Targets

Chapter Four - Matt Nichols

Logan nodded.

“True sh*t, I didn’t think you would catch on quickly. You think a lot.” Logan said.

“Nerd.” Stacey said.

“At least I didn’t hide behind Mitchell.” Bella said.

The class laughed.

Bella walked towards Mitchell.

“How are you?” Bella asked.

The nurse wasn’t there yet.

“It looks bad.” The coach said.

“Don’t you have an ice pack in the office?” Bella asked.

“Yeah, one moment.” The coach said.

He walked away and went to the office, it had a large glass window facing the gym. Bella took Mitchell’s shoe off slowly and carefully, then his sock. Kieran and Logan looked at her.

“I still think it.” Logan said softly.

“She’s clearly a gymnast.” Kieran said.

“Shut it, she is more than that.” Logan said.

“How much though?” Kieran asked.

“She’s talented. She’s in a band.” Logan said.

Kieran shot him a confused look.

Logan nodded as he walked closer. He recognised this injury. He has caused it repeatedly.

“Right, well I will pop it back into place. Then you need an ice pack on it and you have to go to the hospital in case you tore a ligament.” Bella said.

“How do you know?” Mitchell asked.

“I’ve seen my fair share of injuries.” Bella said.

“The bullying?” Mitchell asked.

“And the training.” Bella said.

“What training?” Mitchell asked.

Logan and Kieran looked at each other.

“I used to do dance and Gymnastics. I was very sporty a lot. I’ve bent my ankle so far backwards that I’ve had this injury a lot. So trust me, you will be okay. Just recheck in case there is an injury under the skin I can’t see.” Bella said.

She smiled. But then she looked at him.

“This will hurt though as I pop it into place. You need someone to hold you.” Bella said.

“I’ll do it.” Logan said.

Logan sat behind Mitchell as the coach came back.

“Also call an ambulance.” Bella said.

He nodded. Everyone heard his scream as she popped it back into place. He cried but Bella hugged him and comforted him. Bella hummed a song which oddly comforted him. Logan heard her humming and looked at her.

“What club is it? I want to see you perform with your band.” Logan said.

Mitchell looked at Bella.

“Can I please watch? I promise to behave. I want to, as a thank you.” Mitchell cried softly.

“God you look like a child when you cry. I can’t say no to kids.” Bella said.

She looked away and sighed.

“I’ll text the details to Logan tomorrow and he can text you the details.” Bella said.

Mitchell nodded. He rested his head on her shoulder as he cried. Kieran watched her as she looked genuinely sweet and caring. His dad was calling him.

“Hey dad, what’s up?” Kieran asked.

“What’s going on? Why was that girl hanging from the roof?” Matt asked.

“That was Bella. She was getting a stuck ball. How did you see it?” Kieran asked.

“Logan sent me a video. So, he thinks she is BB?” Matt asked.

“I can guarantee that she isn’t. She just said she was a dancer and gymnast. She just helped pop in an injury and is comforting an almost 18 year old by humming to him and being sweet. Since when does that sound like BB?” Kieran asked quietly.

“You make a point. But what if he is on to something. Just keep an eye on her.” Matt said.

“Logan already is, I am pretty sure she broke through his walls. I think he is head over heels in love with her.” Kieran said.

“Don’t be silly.” Matt said.

“Wait, you will see.” Kieran said.

“He’s really different near her?” Matt asked.

“Instead of letting someone suffer, he helped hold him so she can pop their ankle back into place. He’s talking softly to her. Softer than he’s ever spoken to Milly. Dad he is like a completely different person, we have to tell Milly to act like it’s normal. If she is BB, if Milly says he is different, then we lose our chance at the lead.” Kieran said.

“I understand.” Matt said.

“I’ll be home a bit later, I am going to buy something for her as a gift. Logan said something that surprised me about her. So I want to surprise her. Apparently she is talented and musical.” Kieran said.

“She can perform for us?” Matt asked.

“He didn’t say what instrument.” Kieran said.

“Find out.” Matt said.

“I overheard she is performing with a band in a club soon.” Kieran said.

“Where?” Matt asked.

“I don’t know, you called me.” Kieran said.

“Talk later.” Matt said.

Matt hung up.

Kieran sighed and saw Bella and Logan was gone with Mitchell.

“Where did they go?” Kieran asked.

“They went to help him out the front for the ambulance.” The coach said.

“I’ll help as well. That way Bella doesn’t need to carry his weight on her.” Kieran said.

Kieran ran out quickly and saw them near the end of the corridor. He reached them and extended a hand.

“Coach said I can help so Bella doesn’t have weight on her.” Kieran said.

“Thank you, but I could manage it myself.” Bella said.

“So, what do you do in the band?” Mitchell asked.

“Not the time, I will tell you when you are finished in the hospital.” Bella said.

“Please, I want to know.” Mitchell said.

Bella sighed.

“He’s injured.” Logan said.

“Then you tell him.” Bella said.

“Bella plays drums, guitar both bass and acoustic. Keyboard and she sometimes sings.” Logan said.

“Whoa, how good are you?” Mitchell asked.

“I’m nothing without my band. They make me better. Anyway, I am performing in a gig next week and I am happy because it’s the first time I have the confidence to wear the outfit they chose for me. Its this mini denim skirt with fish net stockings and these black boots with black mini singlet with denim mini jacket. It’s the same shade as my hair, so they want me to wear it. I am just happy being a part of something. They will be singing one of my songs.” Bella said.

Kieran stayed quiet as he listened.

Logan and Kieran were having Mitchell’s weight on their shoulder’s as Mitchell talked to Bella.

“Why did you tell us to bully you instead of others?” Mitchell asked.

“Why would I let others be bullied? I am strong enough to handle it. I have been bullied my whole life. If I can give the others a break, even if it’s for a while, then I am grateful to give them one.” Bella said.