Chapter 15: Found, but not Safe

Bobby hung up the phone, and then went out into the store. He bought a little more water, then headed back out to get John. Since John was unconscious, Bobby couldn't give him any water. Bobby knelt by John, trying to figure out how he was going to get him to the store. He decided that the best way would be to cradle-carry him. Not the easiest, but the best based on the unknown nature and extent of John's injuries.

It took Bobby longer than he thought to get to the store. He set John down outside, laying him down with his head in Bobby's lap. Bobby watched John, making sure he was still breathing. He wasn't keeping track of time; his only concern was his friend.

"C'mon John, hang in there," Bobby said, one hand on his friend's chest to make sure he was breathing.

"Bobby?" John whispered, not opening his eyes.

"Still here," Bobby replied.

"I don't feel so good."

"I know. I talked to the professor, he's on his way. So you hang in there."

"I'm sorry."

"Shh…we can talk later," Bobby said, sensing where John was going.

"I'm sorry I'm such a screw-up. I never meant to hurt you."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Bobby replied, taking a deep breath to keep his voice steady.

"Have a good life, stay safe."

"John…John!"

Bobby knew something was terribly wrong, John had stopped breathing. He jumped up, kneeling next to him. Bobby frantically tried to recall what he learned in a past CPR course. He tilted John's head back, starting the process until the professor could find them.

"Bobby," the professor said, coming up behind him.

"He stopped breathing!"

"Get him into the car; we can help him better in there."

Bobby quickly realized that Nightcrawler was also there, and they both got John into the car. Kurt drove while the professor and Bobby tried to revive John. With each passing second, Bobby's hopes dwindled. It wasn't until he heard a sharp inhale that Bobby realized his hopes weren't in vain.

"John?" Bobby said, but received no response.

"He's unconscious. He has a pulse and he's breathing on his own, but he isn't safe yet. We need to get him back to the school quickly."

Bobby sat next to John, watching over him. Without thinking he put his hand over John's and rode in silence. The ride back was mercifully short. Kurt helped Bobby rush John inside with the professor following. They put him on a table, Kurt stepping back to let the professor do what he needed. Bobby insisted on helping when he could.

"Kurt, will you please take Bobby outside."

"I'm staying with him, professor."

"Please, Bobby, do this. I promise you'll see him soon."

Bobby allowed Kurt to escort him outside, then watched as the other man went back in. Bobby sat on the floor, his knees pulled up to his chest. He waited, and waited, all he could think about was how he was so close to have John back, but also about how close he was to losing him.

"I don't get it," John announced, coming into the bedroom he shared with Bobby.

Bobby, who sat at his desk, looked up to find a flustered John stalking over to his side of the room. Bobby didn't like that look at all, something or someone had upset his roommate and he wasn't about to let it go.

"What happened?" Bobby asked.

"I just want to get out of here for a day or two. I'm going stir-crazy. But the professor and Dr. Grey don't think that's a good idea. What am I going to do here while you're at your parents for the holiday?"

"You can always come with me for Thanksgiving."

"I'm not intruding on your holiday with your family."

Bobby was shaken from the memory when the door opened. He raised his eyes to see the professor coming out. Bobby jumped to his feet, noticing the grim look on the professor's face.

"He isn't…" Bobby began.