Chapter 14
Tuesday, January 15
School has started again. Raven and Logan do not act any different when they are around people, keeping their relationship a secret. They are both at their lockers getting their books for their sixth period class. Malcolm and Adam walk up to Raven, standing on both sides of her, trapping her.
"Hey Roth," Adam says. "Have a good Christmas?" She ignores him and continues getting her books for her next class. "How many guys did you have sex with while on break?"
"None," Raven replies. She closes her locker and goes to walk to class but Malcolm and Adam move closer, preventing her from leaving.
"Yeah right," Adam says. "You believe her?" he asks Malcolm.
"No," Malcolm says. "Especially since we were having sex before leaving school the last day before break."
"We did not have sex," Raven says angrily.
"Yes we did. Unfortunately, we didn't get to finish." He puts his hands on her hips and pulls her closer to him. She tries pushing away but he holds her tight. "Why don't we start over?"
"Let her go," a voice behind them says. Malcolm and Adam turn around and see Logan. Malcolm is still holding Raven close to him.
"This doesn't concern you Garfield," Adam says. "So why don't you just leave."
"Raven is my friend," Logan says, "and I'm not going to let you two do anything to her."
"I'd like to see you try to stop us," Adam says. Before he can react, he is punched in the jaw by Logan. He falls to the ground holding his jaw. Logan turns his attention to Malcolm
"Let her go," Logan says.
"No," Malcolm replies. "You've interrupted me too many times." Logan moves to punch Malcolm but he pulls Raven in front of him, stopping Logan. "Better be careful. You wouldn't want to hit your girlfriend, would you?" Logan looks at Raven. They seemingly have a silent conversation. Logan gets ready to throw a punch and Raven lets herself fall to the ground, catching Malcolm off guard. Before he can regain his grip on Raven, he is hit by Logan. Raven manages to get away from Malcolm. He recovers from Logan's punch and starts throwing punches of his own. Logan dodges and blocks Malcolm's punches. He throws another punch but Malcolm grabs his arm and twists it behind him. He pulls up on Logan's arm, increasing the pressure. Logan tries getting away but Malcolm just increases the pressure more.
"Stop it," Raven says. "You'll break his arm." She tries separating them but Malcolm just pushes her away. Adam is back up by this time.
"He'd deserve it," Adam says. He then punches Logan in the stomach. Logan doubles over in pain but Malcolm just pulls him back up. Adam's next punch is to Logan's jaw. He continues landing punches to Logan's upper body.
"Stop it!" Raven yells. She jumps on Adam's back to try to make him stop. Adam struggles to get Raven off of his back and manages to pull her off, practically throwing her to the ground. Before he can make another move, he is stopped by a voice.
"Stop right there," someone says. The four students turn toward the voice and see the principal and assistant principal. "Release him," the principal, Mr. Orton, says. Malcolm lets go of Logan, who falls to the ground holding his arm. Raven goes over and kneels down next to him. "You two," Mr. Orton says to Malcolm and Adam, "my office now."
"But Garfield started it," Adam complains. "He punched me first."
"We'll discuss it in my office."
"Take him to the nurse," the assistant principal, Mr. Collins, says to Raven. Adam, Malcolm, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Orton go to the office. Raven slowly helps Logan to his feet and they walk to the nurse. When they get there, Raven helps Logan over to a bed and he lays down. The nurse comes over.
"What happened?" Mrs. Kauffman asks.
"He was punched multiple times on his upper body and had his arm twisted behind him," Raven says. The nurse looks at Raven
"Why did that happen?"
"He was trying to protect me from a couple of guys."
"What were the guys doing that you needed protection?"
"They were making me uncomfortable. Can you please check him out?" Mrs. Kauffman checks out Logan's arm, moving it and pressing gently in some areas.
"Well your arm seems fine structurally," Mrs. Kauffman says to Logan. "It is strained and bruised so limit movement of your arm for the next few days. You can also ice to reduce inflammation. I'm going to need you to lift your shirt so I can see any damage on your torso." She starts pulling the curtains around his bed. "If you could please step outside until I am finished," she says to Raven.
"Raven can stay," Logan says. Mrs. Kauffman finishes closing the curtains and Raven stands at the foot of the bed. Logan lifts his shirt and the nurse checks for serious damage. When she steps back, Logan lowers his shirt.
"You don't have any broken or cracked ribs or any internal damage," Mrs. Kauffman says. "Just some bruising. Take it easy for the next few days until it starts healing. Take painkillers as needed." She moves the curtains away from the bed.
