Chapter
8
Nick slowly woke up. Looking
around he spotted Kevin sound asleep next to him. A smile played on his lips as
an evil idea came to him. Leaning over, he brought his mouth close to Kevin's
ear.
"FIRE!"
Kevin jerked awake and looked around frantically. His gaze finally rested on
Nick, who was hysterical.
"Nick." He growled. "If you think that's funny, you've got
another thing coming!"
"S-sorry." Nick choked out between laughter. "It was just
so...so..so perfect!"
Nick burst into hysteria again. Kevin rolled his eyes and looked up at the
ceiling. "What did I do to deserve these fools?" He asked it.
"Hey." Nick spoke up. "Where's Brian?"
Kevin finally noticed that Brian wasn't back yet. The nervousness punched him
in the stomach. Getting a soda shouldn't take that long.
"He's getting a soda." he answered calmly. "Although he
should be back by now. Wonder if he's having trouble?"
"I'll go check!" Nick offered. "Besides you probably want to get
rid of me anyways."
Kevin knew he couldn't argue that. He nodded and swallowed the lump that had
begun to form in his throat.
"Tell him to hurry up." He croaked.
Nick nodded and ran out the door. Kevin groaned and settled back in his
chair. He silently prayed to himself that Nick would find Brian beating the
soda machine or flirting with some young nurse. Suddenly he heard a rustling.
Looking up he spotted AJ restlessly moving around.
"AJ!" He yelped, jumping to the bedside. "Are you okay little
buddy?"
AJ groaned and opened his eyes. He looked around blankly for a couple seconds,
and then Kevin saw his eyes focus. As soon as he recognized his surroundings
fear darkened his eye.
"What happened to me?" He rasped.
"Nothing." Kevin assured him. "Whatever that drug, that was put
in your drink was, caused your seizures and-"
"Seizures!"
"AJ don't interrupt." Kevin scolded. "Yes, seizures. You've had
five more since you got here. Whoever did it overdosed you. That's what caused
your seizures. The doctors have given you meds to stop them."
"How long do I have to take it?" AJ asked.
"Probably the rest of your life." Kevin answered. "AJ, they
messed you up bad man."
AJ drew in a deep breath. He let the information sink in. He would seizures for
the rest of his life and he was only seventeen! That fact hit him hard.
Suddenly he remembered a terrifying thought.
"Did they get Howie?"
Kevin's head shot up at AJ's question. He could see the fear in his eyes
and hear it on his voice.
"Yes." he whispered.
Kevin saw AJ's eyes fill with tears. He had gotten along best with Howie and
now he was gone. The sight of AJ crying broke his heart.
"Is he dead?" AJ asked in a trembling voice.
'We don't know." Kevin sighed. "And it gets worse. You're their next
target."
"Wrong."
Kevin and AJ looked at the door to see a panic stricken Nick. His face was pale
and soaked with tears. He clutched a white envelope in one hand. Kevin felt the
fear rise in his throat. One word managed to float pass his lips.
"Brian."
***
