We Come Alive 5

Evaluation

The next morning, right when he got to work Ricky took off his sunglasses from the blaring sun outside and made his way into the athletic building. Instead of going to his office like he usually would to prepare for the baseball game he had today right after school, Ricky went to the infirmary and into Danny's office.

Ricky didn't bother to knock, seeing Danny was putting some files into the black filing cabinet in his office.

"I need to ask you for a favor." Ricky announced to him, leaning against the door frame.

Danny looked away from the files and to Ricky. He cracked a smile and chuckled seeing the unpleased look on Ricky's face. "You must be desperate if you're asking me." He admitted.

"Yeah...kinda." Ricky breathed, standing up straight and standing across from Danny when he sat down at his desk.

"What's up?" Danny asked, leaning back in his seat with a small smile knowing Ricky was in a tough situation if he came to him.

"I need you to evaluate Stephen," Ricky requested, "...or whatever you do."

Danny perked up hearing him say that, concerned. "Why? What's wrong with him?"

"He's had a lot of concussions in the last couple years." Ricky explained, grabbing a chair that was across the room and bringing to the desk to sit in. "When I first met him, he was this nice kid. Even through the last couple years he's been a nice kid and stuff. But lately, I've noticed he's more aggressive and getting into fights. Him and Baylor damn near got into it the other day. Over some dumb stuff. He's acting erratic, violent. With all these concussions..." Ricky sighed, rubbing his hand over his face.

"You think he might have CTE?" Danny asked, knowing that's where this was all leading to.

"Hate to say it, but it's a possibility." Ricky whispered.

Danny leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk too. "You can't diagnose CTE while they're still alive. Only postmortem. I can't pull him in here and give you a definitive yes or no answer. It's impossible."

Ricky frowned, staring at Danny as he talked. "What are you good for then?"

Danny laughed, shaking his head at Ricky. "I'll evaluate him and get back to you. Check him for head trauma or any conditions in his head or neck. I'll request him out of class later."

"Thanks...I guess." Ricky got up and walked out, not bothering to look back. As he left the infirmary, he heard Danny yell after him.

"You're welcome!"

~**~

Many hours later, Mateo and Ricky had to gather up all the baseball players straight after school to get on the bus to travel to their away game just a few miles away from the school. Once they arrived, the Jaguars stretched in the open grass field next to the baseball field while the coaches and umpires talked.

Diego stood with the rest of his friends as they got ready for him to get back together with Mila. Jose had convinced her to come to the game with a few of her friends, including Jessica, so they could put their plan into action.

Clover looked Diego with a serious look on her face. "Look at me." She told him, making him look her in the eyes. "Did you sleep with Hannah? Yes or no. Don't lie to me."

"No!" Diego admitted, adamant that he didn't do it. "Me and her didn't have sex."

Clover glared at him, but walked off towards Mila and her friends. She climbed up the small metal bleachers and sat down with them to talk. The boys watched Clover talk with her. The conversation seemed gentle and light as the two girls laughed and smiled throughout the entire time.