"How are you feeling, Raven?" Logan asks hers, sitting up slowly.
"I'm fine," Raven says. "I didn't get hit."
"You got thrown off Adam's back onto the ground. That had to hurt."
"I'm fine."
"Then why are you rubbing your arm?" Raven notices she has been unconsciously rubbing her arm. She stops as soon as she realizes this. "Mrs. Kauffman?" Logan says to the nurse. She turns toward him. "Can you please check out Raven's left arm? And maybe her back too? I'm not sure how she landed." Raven glares at him. Mrs. Kauffman walks over to her.
"Let me see dear," Mrs. Kauffman says. She looks at Raven's arm and sees it is bruised. "Well it isn't too swollen so I'd say it's just a bad bruise and not broken. Is your back sore?"
"Not really," Raven says. "I mainly landed on my shoulder and hip."
"Well let me see." The nurse checks Raven's shoulder and sees nothing wrong other than bruising. They go behind a curtain so she can check Raven's hip. Again it is only bruised. They walk back around the curtain. "Well other than your strained arm, you two are just bruised. I'm going to send both of you home today so you can rest. It will be up to you when you are ready to come back but you should be feeling better in a couple days. Just take any painkillers as needed. Same with icing." She goes to her office and comes back a few moments later with two slips of paper. She hands one to each of them. "Take these to the office then go home and rest." They both thank her then leave. They stop at their lockers and pack their bookbags with their homework. Then they go to the attendance office, hand their papers to the person in charge, sign out, then walk to Raven's car.
"I'm kinda glad you drove today," Logan says. "It'd be kinda rough getting into my truck."
"I don't think it matters what vehicle for you," Raven says. "You'd be sore no matter what."
"Well that's true." Once they are buckled up, Raven drives them to the Tower. They get in the elevator to go up to their rooms. As they are riding up, Logan groans.
"Are you okay?" Raven asks.
"I just realized," Logan says, "my bed is lofted. It's going to suck getting in it."
"Oh."
"Maybe I'll be feeling better tonight and it won't be so bad."
"I guess you'll find out tonight."
"Yeah." The elevator reaches their floor and they get out. "Do you want to watch a movie or something?"
"I was just going to read in my room."
"Oh. Well I just thought that since we're the only ones here, we could spend some time together. You know, as a couple."
"Oh. I didn't think about that. Us being alone that is. We usually never are completely alone."
"So, movie?"
"Sure."
"Sweet. I just want to change into sweats first."
"Okay." They go into their separate rooms. Logan changes into sweatpants, so he is now wearing sweats and a t-shirt. Raven changes into sweatpants and a sweatshirt. They meet back in the hallway then go down to the living room. Logan walks over to the TV and Raven walks into the kitchen.
"I'm going to make some tea," Raven says. "Do you want anything?"
"A glass of water would be nice," Logan says. "What movie do you want to watch?"
"I don't care. Whatever you pick is fine." Logan picks one, puts it in then sits on the couch. A few minutes later, Raven joins him. "Here's your water." She hands it to him then sits next to him and takes a sip of her tea. Logan takes a drink from his glass then set it on the coffee table. "So what are we watching?"
"Front of the Class. It's one of my favorites. Have you ever seen it?"
"No, but I think I've seen a trailer for it. Is it about the teacher with Tourette's Syndrome?"
"Yep. It's really good." The previews come to an end and Logan presses play on the remote and puts his arm around Raven's shoulders. Raven takes another drink from her mug. "Hey Rae?" She looks at him. "Could I try your tea?" She looks at him, surprised.
"Really? Why do you want to try it?"
Logan shrugs. "I've never really drank tea much before, but it seems to always relax you. After what we went through at school today, I want to see if it helps me too." She hands him her mug and he takes a drink then hand it back to her.
"What do you think of it?"
"It's pretty good. I thought it was kinda weird of you to add both lemon and mint to it but it actually tastes pretty good. It also does kinda relax me too."
"I don't always do lemon and mint but it's the most common combination I do. Whenever I have a sore throat, I'll mix lemon and honey. Sometimes I'll just have it with sugar and nothing else. But any mixture I have relaxes me."
"Maybe I'll have to try it sometime." Raven finishes the last of her tea then sets the mug on the coffee table. When she sits back, she leans on Logan, cuddling into him.
"I'm not hurting you am I?" Raven asks.
