Bent (Merome)

Chapter 28

 Something wet was on my cheek. That was the first thought I had when I regained consciousness. I tried to lift my head, but everything hurt. I couldn't move. All I could do was open my eyes. I saw Rose and June talking quietly. I couldn't make out what they were saying. I tried to speak, but all that came out was a low moan. Both of their heads whipped towards me.

“Mitch? MITCH?!” Rose yelled, sliding to her knees and putting her hands on my shoulders. I gasped in pain. Her hands flew back up immediately.

“Shit! Holy shit! I thought- Mitch! I thought you fucking died!”

I smiled, but still couldn't talk.

“Is there anything we can do?” June asked quietly. Rose shook her head.

“I don't think so. I mean... Yeah, no. He just needs to heal a little. Wait, maybe some water?” She turned back to me. “Water?”

“Mm-hm.”

Rose jumped to her feet.

“I'll go find some. Give me a minute,” Rose said, starting towards the forest. After a second, June breathed out loudly.

“Hey, Mitch.”

She paused, like she was waiting for a response, but I couldn't. She seemed to remember that and continued.

“I... I thought you were dead, too.” She paused again, but this time it was just a thinking silence. “I guess I'm glad you're not. I've grown to tolerate you.”

I smiled, but she was looking off in another direction.

“Jerome...” She took a breath. “Jerome hasn't woken up yet.”

I felt my heart skip a beat.

“He has a pulse. Just... A weak one. I d-don't know what we're gonna do.” Her voice broke.

“Sorry. I should probably wait until you can look for yourself. I'll shut up.”

It was quiet for a couple more minutes, then Rose found us again, carrying a bucket of water.

“Where did you get that bucket?” June questioned.

“Found it,” Rose replied. She got down on her knees and took some in her hands.

“Close your eyes,” she warned me. I obliged. I felt water run down my face. I didn't realize how much I'd needed it. I could feel myself relaxing.

“Umm... I don't think that's what he meant by 'I need water,'” June commented. Rose chuckled.

“I think this is working just fine,” she remarked, observing my expression. I opened my mouth, trying to catch some of the water. When a drop hit my tongue, I realized how much I really needed some.

“Here,” Rose offered, moving the bucket over to me. I sat up, biting my tongue against the pain. I waited for a minute, trying to swallow the pain, then I plunged my whole face into the bucket, holding my breath. I heard the muffled laughter of the girls. After I ran out of breath, I lifted my face out of the water, panting. Not only had I satisfied my thirst, I'd cooled down my sweaty face.

“Jesus christ, I needed that,” I breathed. Rose grinned.

“You can talk again,” she commented. I nodded.

“Hurts like a bastard, but I'm moving.”

They both smiled at me. My eyes drifted over to Jerome's unmoving form. Without saying anything, I crawled over to him, placing a hand on his chest. He was burning up.

“Dammit, Jerome,” I whispered, closing my eyes.

Turning back to Rose and June, I blinked tiredly.

“Do you mind if I take a nap? I'm still pretty wiped out.”

“No, I forbid you to sleep,” Rose said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Go ahead.”

I smiled at her, then laid my head down on Jerome's chest. My ears strained for his heartbeat, just barely picking it up. His breathing was ragged and uneven.

Shit, Jerome. You have to live through this. You HAVE to.

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Tiny little update.

...

Nope, that's all I have to say on the matter

-The Moon's Shadow