Language of Love

Mart

Before I know it, we're back in school. I've got new kids, it's second semester. I still know quite a bit of them, some in Student Council, others I've seen in the hallways, and some who come in my room with their friends because they thought I was cool.

I go through the same presentation I did on the first day of school. This new group of kids isn't as interesting as my last.

Nothing interesting really happened until March. March would be hell.

I wake next to Fitz in the morning, as I have done since November. We're looking for new place, but for now we still live in my apartment.

Tonight, we're going to go see another one. I'm excited, from Fitz's description, it's seems perfect.

My first period is fun. I agreed that we could have a party for the Ides of March. Ides of March was always a doomed day, but I had no idea.

My second period walks in afterwards, also ready for a party. While I'm giving instructions, the announcement system comes on.

"We are under a lockdown. We are under a lockdown..." Says the woman. I'm confused, I hadn't gotten an email about it. She continues, "This is not a drill. This is not a drill. There is an active shooter in the building." I gasp, involuntarily. My heart begins to beat, but I've been trained for this. I know what to do. I hold a finger to my lips, as if I taught Kindergarten and flip off the lights. I pull down my shade and I see Mr. Coleman and Fitz do the same, across the hall. I lock the door and sit in front of it. I have my kids line up along the wall. Everything is silent, everyone is silent. I see a couple kids dialing 911. This is real. Completely and utterly real. I calm breathing as much as I can.

Everything is silent. Until it's not.

Across the hall I hear a gunshot, followed by screams. Then I hear a man's scream, "Stop." All I can think is please don't be Fitz. Please don't be Fitz. Don't be my Fitz. I can't lose my Fitz.

I hear another gunshot. And one more. Another. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Silence. I hold my breath, my students can sense it too. I hear footsteps approaching. Oh god. We're next. I blink to keep the tears from rolling down my face. The next gunshot, not only can I hear, but I can feel. I feel the door behind me rattle as a shot passes through the lock. No.

The door is thrust open from our under me. I slide across the floor due to the powerful force that slammed my door down. There stands the gunman. I watch as he turns to my students and gets ready to shoot. It's not until I hit his body do I realize I had thrown myself at him. My chest hits his shoulder as he's firing bullets. He doesn't let go of the trigger as we fall to the floor. Bullets hit the ceiling, I feel piece fall on top of me. He tries to aim his gun and shoot me. I feel it. Right through my collarbone. I yelp but I try to strangle the man. I feel my nails dig into his flesh. I'm not strong enough to hold him down. He jerks up violently and I fall the floor. I stay as still as I can. He leaves.

I'm already half way out in the hallway. I drag myself the rest of the way and shut my door. I just have to see if he's okay. The 12 feet from my door to his is excruciating. Just one more push. Okay. One more. Another. You're almost there. I look back, just for a second to see the trail of blood following me. One more push. I'm halfway there. Keep going. Don't stop. One more push. I can feel the door just with my finger tips. I scoot one push closer, letting out a groan.

"Fitz." I croak. "It's Gray. I know you can't say a word back, but I love you and I don't know if I'll see you so, just..." I say but I can't say another word. I'm not strong enough. Whatever adrenaline I had is gone. My head falls to the floor. I made it. I said what I had to say. It's okay.

Let go.

✿✿✿✿✿

Her voice echos in Fitz's room. With his hand over his mouth, he hears her cries and goodbyes. A tear falls from his face. Then another. Two. Three. Four. Five. They don't stop.

His students look over to him, wondering if he'll respond. He doesn't, even when she doesn't finish her sentence. It's when her blood rolls under the door and wets his opposite hand that he can feel the pain. Seven horrific minutes later, the announcement goes on one again.

"This is Deputy Barrier, the suspect has been taken into custody. SWAT team is sweeping the school. Teachers, if you would like and feel prepared, you may exit your classrooms. Please do not let any students outside yet. We'll be around soon."

Fitz swings open his door and sure enough, there lays Gray. Her right hand is stuffed into her collarbone. Her eyes look up and a small smile appears on her face. He scoops her up and carries her down the hall.

A police officer points his gun. Fitz looks from his love to the officer.

"Please. Help us," He pleads.

The officer glances at her limp body. He knows he's not supposed to let him go. The bloodstains on his clothing and the pain in his eyes forces him to give in. He lowers the gun.

"Medical attention is outside." The officer says.

He pushes through the doors and see a magnitude of ambulances, news cars, police officers and families. He goes to the nearest ambulance.

"I need help," He says to the paramedic who had already started barking commands at the others. They take her from his arms.

"Come on in, sir." The paramedic says.