The End

Aaron

The hallways were quiet as students walked to find their different destinations. It was odd and very unlike the usual obnoxious behaviors of the student body. All that could be heard were the footsteps of his classmates and the occasional shutting and opening of a door. He kept his hands in his pockets as he walked down the hallway escorting the girls and his friend to the nurse's office. His thoughts were all over the place and he couldn't quite grasp the fact that he wasn't going home. He sighed as he thought of his little brother at the local elementary school. Was he okay? Safe and healthy? Did his brother bring his medicine with him? He couldn't help but think about everything that could go wrong. However, he wasn't the lead in all of the school's productions for no reason. He was a great actor and for now he would just have to play the part of the brave character who saves the damsel in distress and of course has his shit together. He looked over at his damsel trying to rack his brain for something to say or do but he was helpless.

"You okay man?" Roman whispered.

"Yeah, just thinking about Josh."

"He'll be alright. The teachers know what they're doing and they know about his special needs. You need to relax. Get out of your head."

Roman nodded and then looked over to their female companions specifically the tall blonde that was wearing his favorite jacket.

"I see...looks like little Joshy isn't the only thing you're thinking about," Roman chuckled.

Aaron gave him an annoyed look, "Shut up. You've had your eyes on Williams all day!"

Roman shrugged, "She's hot."

As the group rounded the corner the door for the nurse's office opened welcoming them in. The girls walked in first followed by Roman and Aaron. The room smelled like a hospital, a sterile scent filling the air. There were a couple of beds near the back of the room and chairs against the wall. The long counter against the side of the wall across from the chairs had a display of pamphlets on the counter. There were cabinets above the counter that were filled with medical supplies. The room was overall clean and orderly and very well maintained for a public school. The nurse led us over to the beds motioning for Kendra and her friend to sit down. Kendra sat on one of the beds and her friend went to sit down as well but instead ended up falling. Roman quickly moved to her side and grabbed the weak girl before she hit the floor. Roman picked her up bridal style and softly placed her on the bed. Kendra was beginning to freak out so without even thinking Aaron grabbed her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Kendra's friend, Abby I believe her name is, looked pale and sweat clung to her forehead. Her wound on her head was still bleeding and looked worse than it had when we found her and Roman in the hallway.

"I need one of you to get me a cloth with some water on it. I need to clean the wound to see better," the nurse said calmly.

He watched as Roman rushed to the counter and grabbed the nurse her supplies. The nurse put on some nitrile gloves and began working on cleaning the wound. She washed away the dry blood and softly dabbed at the wound itself. The wound was still bleeding and was deep. She gave the cloth to Aaron and told him to keep the cloth on the wound to control the bleeding. The nurse left and came back with a clean cloth, soapy water, a needle, thread and bandages. The nurse worked quickly cleaning and bandaging the wound. Aaron had to look away when the nurse sewed up the girl's head.

She looked over at Roman, "Talk to her. Make sure she doesn't fall asleep. She may have a concussion so she needs to at least stay awake for the next two hours."

Roman nodded. "Let's clean up your arms, dear," the nurse said looking at Kendra.

Kendra gave a small nod letting the nurse wash and bandage her arms. Aaron held her hand the whole time, comforting her. Aaron watched the process carefully. He gave Kendra a smile and tried to make small talk. Eventually, he forgot where they were and what he was even doing there. He got lost in his conversation with the optimistic blonde. They laughed as they told each other stories of past memories that seemed so far from this moment. The bell rang signaling the end of the day and Aaron looked up surprised. They had missed lunch and the rest of their afternoon classes, oh well.

Kendra cleared her throat, "I guess we should head to the homeroom. Figure out the school's plan."

"Yeah, you're right."

Aaron looked over at Roman silently asking if he was coming with.

"I'm gonna stay with Abby. I'll meet up with you later?" Roman asked.

"Okay, see you later, Castillo."

Aaron turned around and followed Kendra out the door. They ambled their way down the dark hallway wondering what the other was thinking.