A Different Path

Chapter 31 - The Future

Criticism spot! :)

Crutchie's POV

Right as the bell rang, I felt Jack run his fingers through my hair, making me smile. I looked up at him, seeing him smiling back at me. He continued to play with my hair for a few more seconds before stopping, focusing on me completely.

"How're you doing?" He asked, his voice weak since we just woke up.

"I'm okay," I said, surprised by how scratchy my voice was.

"Did you sleep through the night?" I shook my head, making Jack's smile drop.

"It wasn't a bad nightmare though, so I was able to go right back to sleep." I could almost feel relief wash over Jack, his smile returning.

"Well that's good," he then sighed, stretching. "Guess we should get ready." I backed up from him and rolled onto my back, being overdramatic as always. 

"I don't feel like it," I whined, making Jack laugh. "Uhg, fine."

I sat up after Jack stood, and he handed me some clothes. I got ready quickly and went to stand up, dragging my foot as always. The moment I moved it, though, pain shot through me, catching me completely off guard.

"Holy shit," I mumbled as I closed my eyes, hearing Jack rush over to me.. He grabbed me and held me up before I fell to the ground, and I clenched my jaw tightly as if it'd help me.

"How bad?" He asked, worry present in his voice.

"It's fine, just give me a second," I said through gritted teeth, the pain increasing. 

"I know that ain't true, you only swear when you're real scared or real hurt," he had to keep holding me as he spoke, knowing that if he let go I'd fall right to the ground. 

"It's getting worse,"  I managed to get out, and Jack helped me to get to the floor as gently as he could. "Sorry," I added, my eyes still tightly shut.

"Don't apologize, you didn't do anything," he said kindly, letting go of me. 

"You guys up there? You're gonna be late if you stay any longer!" Race suddenly yelled from below, catching both of us off guard. 

"Would a cold rag help? I could ask him to grab one," Jack offered, but I shook my head and looked at him, feeling guilty as I risked making us late.

"No, let's just go," I said, surprising Jack. 

"I think you should stay home," I shook my head a second time, pushing my hair back.

"I'll be fine, we can go." After a little hesitation Jack helped me up, knowing I'd continue to fight him until he let me go.

While we went to the square I stayed quiet, focusing completely on suppressing the pain in my foot. I kept doing this throughout getting our papes, too, and since Jack knew why I was being quiet, he didn't question me. After he had sent everyone out we left with Race, the two of them began to talk to one another, knowing that I wouldn't join in. We were nearly to the area where Race splits from us when the worst wave of pain yet overcame me, making me stop dead in my tracks while I slouched over, grabbing my stomach. The pain was now shooting up my entire leg, only making things worse.

"Crutchie?" Race said, studying me. I began to struggle to hold myself up as the pain increased, and Jack quickly noticed, rushing to help me. "Where is it hurting?" Race asked, clearly very worried.

"It's my entire leg," I said, only getting worse.

"Wait- your entire leg? I thought it was just your foot," Jack didn't even try to hide the concern in his voice, speaking quickly.