Just Another Lie, Right? [Kleinsen]

•5•

Oh shoot it gets kinda gay.
Well I guess that's why you're here.

--

Well shit.

Before me, lying on the sidewalk is an unconscious Evan. God damnit.

I stood there, staring at him. What else was I supposed to? I was hoping that he'd wake up like three seconds after fainting, but no. Something was wrong with this boy.

After probably about three minutes of mindless staring, I walked up and kneeled beside him. "Evan wake up, you dingus." I said, trying to keep my tone lighthearted.

Given the circumstances, one would assume I was the reason Evan fainted. Scientifically, though, that doesn't really make sense. Yes, I pay attention in science class. Surprise.

I put my hands on his shoulders and lightly shook his body. Still, nothing.

Is he dead?

A sudden wave of panic washed over me with that though. There is no way I killed this boy.

I could call the hospital, but I knew Evan's mom was working a shift that night. If she found out Evan was hurt... well, let's not go there.

But I can't just leave him lying in the middle of the sidewalk!

I mean.... I could..?

I sat criss-crossed beside him, staring at his unconscious body.

I looked around for something I could do to help him. I saw a nearby water fountain and realized I was a little thirsty. I walked over and got a sip before looking over back at Evan.

Why did he pass out? Right before he did, he was talking about how he didn't like lying to the Murphys.

And then he just... kinda... passed out?

Ok but who does that?

I'm no doctor, (trust me, I know that), but I know a few reasons why someone could pass out. Heat, exhaustion, dehydration... etc, etc.

I wish I had one of those doctor tools they have hanging around their necks, because then I'd look certified to do this stuff on a sidewalk:

I walked up to Evan and sat back down beside him, putting my hand on his forehand. Maybe he was overheated?

But it was the beginning of fall, and, to me at least, it felt super cool.

After a second or so, I heard Evan say, "Jared... what are you doing?"

I jolted back, surprised from the sudden awakening.

"Jesus, Evan!" I exclaimed, "You can't just-" I looked at him for a moment before scrapping that sentence and starting a new one, "I was trying to keep you alive." I huffed.

"Oh, uh, thanks."

"Sit up." I said blankly.

"W-what?"

"Sit up, you intellectual." I said, slightly aggravated. Evan looked at me strangely, and I rethought what I just said.

God damnit, I accidentally complimented him.

That's not my job.

"I- uh- Forget it! Just sit up, Evan!" I yelled, more annoyed with myself then him at this point.

He sat up quickly, and I shoved him back down carefully. "Slowly, dummy. Sit up slowly. You wanna pass out again?"

He sighed and waited a moment before slowly sitting up.