Flipped (L.T.)

Chapter 36: Allies

Authors note below!

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I reluctantly take my seat, but keep watch over my damsel in distress. All eyes are on her as she sits with her head on her desk, mute to the world. She doesn't even notice when Ms. Eckerman calls her name, or is just ignoring her. She waddles out of her desk to approach, trying not to be loud as she whispers something to her.

She scans the crowd and her eyes land on me. Ms. Eckerman signals to come and I'm there in seconds.

"I need you to take her to the nurse for me, o'kay? I trust you will make sure shes alright." She says assuringly.

"Of course." So much keeping our connection a secret. It was obvious as soon as I ran up to her.

The class is deathly quiet as Ms. Eckerman coaxes Eliza to stand from her desk. Her face is shielded by her hair and slowly but surely, she rises. I glare at the class, daring someone to speak during her distress. I swear if I hear a word of this, I'm kicking someones arse. I give Ryan the look and he nods, pulling the guys aside to give instruction I presume.

Eliza and I are on our own now as we exit the class. I tuck the pass away in my pocket and reach for Eliza's hand to lead her. This time she doesn't flinch away, but makes no effort to hold it. Shes still dazed, lost in whatever world she fell into. I want to ask what happened again but I don't want to drive her away. I need to keep her close until shes ready to come clean. If I bombard her with questions, it'll just turn into another instance where I'm left in the dark and she'll never tell me what truly happened. Its hard because I feel the second I open my mouth, it'll slip and so will she again, right through my finger tips.

We make it to the nurse and she visibly gasps as Eliza walks in behind me.

"Elly, my dear.. What happened?" She asks concerned, and pulls her in, sitting her on one of the tables in the back.

"What happened?" She turns to me when Eliza doesn't answer.

"I don't know.." I say, keeping my eyes on her, scared she'll disappear if I'm not watching. "She just walked in like..this."

"Oh dear." She repeats and shuffles around the office grabbing various supplies. "Let's get you cleaned up.

"You can leave now. Thanks for bringin' her in." She says dismissively but I know its just because her main focus is on Eliza. Cant she tell I want to take care of her too? I mean, we walked hand-in-hand, doesn't that say something.

"I'd actually like to stay..if thats alright." I say politely, hoping she'll let me.

"Sorry, but I cant have you in here while.." Her words fall as looks she looks down at Eliza's hand, holding tight on my jacket. So she does want me here. Its relieving and sad in the same breath. This must be bad.

The nurse has no choice but to give in. She must be very fond of Eliza to fold so quickly. I'm glad this worked to our advantage.

My little recollection is cut short when I feel Eliza begin to shake and the sound of sobbing catches my attention. Shes crying; and not for the first I presume today.

"Shh, Elly, its alright now love." The nurse coos, pulling her into an embrace. Eliza shies away, gripping me further. I replace the nurse's position once she moves and Eliza instantly curls into me, bawling her eyes out.

I wrap her securely in my arms, letting her unfold within me. "I'm here.. Its okay." I say gently, kissing her hair and rubbing her back to soothe her.

Who could have done this? What could've happened to make her resort to this? Could it be related to the instance where I found bruises along her side? A second occurrence of whoever's brutality. I want to find the person responsible and personally beat the shit of them. How could someone consciously do something so cruel; and to a girl as well? Thats unacceptable, unforgivable, and I will find that bastard and end his sorry existence.