Devil on the Rooftop [Book 1]

Chapter 102 - Loyal -

The next day, I made a pit-stop to the school with Hino. I had to slide something important into Arisa's locker before we went to check up on Zander. Despite what happened last night, I was calm and collected. I knew my girlfriend wasn't the type to sit still and trust me wholeheartedly, so I had to take measures into my own hands.

Hino's phone call couldn't have come at a better time. He contacted me almost immediately after Arisa went home and explained what happened at Grover Private. He said Khaleel left Zander in my sister's care and that we should lay low while his family handled things at the hospital. Dobberman and Nook were badly injured. Hino said Khaleel hadn't heard back from the associates but he expected those pricks wouldn't be causing us anymore troubles. I felt like I could breathe a little better and it was all thanks to Khaleel.

"He's headed to the hospital too," Hino said from beside me. We were seated in the backseat of my driver's Toyota.

"Makes sense," I replied.

Hino put his phone away. "You're not going to blame him for this, are you?"

"No," I replied. "He was only doing what the rest of us wanted to do. He could have asked for more back-up, but considering everything that was going on between us, I sympathize with his decision."

Hino smiled. "That's mighty big of you."

"Shut up," I grumbled.

Fifteen minutes later, we were standing in the general hospital's emergency corridor. Zander was admitted for overnight care because the doctors were still confirming whether he fractured his jaw or completely broke it. The receptionist told us to follow the red stickers on the floor, which led us to the private rooms upstairs. I was sure his family insisted on paying for it. I spotted Khaleel frantically pacing down the hallway and Tomasia seated on one of the many chairs set down the aisle.

"Hey," Hino said, stealing their attention.

Khaleel's eyes fell to me first but he didn't break contact. We hadn't spoken to each other since I accused him of being a creepy pervert. I knew I had a lot to apologize for but I wasn't sure if he would be willing to listen. Although, now wasn't the time for that. We had to call a truce for Zander's sake.

Tomasia stood up and joined us by the door. "What do we know?" I asked.

"It's a broken jaw," she reported. "He's going to need surgery, antibiotics, the works."

Hino frowned. "What did his parents say?"

"To me?" Tomasia asked. "Thank you. To you idiots? To stay away."

"Fuck that," Khaleel scoffed. "We gotta make sure he's okay in there. He's our responsibility too."

"I second that," Hino said.

"But let's not start shit with the woman who put him under house arrest for three days straight," I said.

"His mother's not the problem," Tomasia glared at us. "You idiots are the problem! Go sit over there and don't move until I tell you to!"

We scurried to the chairs and did as we were told. I didn't understand why Tomasia was getting so hostile with us? Zander wasn't dying or anything. What was she getting so bent out of shape for? Hino sat on Khaleel's left side while I got comfortable on his right. "Thanks for the heads up about my old man," he said, surprising me with his words.

"Y-Yeah," I replied nervously. "What horrible news did he bring with him?"

"He's getting married this summer," Khaleel droned. Hino's ears perked up and he jumped into the conversation. "Looks like I won't be an only child anymore. I'll have two fucking step-sisters to babysit."

Hino chortled. "Sorry," he said, straightening his expression. "Just pictured Khaleel nannying children like Mrs. Doubtfire."

"With the grey wig and floral dress?" I beamed.

"The whole enchilada," Hino answered.

Khaleel feigned a laugh and shoved us away from him. "It's not funny, you assholes."