Shirley Unfortunate

Chapter 9: Stabbed Repeatedly

Klaus opened his eyes to fresh rays shining through the light blue curtained windows. He checked the clock on his and Duncan's nightstand that read 7:30, he didn't normally wake this early unless his brain was trying to alert him that something was happening..but what? He put his head back onto the pillow before hearing a loud sharp coughing noise coming from the bed beside him. Startled, Klaus shot up and put on his glasses. he heard the cough again and then a pain filled whimper, he walked over to Duncan's bed and sat at his side worriedly.

''Duncan, Are you alright?'' Klaus noticed how pale Duncan was, like, even paler than the night before. 

He coughed again and winced.

''It's my chest.'' Duncan said in a hoarse voice, ''I feels like I'm being stabbed repeatedly, Ow!''

Klaus felt Duncan's forehead which was burning hot.

''You definitely have a fever,'' Klaus said, ''I'll get Miss Stacy.''

He hurried across the hall making lots of noise along the way some of which woke up Violet and Isadora,

''Klaus?'' Violet said, ''What's going on?''

''It's Duncan, he has a fever and he said he has sharp pain in his chest.'' Klaus replied panicked. ''Where's Miss Stacy?''

''I don't know, Is Duncan ok?'' Said Isadora clearly staring to panic.

''I don't know. But I'm going to find Miss Stacy.'' Klaus said and started towards their guardian's bedroom. He knocked on the door and opened it after hearing a soft ''Come in.''

''I think there's something wrong with Duncan!'' Klaus blurted out before Miss Stacy could even say good morning. ''He has a fever and he's in pain.''

''My goodness! Well, let's go see.'' Miss Stacy said getting out of bed.

Miss Stacy and Klaus went into the boy's bedroom to find Isadora, Sunny and Violet huddled around a wincing and weak looking Duncan.

''Duncan, what's wrong?'' Miss Stacy asked urgently.

''My chest hurts and I feel so dizzy,'' Duncan said. ''Do you think I'm sick?''

''I don't know for sure yet but you need to rest for today and we'll see how you feel tomorrow,''

''But today is when you enter the academics contest.'' Isadora said worriedly.

''It's ok Izzy I wasn't going to enter anyway.''

''You weren't?'' the four said in unison.

''No, but it's ok because....'' Duncan paused to cough harshly into his arm, ''Because one of you is going to win anyway.''

''I wouldn't go that far,'' Klaus said. ''It would be incredible if we even got in.''

''Well, one of you will, I'm sure.'' Duncan resolved.

''What are the other schools that are coming?'' Violet asked,

''The Charlottetown school and a school from Cornwall.'' Miss Stacy answered. ''Both schools are currently taking the same test to enter the contest as we are and they should arrive next week.''

Duncan coughed again, this time louder and scratchier.

''I'm ok, really.'' Duncan said seeing everyone's worried expressions, forcing a smile though he was clearly in pain.

''Even if you are I don't want to leave you home alone.'' Miss Stacy said pouring him a glass of water. 

''I can stay with him!'' Violet said quickly.

''Are you sure Violet?'' said Duncan, ''Then you won't be able to enter either.''

''I don't mind.'' Violet sat on his bed and put her hand on his, rubbing it slightly.

He blushed and smiled, making his pale face a little pink, and smiled at her gratefully. She smiled back.

''Well, we should be on our way for school.'' Miss Stacy said, ''Are you sure you children will be alright here all alone?''

''We won't be alone Miss Stacy,'' Said Duncan smiling at Violet. ''we'll be together.''

Isadora rolled her eyes while Klaus grinned.

''Oh of course.'' Said Miss Stacy, ''We'll see you two later.''

''Feel better Duncan.'' Klaus said before leaving the room.

***

Miss Stacy, Klaus and Isadora arrived at school. And not long after, the test begun. The only people from the Avonlea school that were entering were Klaus, Isadora, Anne and Gilbert. 

As Klaus and Isadora were about to take their seats they were greeted by Anne and Gilbert who came to wish them good luck.

''I'm sure you will both do splendidly!'' Anne said clasping Isadora's hand, ''But where are Duncan and Violet?''

''Duncan isn't feeling well and Violet is staying home with him.'' Said Isadora trying to hide how worried she really was

''Oh no,'' Gilbert said, ''If you'd like I could ask my mentor Doctor Mathias to take a look at him.''

''He's just resting now but if he isn't better by tomorrow we would be very grateful if Doctor Mathias could come.'' Said Klaus.

''Thank you Gilbert.'' Said Isadora.

''Oh, it's no trouble.'' He smiled.

''Ok children, please take your seats so we can begin the test.''

''Good luck to you both'' Klaus said.

''You too!'' Anne said excitedly, ''I'm positive you will both do great.''   

''Likewise.'' Said Isadora.

Klaus sat down at the desk that he would normally share with Duncan. He sighed looking at the empty seat beside him and looked over at Isadora who was tapping her hands on her desk; she always did that when she was nervous. Klaus began to feel even more nervous than he was before, he tried to calm down but his thoughts always traced back to Duncan. Which, was even more worrisome to think about. No!  he thought, I have to stay focused on the test.  

''Alright children, I have written your questions on the board so you can write your answers on a piece of paper, you may begin.'' Miss Stacy said flipping over a large hourglass to measure the time.

After everyone finished the test, they handed them to Miss Stacy and Klaus and Isadora went to bid goodbye to Anne and Gilbert.

''How do you think you did?'' Isadora asked the three.

''I have no clue!'' Anne said nervously.

''Me neither.'' Gilbert said.

They all laughed and wished each other good luck before walking home.

Sorry it took me so long to update. Please review!!!