Chapter five: The California Border
He pulled away nervously, wide eyed. Looked down for a second. Then he jumped out of the stall and I heard his boots clack against the floor. There's something me and my ma have in common. I unlocked the stall and scurried after him. I heard a machine buzz as I entered Rowan's room. "Hey, Bucky, why'd ya leave? What're ya scared of me?" I asked playfully. Doctors rushed in and pushed me, Bucky, and Rowan's parents and brother out into the hallway. "She's flatlining," I heard a doctor cry in distress. My face went pale. I had completely forgotten the incident in the bathroom...until the next day.
. . .
"The California border," Mr. Savage said. "A place so shaky that if you built your house there, it could be split in two when a hurricane came along," I glanced back at Bucky. Turns out he'd already been staring at me in the first place. Rowan walked in dizzily, and Cory rushed in behind her to help her into her seat. "You okay?" I asked. "Yes. Hi, Peyton." she replied. He peered at her. Then at me. "Uh...hi Rowan," he answered uncertainly. It was pretty clear that he was deciding between me and her. But I didn't want to interfere...oh wait, it IS my business. "Honey," I said. "Bri, what are you doing?" he asked. "telling her the truth. She deserves to hear it." she threw a nervous glance in my direction. "Bri? Wh-what are you talking about? The--truth...I th-thought I knew it--" she cut off. "--all," she hesitated to finish. "Looks like her medication for her ankle hasn't quite worn off yet," sighed Mr. Savage. I nodded. "You...do," Huckleberry lied. "You're lying Peyton. I can see it in your eyes," Rowan observed. "Humph," I scoffed. I looked at him. He looked at me. "You two. Hallway. Now..." Rowan said, standing up. "I'll come to!" said Cory, a little TOO enthusiastically. "Uhm..for stability," he rushed out the door behind her. I nodded at Bucky and we went with them. "What happens now?" he asks as we leave. I shrug.
TO BE CONTINUED...
