Long Way Down

-Sammie

I awake in a hospital, my principle sitting next to my bed, with his eyes closed. I lean over, reaching for a glass of water, my throat, hoarse. Me, not being able to concentrate properly, knocks it over, and he wakes up.

He looks at me with big happy eyes.

“Sam! You’re awake! Thank the great Lord! Nurse! Nurse! She’s awake now!” he waved his long arms out the door as he hollered for assistance.

Two nurses stepped into the small room.

“Sam, we see you’re awake! How are you feeling?” the nurse quizzed me.

“Well, my throat is dry, and I have a slight headache.” The barely audible words were coughed out with the rest of the energy I had left in me.

“Alright, I’ll go get you some water. You have a small head concussion, and you’ve been asleep for about four hours- give or take, but you can go home as soon as the doctor has another look at you. Sound good?”

“Yes, good enough for now.” I squeaked the words out and sat up, hoping for the doctor to come in before I have to go pick Weston and Hunter up.

I sat in the small room as principle Newman continuously questioned me about the ‘events’ that took place at the school four hours ago. Our huge school didn’t have cameras on every hall. Three of those halls are exactly where my classes are, and you would think that I would get peace and quiet for my fourth block right? Wrong, I have that class with all of the boys.

“Sam, this abuse to you won’t stop if you don’t help me help you.” His eyes searched mine for hope that I would spill the beans to him. I couldn’t, I mean think about what would happen if I told on all the boys? I never did anything to them in the first place, and they beat on me. I cannot even fathom what would happen if I did do something to them- well more than what I do back. It’s frightening.

“Look, if I need help, I’ll tell someone, but I am perfectly fine. Alright?” My words slithered out like a snake. I didn’t mean to sound so rude and cruel, but this isn’t my first rodeo with stuff like this. I looked up at him, his arms reaching out to me.

“Please, tell me if you need anything- or if you ever want to tell me what’s going on” he started trailing off, still upset from my ordeal. – He’ll get over it.

“Well, could I have a few days out of school? With school and working, I’m not sure if my body can keep up.” I raised my head to look at the ceiling. Plain. White. Dull. I looked away, hoping he would say yes, but not wanting to make contact with him, knowing he’s staring at me. I absolutely hate when people stare at me. Especially the childish people at W.M.H.

“Yes” –Finally, I thought. “You can come back to school Thursday, that’s three days out, counting today of course and taking Friday to make up the work you’ve missed.”

“Thank you Mr. Newman, but could you have someone drop some of the work off at my place- Please? Feel free to give them my address. I can’t afford to take more time out of work on Friday to complete school work.” I pleaded with him, because financially, that wouldn’t work for me.

“Yes dear, I will, I will be going now, seeing as the Doc is here now.” Newman was always like a grandpa to me or something. He and his family would always invite me over during holidays, but I would politely decline, going to work instead or eventually getting around to cleaning my place.

After a thorough talk with the doctor, I was released. Realization hit me too quickly. My car, it’s still at the school. Damn!

I hauled a cab ride to the school, once there, getting into my car and leaving as fast as I could, avoiding all and any more human contact for the time being.

I sped my way over to the elementary school. Thank god. They are still here. I rolled the passenger window down and waved at the teacher who was monitoring the car riders. She marked their names off the clip board that sat in her pruned looking hands. They hoped into the car, immediately smacking me with questions.

“What happened to your face Sammie?”
-nothing

“Why were you late?”
-car problems

“What’s for dinner?”
-food

“Are you okay?”
-dashing

The kids bellowed at my responses, sulking in the backseat. They’ll get over it.

Notes

Thanks for reading!
l.b.