I never should've told Rapunzel about my...accident. I know I've told myself that ten times a day, every day for the last week.
But I think I'm finally about to exhaust her endless supply of chill.
Students ambled past the nurse's office, heading to and from homeroom that Monday morning, but more than a few paused by the door and waved to Crenshaw High School's head nurse.
Rapunzel clearly didn't have time to stop and make small talk, toting several boxes of bandages under one arm and a case of antibacterial ointment under the other. She flashed a nervous grin and nodded towards the clump of students.
"Sorry, guys. Jacob, Della, Ajit...we can do more splint practice if you stop by during homeroom. Or tomorrow morning. Or...whenever, just not this minute...sorry. Have a fantastic day."
Hands clenching and unclenching a white, heavily starched cot-sheet. Teal eyes scanned the length of the pale blue, drawn curtain...but quickly flicked down at the flicker of a shadow. Heavy-buckled, leather boots. An uneasy gulp, chin drooping.
Oops. Again.
With an exasperated huff, Rapunzel yanked open the curtain, and quickly closed it right behind her. Eyes flicked from a faded black Three Days Grace t-shirt frayed and ripped at the hem, and down to dark blue jeans sporting nasty tears on each knee. Yanking on a pair of blue latex gloves with two sharp snaps, Rapunzel cleared her throat and brushed fingertips under Anna's chin. "Eyes up."
Anna flinched at the contact, cheeks rosy as she gulped and nodded. Then groaned. Then chuckled self consciously before going rigid. "I...I told Elsa I was getting a ride with you this morning."
Does she even believe me any more? Is this...god damnit, it has to be making things harder for you.
Rapunzel let out another heavy exhale, then brandished her ophthalmoscope as she waved it past Anna's eyes. "I am Jack's utter lack of surprise." Fingertips slid from chin to cheek, and then over to the opposite cheek, as Rapunzel scrutinized both of Anna's ears.
"Any blood today?"
Anna nodded at that, then ducked her head as she raised her right arm and turned her forearm outward. A rough, dark abrasion stretched from her elbow to her wrist, and her meek smile fell right into a miserable grimace as Rapunzel began to clean and disinfect. An uneasy stammer. "I am getting better. I think. I smack into walls less...pretty sure, anyway."
Or maybe I've just clunked my head against steel cross-beams so much that I just forget them faster than I clobber them.
Just then, the late bell rang, and several students in the hallway switched from walking to running as they zipped by the doorway.
Slipping off her gloves, Rapunzel turned Anna's hand palm-up, and began to wind a thick strip of gauze over the treated wound. "Okay. We're gonna go over this again. I don't even know why...are those your good jeans?"
Momentarily dumbstruck by Rapunzel's left hand brushing against the frayed fabric, and her knee, Anna jerked her head up and nodded quickly. Then, she shrugged...and hung her head once more. "Giorgio says I might be able to do deliveries soon. I can...get myself new jeans…"
Rapunzel groaned, then dropped Anna's bandaged arm in favor of snatching her cheeks and pinching firmly. "Anna, you know I'm not talking about that, and...and…" Brow furrowed and lips pursed as Rapunzel trailed off. She went from pinching to smooshing her palms against Anna's cheeks...and finally hung her head. An uneasy, warm murmur. "Did you do something good this morning?"
"I got a kitten out of a tree."
Then I fell out of the tree.
"I know it doesn't sound like much, but I'm...you know, I climbed that thing no problem. Like some kind of cross between a monkey and...and..."
At that, Rapunzel barked out a sharp laugh and wrapped Anna up in a fierce hug.
"Did you wear your mask?"
A slow nod from Anna, who let her chin fall on Rapunzel's shoulder, and failed miserably at getting to stop her stomach from flip-flopping all over the place.
I'm trying to be good. To do good...even though I'm bad.
Two phones at Rapunzel's desk started to ring at the same time, and she pulled away from Anna with a weary grumble. "Better get to class. I'll cover for you if Elsa suspects anything."
Already missing the warmth, Anna nodded quickly and ran a hand over her bandaged arm. "Thanks, Punzie. Sorry. I mean...thanks." She snatched up her red bookbag, slung it over a shoulder, and hustled to the door...before Rapunzel's stern tone caught her by surprise.
"Anna."
The pain in her arm already forgotten, Anna turned and pressed a hand against the doorway. "Um...yeah?
Help, her blue bunny scrubs are too precious. Help...I'm bad.
Smoothing out the front of her blue bunny scrubs, Rapunzel pressed a hand against her collar, and hunched over a bit. Took several shuffling steps towards her desk...and shot Anna a stare filled with both apology and concern. "Take it slow. Remember…"
Anna immediately smacked a palm against her forehead, then shook her head...and assumed the same position as Rapunzel. "...right. Play the part." With head down and a hand pressed against her collar, Anna shot Rapunzel one last meek smile as she shuffled on down the hallway to her first class.
I'm Anna Parker.
Some day I hope I can be good enough...so that people stop worrying about me.
Two weeks ago, I got bitten by a spider...and I swear it was the color of slime. Slime spider.
Thing is, I used to have a sort of messed-up heart...but now it's all better. Like magic. And on top of that…
Buzzing phone. Anna fished it out from a jeans pocket, and couldn't help but let out a guilty little sigh at the destroyed state of her new jeans.
One message. Two messages.
Now I've got these...powers. And I want to do something with them. Something...really good…
A rosy blush rushed to Anna's cheeks as she scanned the message from Rapunzel.
'This weekend we can go up to the National Park. You and me. If you want to practice. I'm so proud of you...but I was always proud of you.'
Anna's smile slipped into a tremulous frown. She shoved her phone right back in her pocket and slowed her shuffle a bit more. Several teachers passed her by, headed in the opposite direction, and they greeted her with warmth and understanding.
If I walked regularly, people would suspect...something. But I don't want to walk.
I. Want. To. Run.
'Anna, I'm sorry I missed dinner. And breakfast. I know I'm basically sleeping at the station these days...but I'm still worried about you. Please let Rapunzel drive you to school...it's much safer that way. Go slow. Have a good day today...and do good things. I love you. ~Elsa'
Despite surging with energy, Anna forced herself to shuffle along even slower. Head down and crimson face obscured.
But I'm not good. I've got gross thoughts. Bad thoughts...and no amount of doing good...can change that.
I am...SpiderBaddie.
