If only all love was so pure

Chapter 7

Ren

Recess

I walk to the spot April and Naomi sit and to my surprise they aren't here yet. I look at my phone 10:50 am. I try calling Naomi but it went straight to voicemail.

I make my way over to Naomi's locker and see her falling to the ground. April is shaking her over and over. I race over. April looks at me, her eyes glassy. Naomi passed out.

I pick her up bridal style and hastily made my way to the sickbay. April follows close behind. I place Naomi on the bed and take a seat next to her.

April explains what happened to the nurse, I try to pay attention but all I can focus on is Naomi. Her face is etched with pain, her breathing is heavy and her forehead is covered in sweat. I grab her hand to somehow comfort her. I intertwined my fingers with hers and gave her hand a tight squeeze.

She shoots up from her sleeping state, taking deep breaths. The weight on my heart lifts. April starts asking her lots of questions. I space out. I see her looking at my hand. I let her hand go, getting up from my seat.

She gets ready to leave sickbay and all I can do is look at her. Our eyes meet and I look away. I wasn't there for her, again. Ashamed of myself, I leave without a word.

-

My phone vibrates in my pocket as the final bell rings.

The text reads: "Hey Ren. I am planning to have a sleepover at my house tonight? Naomi and Dean are coming also. I want to help Naomi forget about school for a little while. So, are you in?"

I reply with a simple yes. She quickly responds with a smiley face emoji and her address and the time.

Shoving my phone back in my pocket after telling my parents my plans for tonight, I head home.

---

Naomi

The drive to April's place was short, even so we managed to squeeze in some songs. I was dancing in my seat, April couldn't help but laugh at my silliness.

We just finished the third song by the time we reached her house. I waited until the garage door went down before I exited the car. April and I stepped into the house which was much warmer than the garage was. I took my shoes of and placed them by the front door before heading to the living room.

As I enter the room I see April sitting next to someone I can only presume is Dean, and Ren sitting on the couch opposite them. I sit on bean bag opposite April. I sink right in.

"Have you guys eaten yet?" April asks. We all look at each other then blankly stare at April. "Ok ok, I get the hint. I'm going to order some pizza. What kind do you want? Ren?"

"I'll have Margherita."

"Really? But that's so plain." April whines. "Ok. Naomi?"

"I also feel like Margherita..."

April sighs a deep sigh. "Ok then. You guys can share a large, and Dean and I will get meat lovers." She gets up off the couch and heads to the kitchen to call the restaurant.

"So, I'm Dean by the way. It's nice to finally meet you both." He says. He has a somewhat deep voice. I take my first good look at him. Brown hair, brown eyes. From what I can see he is tall and well built.