CHAPTER 7: FOUR

The charges that had been brought against Peter, were dropped on a technicality. Though, he had been promptly expelled and sent home to Alabama.

They all sat in the waiting room for the nurse's 'okay' to see Thomas.

Anita leaned on Nathan's shoulder while he squeezed her hand and Fred rubbed Jasmine's arms.

Janine peeked around the corner, as if her watchfulness could speed up the nurse's response.

Finally, the short stocky nurse peeked in, briefly giving Nathan and Anita the up-and-down look.

"-Follow me."

___________

They weren't prepared for the sight that met them.

Thomas was propped up on his bed, with several tubes running out of his face and chest. An odd translucent sheet covered his entire bed like a fish-tank.

"Hey -wheeze- guys."

"How are you, Thomas?" Janine asked, her eyes tearing.

"I'm -wheeze- fine. Can't you -wheeze- tell?"

At least he was well enough to make jokes.

"That -wheeze- bastard." Thomas said.

The doctors had said he had permanent lung damage and extensive scarring on his shoulders, neck, and chest. He probably would have to used an oxygen tank for the rest of his life.

"See my -wheeze- gifts."

All around him were flowers, cards, and balloons, given by his classmates and professors in the chemistry program.

"What did you -wheeze- bring me?"

They laughed. "I'm -wheeze- serious."

They stayed with him until visiting hours were over, when Dr. Kensington came back around to pick them up.

_____________

"If you need more time, I understand", she said.

"I can let your professors know."

Fred spoke up first. "No. We don't." Thomas, wouldn't have it.

____________

Thomas had been sent home to his county Hospital, to finish his recovery. It left a huge whole in the circle. They hadn't realized how much they appreciated his humor. And his academic gifts would be put on hold. That had hurt the most.

The only positive, was that because it occurred on school property, it fell under their liability clause. His working class family wouldn't have to worry about his medical bills.

It had taken awhile, but they finally fell back into the rhythm of their classes. Because they lost Thomas, they clung to each other that much harder. The attack had brought home the reality, that no one member of their circle was more in danger than the other. It could be completely random.

If they had spent their life worrying about specific people, who had threatened them, like they did for Rebecca and Ben, they wouldn't get anything done.

Nathan and Anita were more open with the affections. Many people gaped, stared, whispered, and at worst showed pity at the held hands and loving looks. …That had been expected. But there were also a few who they could tell had been routing for them.

Professor Brunstein winked at them in the hall, as she passed.

____________

Anita, Jasmine, Fred, and Janine sat in the back of the bleachers watching the guys warm-up.

Anita whistled like a pro.

"Runners on your mark-"

"-Get set"

-pop!-

Nathan sped around track, with his friends cheering him on, for the first time.

Ben heard the whistling and looked back, watching Anita and Janine hoot and cheer, while Fred and Jasmine, behind them were engaged in a kiss.

____________

Nathan came in third place, but by the way Anita celebrated and embraced him you would've thought he had won.

They walked back to campus talking about the various track and field events, they'd seen.

"Did you see Troy through that javelin?!" Janine asked incredulously. "He almost hit that guy!"

Anita and Nathan laughed.

Fred and Jasmine lingered behind, kissing under the bleachers.

"Hey!" Ben said. "Whatcha' doin?"

"What does it look like?" Fred answered, irritated and ready for a fight.

Jasmine tugged on his sleeve and indicated the five guys he had with him….

"Yeah…" a big ugly one said. "She's almost white."

"Get behind me, Jasmine." Fred said…

"And when I say, you run…"

They closed in.

"-YOU BOYS GET BACK TO YOU ROOMS!-" Said the voice in the police car.

Ben sucked his teeth and looked her up-and-down.

"I'll see you later…" He winked and stalked off. "Come on guys."

Nate, Nita, and Janine were running up… "We noticed you weren't behind us, anymore!"

"I knew something was wrong." Janine said.

"You got the campus police??" Jasmine asked, ready to thank her.

"No, I think Kensington's been having them follow us." Anita replied.

"It's a good thing, too." Nate said. "You shouldn't go off alone like that."

"Yeah." Jasmine said, looking thoroughly shook up.

"Jasmine, you don't go anywhere alone from now on. I don't care if it's to the bathroom, you let one of us know."

"If you're with Nate or Fred, hold the door open and let them have a look, before you go….I'm mean it." Anita said.

Jasmine nodded vigorously.

"I'll talk to the Chancellor."

_____________

"The police have already been by." Kensington said.

"So, what about Ben?"

"My hands are tied. He hasn't done anything."

"–Yet." Anita said.

"Yes."and Kensington sighed

"I've done what I can…The police will continue to keep close watch on you."

"And for that, I thank you, but I'm still afraid." Anita replied.

"Me too."

_____________

Once again, they were back in super-defensive mode.

It was getting exhausting. Anita was afraid someone would break under the pressure.

This was getting ridiculous.

_____________

Jasmine came down the steps, holding Fred's hand, her bags packed.

He looked forlorn.

"I can't stay. I have a feeling they'll succeed if they get another chance…I'll visit before the semester is out." She said lowering her head.

"I'm sorry, I failed you guys. I'm just not strong enough."

"Nonsense!" Anita said.

"You're following your gut, which is a common sense move. Don't feel guilty for saving yourself."

She gave hugs all around and kissed Fred.

A car-horn honked.

"I'll miss you guys." She said, tears streaking down her face.

This time the car that took her away was a down-to-earth model.