Chapter 25 Risky Decision
Chapter 25 Risky Decision
ELOWEN BENNETT
The next day, Alaric was still not at school.
I noticed it the moment I walked into the hallway. His usual presence tall, confident, commanding attention without even trying was missing. The empty space beside me in English class yesterday had already felt strange, but today the absence felt heavier.
I stopped at my locker to grab my books for first period. As I closed the metal door, I nearly jumped when I saw someone standing right there.
It was Andrew.
He was dressed in full hockey uniform — pads, jersey, and all looking like he had just come from morning practice. The sight of him in that gear made my mind do something strange. For a split second, it transported me back to Alaric. The same broad shoulders, the same athletic build, the way the uniform made him look powerful. But Andrew’s face was softer, his smile warmer.
“Hey,” he said, holding out a small gift box wrapped in simple blue paper. “This is for you.”
I blinked, surprised. “For me?”
“Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little shy. “Thank you for keeping me company during detention yesterday. It was actually fun. Most people would’ve been annoyed at getting in trouble because of me.”
I took the small box carefully, feeling warmth spread across my cheeks. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
“I wanted to,” he replied with a gentle smile. “Open it when you get home, okay? No pressure.”
Before I could say anything else, he gave me one last bright smile and walked away, heading toward the gym.
I stood there for a moment, staring at the little box in my hands. My heart felt oddly fluttery. Someone had gotten me a gift just for talking to them. It was such a small thing, but it meant more than I wanted to admit. I quickly slipped the box into my locker, deciding to wait until I got home to open it. I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing or asking questions.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of classes. I kept glancing at the empty seat where Alaric usually sat, a quiet worry growing in the back of my mind.
Then, during third period, our homeroom teacher made an announcement that made my stomach drop.
“Attention everyone,” Mr. Harlan said, his voice serious. “Some of you may have noticed that Alaric Hayes has been absent. He was involved in a car accident last night. He’s currently in the hospital. We’re told his condition is stable, but he’ll be out for a few days. Let’s keep him in our thoughts.”
A car accident?
My mind raced. His father had told me it was just a minor injury from practice. Why was he still at the hospital? Why had they said it was minor if it was bad enough to keep him there?
The rest of the class passed in a fog. I barely heard a word the teacher said. All I could think about was Alaric lying in a hospital bed. The image wouldn’t leave me alone.
After the final bell rang, I made my way to the biology classroom. Mr. Harlan was packing up his things when I approached his desk, nerves twisting in my stomach.
“Mr. Harlan?” I said softly. “Can I ask you something?”
He looked up, surprised. “Of course, Elowen. What is it?”
I took a deep breath. “I know Alaric and I are partners for the cellular respiration project. Since he’s in the hospital… I was wondering if you could give me the address so I can visit him. I want to check on him and maybe bring him the notes we’ve worked on so far.”
Mr. Harlan hesitated, frowning slightly. “I’m not sure if that’s appropriate, Elowen. Hospital visits are usually for family.”
“I know,” I said quickly, my voice pleading. “But we’re group partners, and the project is due soon. I really want to make sure he’s okay and see if he needs anything. Please… I won’t stay long.”
He studied me for a long moment, clearly conflicted. Finally, he sighed and wrote something on a sticky note.
“Alright,” he said, handing it to me. “This is the hospital and room number. But only if his family allows it, okay? And be respectful.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, clutching the note tightly.
As I left the classroom, doubt flooded my mind. Would Alaric even want to see me? After the way he had shouted at me in the cafe, after telling me to stay away from Andrew, after everything… he might hate that I showed up at the hospital.
Still, I couldn’t shake the worry.
I went straight home, changed out of my school clothes, and freshened up. Before leaving, I opened the small gift box Andrew had given me. Inside was a beautiful bookmark with a delicate illustration of a night sky and stars, and a small note that read: “For all the stories you escape into.”
I smiled softly, touched by the thoughtful gift, then slipped it into my favorite book.
Grabbing my bag with the biology notes, I headed to the hospital, heart pounding the entire way.
jumble of emotions, was I caring too much for somebody that doesn't give a damn about me, he clearly told me I wasn't his friend. I didn't know if thr vist was necessary.
What if he told me to leave?
What if he got angry again?