"I'm fine," Logan says. "I'm sore and it hurts a little bit with you on me, but," Logan pulls her back when she tries to move off of him, "I like you cuddling into me."
"I don't want to cause you more pain."
"I know, but I want you close to me. We don't get this chance much. I want to take advantage of it." Raven sighs and leans her head on Logan shoulder again. They watch the movie without much talking, just a few comments. When it ends, Raven gets off Logan and takes the movie out. She puts it on the shelf and turns back to Logan.
"How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"
Logan stretches a little. "I'm kinda stiffening up. Some Aleve would probably be good."
"I'll go get you some. Do you need more water too?"
"Yeah I do." Logan goes to stand up but Raven stops him.
"Don't get up. I'll get it for you."
"I'm sure moving will help me." He stands up. "Besides, I want to look for something."
"What do you want to look for?"
"A sling for my arm. Hopefully it will help."
"There's probably one in the medical wing."
"Let's go check." They go to the elevator then go to the medical wing. When they get there, they look through cabinets and drawers for a sling. After a few minutes of searching, Logan pulls a sling out of a drawer.
"Hey Rae," Logan says. "I found one." Raven walks over to him and helps him put it on.
"How is it?" Raven asks.
"I think it'll help. If nothing else, it will keep me from using my arm."
"Things will be harder for you now."
"I know. Not only can I just use one arm, but it's my dominant one I can't use."
"I'll help you out. After all, it is my fault you're hurt."
"It's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for the actions of those assholes. It could have been another girl and the result might've been the same."
"I still feel bad."
"Don't. Besides, there's still one thing I can do with one arm."
"What's that?" He puts his left arm around her shoulders and pulls her to him, hugging her.
"I can still hug my beautiful girlfriend." Raven blushes and hugs him back. Logan notices her blush. "You're cute when you blush." He kisses her cheek and tickles her side. She laughs and pushes away from him.
"Shut up, you dork," she says while smiling. "Come one. Let's go back to the living room. The others will probably be home soon anyway." They go back out to the living room and sit on the couch. Logan turns on the TV and Raven grabs her book off of the end table. Logan puts his arm around Raven and she leans into him while she reads. Logan sees what book she is reading.
"I see you like your Christmas present," Logan says.
"He's my favorite author," Raven says. "Of course I like it."
"I've never been a fan of his work. It's too dark for my liking." Raven looks at him.
"Since when do you read Poe?"
"We've had to read some of his stories in school, remember? I think his stuff is creepy."
"It is dark but it's also beautifully written, and there's meaning in what he writes."
"I'll take your word for it and probably stay away from it."
"Maybe I'll make you change your mind about it sometime."
"You can try but I don't think it'll work." After a few minutes of silence except for the TV, Logan removes his arm from around Raven and puts more space between them on the couch. Raven looks at him, confused. "I heard the elevator. Someone's home." Shortly after, Dick and Kori walk in.
"Hello friends," Kori says. "How was your day?"
Raven and Logan look at each other. "It was…eventful," Logan says.
"Why was it eventful?" Dick asks.
"You didn't hear?" Raven asks.
"Hear what?" Dick and Kori walk around the couch and sit on the opposite end of Raven and Logan. "What happened to your arm Logan?"
"I was kinda in a fight," Logan says.
"'Kinda' in a fight?" Dick asks. "How were you 'kinda' in a fight?"
"Okay, not kinda. I was in a fight."
"Why?"
Logan looks at Raven. "He was helping me," Raven says. "Malcolm and Adam were cornering me and Logan intervened. They didn't like that and started fighting."
"How did you hurt your arm?" Kori asks.
"I threw a punch at Malcolm and he grabbed my arm and twisted it behind me," Logan says. "My shoulder is strained but nothing worse than that. My torso is bruised but no cracked ribs."
"Are you hurt at all Raven?" Kori asks.
"Just a little bruised," Raven says. "I jumped on Adam to try to get him to stop hitting Logan, and I got thrown to the ground."
"When did this happen?" Dick asks.
"Before sixth period," Logan answers. "We were both getting our stuff from our lockers when Adam and Malcolm came up to Raven.
"Mr. Orton and Mr. Collins broke things up," Raven says. "I took Logan to the nurse and Malcolm and Adam went to the office. After getting checked out, we were allowed to leave school."
"We'll probably have to talk to Mr. Orton and Mr. Collins when we go back to school," Logan says. "I really hope Malcolm and Adam are suspended."
