"They knew. And if they didn't, they did after seeing you at the hospital, begging the nurse every five minutes to let you see Dean. That team is like a family. They take care of their own. That's why they were all there tonight, and why they keep offering to give you rides and stuff."
"They really are good guys. I always thought football players were assholes but these guys are different. I saw that tonight. I couldn't believe they all showed up." I yawn. "I think I'm actually getting tired. I might be able to sleep."
"Good to know I can put you to sleep."
"I didn't mean it that way."
"I know. See you tomorrow. Want me to pick you up?"
"You don't have to. It's out of your way."
"I'll be there at seven. I'll make Evan sit in the back. Bye!"
How did I get so lucky to find a friend like her? Someone who checks on me in the middle of the night? Spends hours waiting at the hospital with me? Goes out of her way to pick me up so I don't have to ride the bus? There isn't a single person at my old school who would do that.
Finally feeling relaxed, I fall asleep, dreaming of Dean being healthy again, wishing I could be with him.
Chapter Seven
Dean
"Get away from her!" I yell as his hands grip her neck, his fingers digging into her delicate flesh.
I yank him back, my fist positioned and ready to strike. I slam it into his throat. His eyes widen and he makes a choking sound. I hit him again, this time in the face, then throw him against the wall.
"Dean, no!" she says, sputtering and coughing as she tries to breathe. He choked her, almost killed her, but he'll never do it again.
Rage fills my veins as I look at him, giving me that smirk, thinking he's smarter than me. Stronger than me. Thinking he's going to win.
I grab the gun and aim it at him.
He doesn't look the least bit scared. "You wouldn't do it, boy. You don't even know how to use one of them. You're too stupid."
"Let's find out," I say, pointing it at his chest. I pull the trigger.
His body jerks against the wall. His jaw drops, his eyes narrowed in confusion. He didn't think I'd do it. I surprised him. For once, I proved him wrong.
"Dean, stop!"
Her screams don't faze me. She doesn't understand. None of us are safe if he's alive. I thought I could trust the system but I couldn't. They let him go.
I shoot him again. He falls to the floor. It's not enough. I have to know he's gone. I shoot him once more, then stand over him, watching the blood pour from his chest.
"Rest in hell, Dad." I walk over to Brook. "It's okay. He's gone."
Brook's slumped down on the floor.
"Brook, it's okay. You can get up now."
I pull on her arm. It's limp. And cold.
"Brook?" I kneel down to her, my heart thundering in my chest. "Brook, get up!"
I turn her over and see her face is blue. "Brook! Brook, wake up!" I feel for a pulse. Nothing. No pulse, and she's cold as ice. "Brook!"
"Get a doctor," I hear someone say. I feel someone pulling on my arm, then something touching my chest.
My eyes open and I see a nurse hovering over me.
