Republic of Omisha

Chapter 23: Clay

  He waits outside the infirmary impatiently. Steven filled him in on what had happened. He is missing his breakfast, but she's worth it.

Clay is worried for Eliza. He thought she was past this. He'll get her past this, whatever it takes. He just cares for her, and her wellbeing.

A doctor came out and told him that she had a concussion and a few bruising, but other than that she's fine. Clay entered the room to see Eliza.

She looked dainty lying on the med bed. She gave him a little smile as a "thank you" but she could tell that he was going to scold her.

He approached her bed and grabbed her hand. When he spoke, it was sincere, but kind. He would have sounded more stern, but he kept his voice low. "What were you thinking? They might expel you if you keep this up."

He avoids her gaze because he doesn't want to see her reaction. He runs his hand up her arm to her elbow. He smiles as he sees goose-bumps rise on her.

"They wouldn't expel me." She says in a confident tone, but she sounds very week, probably because of the pain in her head.

"Yes, they would. The board is already discussing it. Before you came there has only been two fights in the last five years, but now..." He lets his voice trail off as he sees her turn her face away from him.

He sighs. He doesn't want to upset her, so he starts over. "Are you okay?"

She turns back to him. He freezes as he sees... he's not sure what in her gaze. Anger? Despair? Grief? All of them at once. All, in one bone chilling look.

She pulls her hand away. She bring them both up to cover her face. She's not crying yet, but she's holding it back.

Clay leaves to get them something to eat, but promises to be back soon. He passes the room next to Eliza and sees Hendrix moaning on it. Good. He's finally been put in his place.

Clay understands that Eliza had to fight him, and win, otherwise, he would have kept attacking her.

He retrieves two apples, and two fresh muffins for them. When he returns to the room Valerie is next to Eliza, who now sits with her legs off the bed. They look sad.

"What's wrong?" Clay asks, bracing himself for the answer.

"I'm suspended, and if another fight ever breaks out, I'll be expelled." Eliza's gaze carries downward.

"But," begins Valerie forcing a little grin, "Hendrix is expelled."

Clay feels relieved. He also feels unsettled. "What does that mean for you?" He looks at Eliza, who peers at her hands, resting in her lap. "Being suspended I mean?"

He lifts her gaze to him. "Since this is a boarding school, I'm not kicked off campus. Instead I am restricted to one room and all my classes will have to be online. The only time that I will be aloud be with the other students is at lunch."

Clay takes that as his cue to leave. He turns to head for the door.

"No! Wait!" Eliza calls to him.

He stops and turns toward her.