'Broken collarbone. Punctured lung. Multiple lacerations to my leg. Severe wound to my shoulder.'

I was alive. I woke up about 15 hours later, just after noon the following day. My parents were at work, Ike was at school, so none of my family were there. I assume that's because the Doctors were confident I'd pull through. But my friends were there. Stan, Cartman, Butters, Tweek, Craig, Wendy, Bebe…and Kenny.

Stan was the first to notice me as I came around, "Hey, hey guys! He's waking up!"

With that, all eight of them hurried to my bedside, rocking it slightly, causing me to wince a little at the pain…well, I assumed all eight had.

"Guys come on, watch it. He's still quite delicate, give him a bit of space okay?" Kenny…I didn't want to smile at his concern. I didn't want him to be right, about how I needed some room, but he was. The least I owed him was some gratitude.

"Th…thanks Kenny." He nodded and smiled back at me. I was having a hard time not letting my heart melt to his compassion.

'You need to ask Craig how he is.'

"Craig…Craig how are you?"

Craig shuffled to the bed, arm in sling, a few stiches on his lip and forehead, "Haha, don't you be worrying about me, I'm the one standing up aren't I?" I couldn't help but laugh. His optimism was really what I needed right now.

"Listen Craig…" I was still finding it difficult to talk, on account of my practically halved lung volume, "I am truly truly sorry for what happened."

Craig walked over to me and I grabbed his hand.

Cartman, as expected, interjected, "Ay, look at that, the Jew's a fag too, what were you two doing in the car so late at night? Hahaha!"

"Hey shut it fatass!" Even if Stan and I had drifted a little, he still was there for me when I needed him. Unfortunately the remark made by Cartman had upset Tweek and Kenny more than Craig or me, not that I noticed at the time. I pulled Craig down in order to whisper in his ear, "I think…I think with recent events, you need to tell Tweek how you feel. Last night could have gone much worse, for both of us. Show him your love while you still can."

Craig smiled and leaned back up, walking over to stand beside Tweek, offering me a sly wink.

'I knew I'd get through to him at some point!'

"Jeez Kyle, if I knew you didn't like EDTA so much I wouldn't have chosen that project for us to do!" Wendy was giggling, she meant well. While she and I may argue, we both care. "You just get better for now, okay?" She approached me and kissed me on the cheek.

"Thanks Wendy, I'll do my best!"

Bebe, Stan and Tweek all wished me well. Bebe and I had dated for a little in Middle School, but we remained on great terms afterwards. She's always the one organising events for our friend group, almost like a group leader, per se. Stan was still a good friend of mine, sure more of his time was taken up leading the football team, but he would still make time to hang out with us as much as he could. And Tweek, well, he's calmed down a lot since he was a kid. His caffeine intake has been greatly reduced, and he's just that one kid that all of us love, plus he's always making us laugh.

'With him of course!'

As they left the room, one by one, all who was left was Kenny.

'He would be the last to leave.'

"I'm glad you're alive Kyle…I really really am. You and I used to be such great friends, and I know we have drifted over the last couple of years, but I still care about you. No matter how much you push me away, I'm still gonna be here for you. Right 'til the very end." I could see his eyes start to water as he glared up to the ceiling.

'Oh Kenny…'

"I eh…I gotta get back here. School let us have the day off and while I'd love to stay, I'm taking the opportunity to brush up on my calculus. My teacher said he's found me someone who'll tutor me it for free. If I pass his class, my GPA will be high enough to apply for college once we graduate!"

'Hahahaha, oh Kyle, what have you got yourself into?'

I didn't wanna give anything away, so I smiled, "That's great Kenny, I'm happy for you! Seriously, if you need to study go, go! I'm feeling quite tired anyway, so I'm probably just gonna nap."

"Sure thing Ky, you take it easy. Even if you can afford to miss school, we'll all be missing you there!" With that, he shot me a quick grin before leaving the room. I leaned back into the pillow and was just about to close my eyes before hearing footsteps once more.

"Oh and, by the way, Tweek is totally gay for Craig…you hang out with him a lot, make sure to let him know! See ya Ky!"

I giggled and nodded my head before managing a slow wave as he sped off for the second time. I immediately thought of what he had called me…

'Ky…'

I always hated pet names, but for some reason I couldn't hate the fact that it was Kenny who called me it. The thought was enough to fluster me and sure enough, a blush spread its way throughout my cheeks.

'You're not gay though, right?'

Right! I'm just doped up on morphine and other painkillers, I don't even know what I'm thinking anymore, that's the only explanation. Plus, I mean, I was in a car accident, of course Kenny's going to be considerate, he was just being kind. I always blush when people are kind.

'Riiiiiiight.'

Sometimes I wish I could just shut it all out, all my thoughts. All they ever do is push me, try to make me do things I just want to forget about. I know if I repress them enough they'll disappear entirely, they've got to, and I believe they will! I shouldn't get too stressed, I mean, just last night I lay in the wreckage of a car. I need to get some rest. I relaxed back into the pillow, shutting my eyes, shutting out all the distractions and, most importantly, shutting out my mind.

