One Step Closer to Gone: Amber

Chapter 9

As I walked toward the fountain, I discovered Justin waving me over. I walked over quickly with my head down and shoulders slumped forward, hoping no one noticed me.

"Did you hear?" He whispered. His voice was so quiet that I had a hard time hearing him.

"Hear what?" I asked him.

"Marli was taken to the nurse's office this morning. She's still in there." He looked down, obviously worried.

"Do you know what happened?" I asked. He reached up and pulled me back down to his eye level.

"She hit her head. She's unconscious," he said, still in a whisper. My eyes widened. "The doctor said she'll probably wake up tonight, but she may not be at her fullest."

"I'm sorry, Justin. I know how much you care about Marli. I'll find out what I can." I put my hand on his shoulder.

Tears were visible in his eyes. He hoped Marli would be okay. He's loved her since they met.

* * *

As I walked to the nurse's office, I fiddled with the lavender pleats in my skirt. I hoped Marli as okay, but I wanted to wait until tomorrow to visit her. I told Justin that I would update him on her condition, though.

Boys weren't allowed to visit girls, that's why Justin had asked me to visit her for him.

I knocked on the door to the nurse's office.

"Yes?" A muffled voice emerged from behind the door.

"I'm here to visit Marli Kingston." I cracked the door open, gently.

"It's after hours," said the nurse in a monotone voice as she stared at the computer screen.

"I'm her room-mate," I said. "So I need to know if she's alright." I walked in, not caring if she wanted me to get out. I had to see Marli.

"Who's there?" I heard Marli's voice, nearly a whisper.

"It's me. Are you okay? What happened?" I asked as I pulled a stool up beside her bed.

"I'm fine." She smiled.

"What happened?" I repeated.

Marli thought hard. She looked rather confused. "I... Don't remember..." She rubbed her head and had a worried expression on her face. She glanced up at me and said again, "I don't remember."