it?" He didn't answer, but he stared at me. Then he handed me the other half he hadn't eaten. "Thank...you?" I was more than puzzled, but sat beside him on the bed and happily ate the rest of it.

Daniel suddenly bolted up, holding a hand in front of his nose, and I turned around. "What-What's happening?" A drop of blood spilled out onto the pure white blanket, and Daniel reached for the tissue box on the bedside table. I held out a hand towards him, not knowing what to do. Daniel quickly pressed a tissue to his nose, then pulled it away to look down at the blood. No, he's got a nosebleed! Should I go get a nurse? Can he handle this? Is this the first time? I jumped up, stuffing the wrapper into my shorts pocket.

"I'll be fine." He was so...nonchalant. So calm. I paused, still panicking.

"Really?!"

"Just..." Daniel sighed, "Just go back to camp. I'll be fine." He lightly dabbed the tissue to his nose, the blood starting to lessen.

Determined, I crossed my arms and shook my head. "No, I came here for a reason. I want to help you get out of this hospital a better man. I want to be a good friend!" As I talked I ambled over to a cushioned brown leather armchair, sighing.

"Hey, David, could you get me some water?" Daniel leaned back on his pillows.

"Anything for a friend!" I jumped up, pouring him a small glass from an ice cold water bottle. "Daniel, what do you say to becoming an official Camp Campbell counsellor after you get out? You're perfect for hosting our wonderful camp activities since everyone loves you!" I smiled wide, eyes shining. Hopeful.

"Well, David-" Daniel started, but the door creaked open. It was a nurse.

"Visiting hours are over, buddy. Come back tomorrow morning." The redheaded nurse informed me dutifully.

"Ah, yes, of course! Won't be a moment!" I waved as she left. "We'll continue this talk tomorrow. Say, can I..." Approaching Daniel, I held my arms out for a quick hug.

"No."

How could one simple word crush me so easily? My arms dropped and my smile almost faded. "Well, I'll be seeing you!" I coughed awkwardly, then made my way to leave.

"I'd prefer to be alone, actually." Daniel bitterly replied as I was about to close the door. I looked back, but he was staring out the window at the rain that had started falling.