"Me too," Raven says. Nothing else is said and Raven goes back to reading while the others watch TV. Dick starts making supper around 5:00. At 5:15, Vic arrives from work. Raven and Logan recount the day's events after Vic sees Logan's arm in a sling. They eat supper together then they do their own thing. Vic goes to his room to call Bee, Raven goes to her room to read, and Dick and Kori watch a movie in the living room. Logan sits on the couch to watch the movie as well. After about thirty minutes, Dick and Kori start kissing, the movie and Logan forgotten. Logan gets up and walks out to the elevator, not wanting to see his friends making out. He goes to Raven's room and knocks on the door.
Raven looks up from her book when she hears the knock on her door. Annoyed at being interrupted, she puts her bookmark in her book.
"Who is it?" she asks, wanting to get back to reading.
"It's me, Rae," Logan says. "Can I come in?"
"It's open," Raven answers, no longer annoyed. Logan opens the door and walks inside, closing the door behind him.
"Hey."
"Hey. Did you need something?"
"No. I was just hoping to hang out with you. I was watching a movie with Dick and Kori but they started kissing and I didn't want to be in there watching them make out. I also can't really do anything since it's my right arm that's hurt. So I was hoping to be able to spend time with you."
"Yeah you can stay in here with me. I don't really know what you were planning on doing though. I was wanting to read."
"You can keep reading. I actually brought a book with me because I figured you were reading." He holds up Animal Farm. "I don't know if I will read at all but I brought it just in case."
Raven moves to one side of her bed so Logan can sit on the other side. "Have you started reading it at all?"
Logan sits next to Raven on her bed, both leaning against the headboard. "Just the first chapter so far. But I've read it before."
"Right. We had to read it for freshman English."
"Yeah, but I read it before then too. It's one of my favorite books."
"When was that?"
"Before my parents died. I read it with my mom. It was one of her favorite books. After they died, I was taken back to our house to get my belongings since I would be going into foster care. I took the book because of the memory of reading it with her. It was something we shared and I always wanted to remember that."
"Do you still have the book then?"
Logan looks down. "No. While I was living on the streets, my bag with all of my possessions in it was stolen. The book was in there too."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. Even with this copy, I will still have the memory of reading with my mom. That's one thing that can't be taken from me." Raven smiles and hugs him, which he returns. They pull back from their hug but Logan leaves his arm around her shoulders. "So since you know what one of my favorite books is now, which work of Poe's is your favorite?"
"Don't laugh but The Raven is my favorite poem by him."
"I've never read it. What's it about?"
"Why don't you read it to find out?"
"Why can't you just tell me?"
"How am I supposed to change your mind about Poe if you won't read it?"
Logan laughs. "You think it will change my mind?"
"I don't know but we won't know unless you do read it."
"How about you read it to me?"
"Why?"
"Why not? Besides, it's your favorite poem. Why don't you read it out loud for your boyfriend?"
"Fine but you have to pay attention." Raven shifts somewhat so she is laying down more and has her head on Logan's shoulder. She flips to the poem in her book and starts reading it aloud. When she finishes, she looks up at Logan. "So what did you think?"
"That your voice is beautiful and I could listen to it all day."
Raven blushes and looks away. "I meant about the poem."
"I know what you were talking about. I just like making you blush and you always do whenever I compliment you."
"Stay on topic. What did you think of the poem?"
Logan chuckles at her trying to take the attention off herself. "I didn't really understand it. It was written very well, but it was confusing to understand. Will you tell me what it's about now?"
"The narrator is mourning the loss of a loved one when he hears tapping at his door but no one is there. He hears the tapping again at his window and a raven flies in when he opens it. The narrator talks to the raven who only says "nevermore." Even though the narrator knows how the raven will respond, he keeps asking it questions that are self-critical and increase his feelings of loss. At the end of the poem, the narrator realizes he will never be free of the loss and the memories of his loved one."
"So it's basically about losing someone close and never being able to move on?"
"Somewhat yeah."
"How can that be one of your favorites? It's so sad."
"One of your favorite books is about Communism and you think it's strange for The Raven to be my favorite poem?"
"Okay, point made. But half of the reason it's one of my favorites is because of the memories I have of my mom."