I don't know how much sleep I got, all I know is the awakening I got made however long it was seem all too short.

"KYLE! Oh my beautiful Kyle!"

'Great…mom's here.'

My eyes flickered open as I furrowed my brow, "Oh hey…hey mom." I smiled weakly, still tired from being woken.

"I am so glad you're okay, I've been so worried; we've been so worried. Isn't that right Gerald?"

"Of course, you're mother has been fretting all day. We were just so relieved to hear you'd pulled through the surgery!"

"Don't ever go worrying us like that again young man!"

"You had better listen to your mother, Kyle!"

'How long is this going to go on for?'

I looked at Ike, he just grinned and rolled his eyes. At least my brother can make me smile. I think it's about time I spoke up or God knows when my parents will shut up. "Craig's alright too. He's up and walking and everything!"

"Listen Buba, I'm glad your little friend is okay, but I care more about the fact that you're here, alive." I could see mom tearing up, so I reached an arm up to pull her in for a slight hug, and just as she pulled back she kissed my temple.

"Glad to have you awake bro! Pretty badass if I say so myself, surviving a car accident! You should've seen the piece of glass they pulled out of your shoulder!" Ike was having a blast, and I'm glad, it cheered me up.

"Ike, there is nothing badass about what happened, your brother could have been killed"

'Typical old kill-joy mother.'

I turned to Ike and grinned, winking and nodding subtly in agreement, reaching my hand up for a high-five, which he quickly returned. "I knew you'd pull through Kyle!"

"Of course you did Ike, you're a little genius after all." I knew he could sense the sarcasm, but he just laughed it off, he knew I meant no malice.

"Son, we can't stay long, visiting hour ends in a few minutes, and we know how much you need your rest."

'Dad you are a saviour!'

"I don't mind, and you guys shouldn't worry. I'm all healthy, just a little sore is all. I'm sure you all need the rest as much as I do, considering the amount of stress I put you through." I really did feel terrible. "Besides, I'll be out of here soon, and then you won't have to worry at all!"

My mom smiled at me before leaning down to kiss me once again on the forehead, "You get some sleep Buba, we'll be sure to visit you tomorrow."

"Night mom and dad. Night Ike!"

Mom blew me a kiss just as she left the room and I couldn't help but tear up a little. It takes something like this to realise how much you take for granted. I closed my eyes, trying my best to hold back the tears. I really did need some rest, the whole ordeal took such a toll on me, even just talking for half an hour tired me out, but that probably had something to do with the punctured lung. Just as I was about to fall asleep, my cell phone buzzed on the table beside the bed.

'Who the hell is texting me at this time?'

I reached over and picked it up, eyes adjusting to the brightness of the screen as I opened up the message. "Hey Kyle, I hope you're feeling okay. Just concerned is all. I know I spoke to you earlier but was just checking up on you. Anyway, it's late, you need your sleep. Goodnight Ky, talk to you tomorrow ~Ken."

'Out of all your friends, he's the only one to send you a goodnight message.'

Not even Craig had sent me one, maybe he's just as tired as I am, that's understandable, considering he didn't pass out like me, he's probably more tired than me.

'It's rude not to reply, you know?'

Typing is way more difficult with only one free hand, but I managed, "Hi Kenny, thanks for visiting today, I really appreciate it. Don't be worrying about me, the worst of it is over. Before you know it I'll be back in school punching mirrors again." Hopefully that'll lighten Kenny's spirits, I really do hate when he feels down, it upsets me.

'Because you're just his friend.'

I frowned, forcing back all those thoughts once again, closing my eyes tight in an effort to get to sleep. The next few days passed rather quickly. The nightmare still recurring, sending my ECG haywire, nurses and doctors flocking to my room each time I woke up sweating. Soon my lung had got better enough for me to be discharged. Walking hurt quite a bit, my leg covered in wounds stitched back together. There are 15 sutures in my shoulder and my arm is kept in a sling to allow my collarbone to heal. But a week later, I was heading back into school. Another Monday morning, another period of AP Chemistry to start the week. Carrying my satchel had proved to be difficult, so the school had assigned someone to carry it to each of my classes, and in return they're forgiven for being late to their next class. I really appreciated the suggestion at first, until I found out who exactly my personal assistant would be.

'You really should have expected this, you know?'

My mom had driven me to school, I was there pretty early. Probably not a good idea, I couldn't really carry my bag very far and Kenny was unlikely to be here at this time. I got out of the car and set my bag on the ground, turning back around to wave my mom goodbye.

"Woah Kyle, how many books you got in this thing?"

'I guess I underestimated how much this kid really cares.'

