Euphoria

CHAPTER 14

   *FINN’S POV*

    When Tinsley walked into the cafeteria, I saw her first. Before I even had the chance to wave, Jax was smiling and waving like a crazy man at her. I watched as she smiled and that’s when I finally noticed the guy behind her. Tony.

    They weren’t holding hands this time but Tony had his arm around her shoulders and it gave off a protective vibe. I scowled to myself and then turned around, trying to ignore Jax and Tinsley talking over my shoulder. 

    It made me jealous how carefree Jax and Tinsley’s relationship was, while mine and Tinsley’s relationship was so delicate. One wrong move and it was like I could push her over the edge. It made me clench my teeth and burrow my fingers into my palms. Why couldn’t I do anything right?

                                                                                                ****

    “Go help your mom get the sugar from the pantry. Be careful, it might be open.” My father said to me, pointing in the direction of the pantry. I was only seven years old and when I got the sugar from the pantry, it slipped and the small crystal like particles went everywhere. 

    I stood in the midst of it all, unmoving, unsure whether to cry or apologize immediately. My father stomped in, a few minutes later and after he took one look at the mess, he immediately turned to me. 

    “What did I say?” He glared at me and I immediately burst into tears. Before I knew it, my father had dragged me out of the pantry and gotten the wooden back scratcher. 

    “This will teach you to be more careful.” Then I felt the wooden back scratcher on my butt. My father beat me with it, not stopping until I was on the ground, curled into a ball, shivering and trembling every few moments. 

    “Now, you will get up and clean it up.” He sneered at me and then turned on his heel and left. 

    That wasn’t the only time he beat me. I still remember the other time when I was ten and accidentally ruined his flowers with my bike. I had fallen off, hit my knee, and was already crying when my father stormed out of the house, took one look at the flowers, and dragged me into the house, whipping me. 

    My childhood wasn’t bright but somehow Tinsley had come in like the sun after a large storm. I needed her but seeing her around my friends, it seemed as if it was just me that needed her.

                                                                                            ****

    There was a shout at our table and it jerked me out of my tired state. I rubbed my eyes and looked around the table to see what was going on, only to see everyone looking at Tinsley. I turned my head and the next thing I saw made me freeze.

    Tinsley’s entire right forearm was covered in red. Her shirt sleeve didn’t even seem to be there anymore. I stared at her unmoving, frozen in place.

    “Someone get her to the nurse!” Jax’s voice brought me out of my shock and I stumbled out of my seat. Tony, or whatever the guy’s name was, gently stood up and pulled Tinsley with him. 

    “I’m fine. Guys I’m fine!” Tinsley said aloud, covering her arm with her free hand. I stared at her in disbelief. Her arm was literally covered in blood and she was saying she was fine? I shook my head and then leaned into her, “You are not fine. The more blood you’re losing the more weak you become. And I’m sure Goldfish gives you a lot of nutritional value don’t they?” 

    Tinsley blushed and ducked her head, avoiding my gaze. I scoffed and then gently took her free arm. “Come on.” I was about to tug her toward the exit of the cafeteria when someone said, “I can do it.” I turned and came face to face with none other than Tony. 

    “I said I could take her.” I glared at him, feeling angry. Who was he, thinking he could just barge in like this? I opened my mouth to retort an answer back to him when Tinsley let out a groan beside me.

    “I- I feel dizzy.” I whipped my head to face her and when she started sliding out of my arms, I quickly and gently hoisted her up into my arms, bridal style. 

    “I’ve got her.” I said to Tony, then I carried Tinsley out of the cafeteria and towards the nurse’s office.

                                                                                            ****

    “She needs stitches.” The nurse said, facing me. Tinsley was lying on the bed in the office, eyes closed. She looked unconscious but I knew she was awake because every once in a while she would shift and let out a whimper.

    “As a school nurse, I would need to call the hospital but…” she trailed off and looked over at Tinsley’s huddled form on the bed. A few minutes ago when I brought Tinsley in, she had grabbed my arm tightly and said, “Please. I can’t go to the hospital. Please.” 

    I had gently shushed her and gathered her in my arms. I didn’t know what she meant but from the amount of blood leaking out, she would really need to see a doctor. 

    “She needs a doctor and parent consent. I don’t think I can provide that.” I glanced over at Tinsley and she let out another whimper. It tore at my heart that I couldn’t do anything for her. 

    Suddenly a thought flashed in my head. It was brief and sudden but it was also bright and made my heart throb. Maybe I could help her after all. 

    “My uncle works as a doctor in a nearby hospital. I can take her there.” I said, aloud. I nodded and then stepped closer to Tinsley. But when I reached out to take her into my arms, Tinsley shrunk away from me and rasped, “I can’t- I can’t go to a hospital. I-I-” She shivered and let out another whimper. 

    “Tinsley. We have to go to a hospital. No more arguing. Come on.” I reached out and tugged her into my arms. I had no idea what she meant when she said she couldn’t go to the hospital, but one more look at the wound on her arm, made me hug her closer to me and pick up my pace. I wasn’t there when Tinsley disappeared but I was here now and I was determined to stay. 

Monday bluess! I'm getting a little more busier as summer is starting, with swimming lessons, and my part-time job but I promise I will continue updating. I might make the chapters shorter and have more updates or do y'all want longer chapters and less updates? Let me know in the comments and I'll try to do it :) Thanks for reading and please like, comment, and follow! ~Hazel.