When Two Worlds Collide (A Lab Rats Fanfiction)

Chapter 11

• Bree •

A few days have passed and it's finally time to see if my hard work from studying had paid off. Mr Finlay gave us another pop quiz about calculus earlier that afternoon. Compared to the test I did previously, I thought that I was able to go through smoothly with this one and that I was able to answer all of the questions with more confidence.

"I think I should be able to pass this time, Caitlyn," I told my best friend during our lunch break.

"You better. Otherwise, you'll keep having to hang out with that weirdo again," said Caitlyn in disgust.

"Who, Chase?" I asked. "He's not a weirdo? He's just... different."

"Oh, come on, Bree. That guy always shows up late for class and never gets in trouble. Despite being late all the time, he still has perfect grades. He has no friends, no social status, and no significant existence to this school."

"Caitlyn, how can you say that? What makes you think you know him well enough to say those things?" I hissed. "Maybe he's just independent and doesn't need people around much. You can't just judge him based on how you see him."

Caitlyn groaned and rolled her eyes. "Fine, I won't judge him. I still can't believe you're defending this guy. Do you like him or something?"

"No, of course not!" I exclaimed. "I hardly even know the guy myself. We're just friends."

"Yeah, right. Just friends, huh?"

"Yes, Caitlyn. Now just shut up and eat your potato salad."

***

"Alright, class. I hope all of you have completed your group project," our Chemistry teacher, Mrs Michelson, announced. Today is the last day for you to submit your folders. Since I know most of you would want to add some final touches to your assignment, you can use this period to do so. I want them to be all on my desk right here by the end of class."

I looked around in worry, wondering if Chase came to school that day. While he was helping me with my math, we took some time to discuss our project as well. We did manage to complete it, but I wasn't sure if Chase wanted to make any amendments to it.

It suddenly got me thinking about what Caitlyn said earlier during lunch. Chase was always late for class almost every day. Sometimes he could be late for the first period. Other times he would be late for the period after lunch. It came to my realisation that after all this time, I never bothered to ask him myself as to why.

"Bree?" I heard a voice called out. I looked up and notice Mrs Michelson looking at me.

"Yes?" I said quickly.

"Since your partner isn't here today, do you want to submit the folder first?"

"Oh, er... I don't know. I haven't asked Chase if he wanted to make any changes."

"Okay. Why don't you look through the folder yourself first? If you feel that there aren't any more mistakes, you can submit it."

I nodded and flipped through our project. I checked to make sure that there wasn't any spelling or grammatical errors. I also made sure that all our facts were correct and our explanations were well written. After making sure that it was perfect, I closed the folder and placed it on my teacher's desk.

I took the rest of the period to complete the rest of my homework. At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if Chase was okay. What could possibly be the reason for his lack of punctuality? It was usually the 'bad boys' who would show up late for class, but Chase didn't look close enough to a bad boy.

As if the universe could hear my thoughts, Chase appeared in front of the doorway.

"Sorry I'm late, Mrs Michelson," said Chase. Beads of sweat were dripping from his forehead and there was a cut just above his cheek.

"It's okay, at least you showed up. Take your seat."

Chase nodded and took his seat next to mine.

"Are you okay? You don't look so good," I asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," said Chase. "Did you submit the folder?"

"Yeah, I've looked through it and there were no errors."

"Great, thanks." Chase closed his eyes tightly and groaned.

"Are you sure you're okay? I can take you to the nurse's office."

"I told you I'm fine! Just stay out of it," he hissed.

I kept quiet throughout the remaining part of the lesson but my eyes were fixated on Chase. The cut along his cheek was still bleeding slightly and I couldn't help but worry.

The bell finally rang and the rest of the class had submitted their folders. While I was packing my things, Chase had already grabbed his bag and was heading out towards the door.

"Hey, Chase!" I called out. "Wait up!"

I dumped the rest of my things into my bag and ran out of the classroom, hoping to catch up with him. Just outside, Chase was on his knees and wincing in pain.

"Oh, my gosh, Chase!" I exclaimed and crouched next to him. As soon as my hand touched his forehead, my fingers were almost burnt from the heat. I pulled my hand away and shook it frantically.

"I need to take you to the nurse's office. You're really burning up," I said, trying to lift Chase up with whatever muscle that I had.

"No!" Chase exclaimed.

I jumped at the sound of his loud voice and loosen my grip. I watched nervously as he slowly tried to get up onto his feet, using the lockers next to him for support.

"I told you I'm fine. Just go home, okay?" Chase reassured once he was up on his feet.

"Are you sure? I can call a taxi for you," I offered.

"There's no need too."

Despite him telling me to leave, my legs were rooted to the spot. I didn't have the heart to leave him like this. I'd never seen anyone having a fever this bad.

I walked alongside Chase, making sure that he didn't lose his balance.

A few steps later, Chase groaned again and collapsed.

"Chase? Chase!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey, guys! I'm really sorry for the late update but here is chapter 11! I know it's a little short but I wanted to end this with a little suspense 😏 Anyways, the reason why I have been updating a little slow is because... I got a job! I'm working as a part-time cashier at a Japanese store called Daiso (do you guys have a Daiso in your country?) I work 5 days a week to I can only write my stories on on Fridays and Saturdays. During the first few weeks of work, I was too exhausted to do anything which explains my lack of activity. Now I'm used to the job a little, I can stay up a little late to type my stories. I'm really thankful of those that still have this book in their library/reading lists. Every time I see notifications flooded with your votes and comments, I get so touched and your comments are what motivates me to keep writing. I will try to update the next chapter as soon as possible!

Love you guys!!!

xoxo