"I first read this poem with my mother when I was eleven and she explained to me what the poem meant. She left me and my father a week later. I was always hoping she would come back. After about a month, I read this poem again. After reading it, I gave up hope that my mother would return because of what the raven says: 'nevermore.' When my father kicked me out, I never thought that I would find a place to live and be safe. I never thought I would be happy again. I would always think about The Raven and how I couldn't get over my past. But then I met you all and we moved in together. Even though it took me awhile to warm up to you guys, I eventually did and I couldn't be happier that I met you all. When things looked bad and I thought they would never get better, they did. That's what I think about now when I read The Raven. I don't think about how the narrator can't let go of his loss. I think about how even though things may seem bad, eventually they will get better. And even though I can't change or forget my past, I can always try to move past it and not dwell on it."
"That's a good way of thinking."
"You've helped me too."
"How have I helped you?"
"How we've been talking. I've never shared any of what I've told you with anyone. It helps me to put it behind me, especially with what happened with Malcolm. Without you, I don't know where I would be right now. I could still be shutting everyone out but you have helped me overcome it. I don't have nightmares all the time either. Still sometimes but not as much as before."
"I'm glad I could help you. You've helped me in the same way."
"Before we started talking though, I never knew about the hardships you had. You hide it so well."
"I didn't want people to pity me. I wanted people to be my friends because of who I am, not because they feel sorry for me. I also know that my parents wouldn't want me to be sad. They would want me to move on and be happy."
"But you were still sad. You just made everyone think you were happy."
"Sometimes you have to fake it to make it."
"Well I hope you don't do that with me."
"Never. You make me happy, genuinely happy. And I know that you would be able to tell when I'm faking."
"Yes I would. I'm pretty good at reading most people. Although you are good at masking your feelings."
"You know me a lot better now though. I don't think I'll be able to hide much, if anything, from you now."
"I'd prefer it if you wouldn't."
"Great. Now I won't ever be able to surprise you." Raven pokes his side.
"You're such a dork sometimes."
"But you like me anyways." Logan pulls her close and kisses her head. She looks up at him and moves so her body is facing his. Logan looks at her, wondering why she moved.
"I never did thank you for today," Raven says. "Thank you for getting Malcolm and Adam off of me. Who knows what they would've done if you weren't there."
"You never have to thank me for that," Logan says. "You're my best friend and my girlfriend. I will always do my best to protect you."
"Well thank you anyway." Raven puts her hand on the back of Logan's neck and pulls him to her, kissing him. When they break the kiss, Logan looks at her.
"Were you kissing me to thank me for today or because you actually wanted to? I don't want you to feel obligated to do something you don't want to."
"I did kiss you to thank you but I also wanted to do it. I told you I want to take things slow and you have respected that. I wanted to see if I would be comfortable with something other than hugging. And I am."
"Okay. So what are your boundaries with kissing?"
"I don't want to be kissing every time we are alone. Being alone doesn't give you an excuse to kiss me. We will kiss sometimes but I don't want that all the time. Also, no making out. I am not ready for that."
"Okay. Did you feel pressured at all because I kiss your cheek, head, and forehead?"
"No. If I wanted you to stop I would've told you."
"Okay. I'm going to go get something to drink. Do you want anything?"
"No thanks." Logan gets up and leaves Raven's room. He goes to the kitchen and gets a glass of water. He takes a drink then refills the glass before going back to Raven's room. He knocks on the door then walks inside. He puts his glass on her bedside table then lays next to her on her bed with his head propped up by her pillows. He grabs his book and starts reading. After an hour, Logan grabs his glass and takes a drink. He sees Raven looking at him.
"What?" he asks as he puts his glass back on the nightstand.
"Can I have a drink of your water?" Raven asks.
"You said you weren't thirsty."
"I am now."
"Why don't you get your own water?"
"I could but you already have a glass in here."
"What's in it for me?"
"Nothing."
"Well that will convince me." He hands her the glass. "I guess you can have some since you're my girlfriend."
"So if I wasn't your girlfriend, you wouldn't let me?" She takes a drink then hands the glass back to Logan. He puts it on the nightstand again.
"I still would because you're my friend."
"Then why were you wanting something in return?"
"Maybe I was hoping for another kiss."
"I told you I don't want us to always be kissing."
"I know. Doesn't mean I can't hope for another kiss though."
She cuddles back into him. "Just don't do it a lot." Logan chuckles and they both start reading again. After about thirty minutes, Raven notices Logan's book laying open face down on his chest. She looks up and sees that he is sleeping. She carefully takes his book, marks his page then closes it and puts it on the nightstand next to her. She does the same with her book, turns off the lights, and closes her eyes to sleep.