Chapter 78: RICHARD
Relief washed over me as the doctor told us that Melissa will be alright.
I sat with her uncle and his family. Our principal, Sir James, was also sitting with us. Melissa didn’t have friends so those who had come to the hospital as mere acts of sympathy, they had left hours ago.
Her uncle had asked me to go with them, but I insisted on staying. Bree and Felix, his kids, had looked at me as if I was mental.
They kept staring at me and whispering to each other. I didn’t really blame them, I would also be confused if I saw the most popular boy in school hanging around the hospital because of a pariah he has never spoken to before.
My phone had kept ringing. My parents
were worried. It was around 6pm and I was yet to be back.
I didn’t believe in God or any of that religious shit people hope and believe in. But that day as we all sat waiting for the doctor, I prayed for Mel to be alright.
Guilt and my conscience didn’t make it easy for me. They taunted and blamed me. And they were right, it was my fault. If only I had put away my stupid image and reputation, Mel would never have tried to kill herself.
And the dream. A clear sign that she was in trouble, that she needed help, but foolish me had wanted to catch her alone. If only I had ignored what people thought and spoken to her as I arrived at school.
The doctor had applauded me for finding and bringing her at the nick of time. According to him, had any more time been wasted, she would have died.
Sir James gave me a pat as well, her uncle and his family told me that they were in my debt. He had said that while flashing hard glares to his kids, the ones who should have been watching Mel from the onset.
I was told she was sleeping and needed the rest, so I couldn’t see her until the next day. So I left.