"Hey Kenny. Normally not that many, but I had Craig drop most of my books to my house so I didn't get left too far behind. Do you mind carrying them to my locker, I only need a couple for today?"

"Thank goodness, I may need a sling like that if I had to carry this load around the whole day!" Kenny smiled and darted on up to the school door, while I limped behind.

"What, you need me to carry you too?" He giggled a little before seeing just how much pain I was in putting pressure on my leg. Immediately he ran back down to me and slung my healthy arm over his shoulder to lighten the weight I was putting on my injured leg.

"Thanks Kenny, I really do appreciate this, but I need to put some weight on the leg. Gotta just grin and bear it if I wanna be able to walk properly as soon as possible."

Kenny looked down at his feet as I pulled my arm off of his shoulder, "You just…I don't like seeing you in pain. I care about you, you know?"

'Why is he so sweet?'

He's my friend, that's why. You wanted him to be your friend and he is your friend, that's all you want. I smiled up at him, "I know Kenny, but, consider letting me walk without help your way of caring for the long-run, okay?"

Kenny just giggled, "You always know exactly what to say! We should head to your locker though, this bag is getting unbearably heavy!"

I lead the way, setting the pace as Kenny walked alongside me. We finally reached my locker and Kenny looked more relieve than I did. I opened it up and told him what books to put in and what books I needed for the rest of the day.

"What's your first class then?" Kenny smiled, he had my (now much lighter) satchel over his shoulder, eager to help me out.

"AP Chemistry."

"Well go ahead, lead the way!"

It was still only 8.30, half an hour 'til classes begin, which means I'll probably end up spending a bit talking to Kenny outside my Chemistry classroom.

'Don't act like you don't love it.'

I like it, because I'm talking to my friend, and that's it! By the time I had limped to my class, it was 8.40, and I was right, Kenny stuck around to talk to me a little bit.

"So eh…how do you know Tweek likes Craig?" I needed to know, if it's true this would be great news to Craig! I really wanna see him happy.

"Well, you know how you and Craig are like super best friends now? Well, Tweek and I are kinda like that!"

I couldn't help but feel ever so slightly jealous of Tweek, why can't he and I just swap positions and be with who we want.

'Just as super best friends?'

Of course! Well, maybe Tweek and Craig can be more, but I don't date boys. I never have dated a boy, and I never will. Hell, I dated one of the hottest girls in Middle School…she still is one of the hottest girls in High School! How could I be any more straight?

'Maybe if you stopped having such a crush on Kenny?'

"Shut up!"

Kenny looked at me in shock, "I'm sorry what? You were the one that asked Kyle, no need to be an ass!" I hurt him again, goddamn!

"No, sorry Kenny. I wasn't talking to you, I was…my thoughts. Just, bad memories from the crash, it just gets me scared."

Kenny must have felt guilty for yelling back at me, "Oh dude, I'm really sorry! I shouldn't jump to conclusions, you've been through a lot."

"Don't worry about it! So what were you saying about you and Tweek?"

"Well, ever since Craig came out, Tweek has been more open to me about his feelings for him. And after he built up enough courage, he told me that he likes him, as more than a friend."

'I know the feeling.'

"Please don't be making this up, cause if you are, and somehow Craig gets hurt, I'll kick your ass McCormick!"

Kenny grinned and turned his back to me, "You wouldn't dare kick an ass as delectable as this, would you?"

'Oh my…'

I could feel my face heating up. God I blush so easily. Thankfully Kenny still had his back to me so started scratching my cheek as he turned back around, passing off the redness due to an itch.

"Kyle I promise you, Tweek's feelings for Craig are exactly the same as what you say Craig's are for Tweek. I wouldn't lie to you." He had his hand placed on my good shoulder and smiled, just as the bell rang. "I oughta get to my first class here Kyle, teacher's gonna be letting me know who my Calculus tutor is. I'll meet you back here at the end of first period, so don't be going off anywhere by yourself, your shoulder needs a break."

"I'll see ya then Kenny, enjoy Calculus!" I winked at him and he laughed. You know that sort of nervous laugh that just emits a sort of, 'Help me' undertone…yeah? It was one of those laughs. Kenny's a smart kid, but he has always hated math, and in order to get into college, he has to get at least a few math credits in High School. They don't have to be in any fancy classes, just some basic math.

I walk into class, dragging my satchel on the floor behind me, feeling it's weight lifted and Wendy hoists it onto her shoulder, "It's a nice bag, don't want it getting all dusty, do we?"

I just looked at her and giggled, following her to our desk.

"The teacher decided that we would continue the project once you returned, so you didn't miss a thing. None of the practical, none of the right up, nothing."

While this did mean more work, it meant I wasn't as far behind as I had thought, so I was relieved at the teacher's decision. That day we started into the experiment, getting our first few readings. Wendy did most of the practical work, I just observed and made notes on our readings; that much I could manage. As we worked, my thoughts drifted once again…

'You know, Kenny's probably coming to your house after school.'