Recovery

Chapter 6

After another hour of playing music, we lay down on the floor together, laughing because our voices both cracked at the same time. My throat was so sore, and I take a moment from laughing to groan. Laying on the floor was not good for all the bruises that I have. Immediately Brent stops laughing.

"You okay?" He rolls over and stares at me, looking into my eyes.

"Ya, I'm okay, I hate it that everyone is always hovering, like I'm made of glass or something. Like, if people could back off a bit that'd be great." Oops. That sounded a but harsh, especially since my tone sounded bitter. I glance at him, and thankfully, it doesn't look like he took offence. I sheepishly grin at him, and he sticks his tongue out before a devilish look sneaks onto his face.

"You're not made if glass? Let me test that theory," we both scramble to our feet, and I start running down the stairs and into the yard, with Brent following close behind.

I let out a girlish squeal and sprint diagonally across the yard, my pinky-toe slowing me down just slightly.

"I got-" Brent thought he had me, until I swerved. "Ah!" I look behind me just in time to see Brent hit the ground on his side and I slow down and turn around.

"You okay?" I ask, looking at him closely. I hear him groan, and he's rolling on the ground, holding his wrist. Funny, I thought he landed on the other side?

I creep towards him, and bend over him. "Brent? You okay bro?" I really hope he didn't break his wrist.

"GOTCHA!!!!" He grabs me and starts tickling my sides.

"Aaaah!" I scream and then collapse into a fit of giggles. "Stop! Stop! No, Brent I'm gonna pee!" I say amidst my giggles. "Ow! My bruises!"

"What do you say?" Asks Brent, holding my arms down and sitting on me.

Suddenly, I feel claustrophobic. I think back to that night, and start struggling. Brent turns into a hooded figure, and I scream, trying to escape. Suddenly, the weight lifts from me, and I see Brent staring at me curiously.

"You okay Lex? Sorry, I knew that was too much." He ran his hand through his hair and reaches down to help me up.

"Ya, it was just... A flashback" I finished, my voice not much more than a whisper.

Brent leans in, tilting his head toward me. "Whatcha say, Lex?"

So I repeat myself. "A flashback," I say strongly. "Just a flashback."

Brent visibly relaxes and reaches down for my hands while stepping on my feet. We've done this since I was little. I grab his hands, and he pulls me to my feet. I'm temporarily dizzy and I put my hand to my head and the ground starts to tilt. Instantly Brent was by my side.

"Ugh! Lex! I forgot, you've barely eaten anything today! You ate breakfast and then that was gone." He checks his digital watch, while keeping his other arm around my shoulders. "Oh great. Mom's gonna kill me when she hears. It's already three o'clock!"

He starts walking towards the house and I lean in towards him, and walk with him. We walk through the already open sliding door, and close it behind us. I lean heavily into Brent, I feel exhausted.

"You okay Lex?" I look up at him, and he looks down at me.

"Ya, just really tired," I say as I try to stifle a yawn. I look up at Brent again, and he's still looking down at me, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Before I know what's happening, he scoops me up, with one arm under my arms, and the other under my knees. I sigh and lean my head against his chest. My stomach rumbles, and my eyes feel heavy. I try to keep them open, so I can eat a little bit, but I can't resist the desire to close my eyes. Just for a second, I tell myself.

I lied.