I realize that the chapter numbers in the chapters themselves are messed up, that's my bad. I'd fix it, but I just don't have the patience. J If it's really, really annoying, tell me and I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the feedback!!!!
Chapter 20: An Important Decision
Bobby took it, then left with the professor to go upstairs. Bobby went straight to his room to get John a change of clothes. On the way back, he saw Rogue.
"The professor said John's awake," she said, walking with Bobby.
"Yeah, he woke up a little while ago. He's not feeling well, but the professor said he'll be ok. I just wanted to get him some clean clothes and something to do while he's there."
"What's going to happen now?"
"Nothing. John needs to rest and get better. It'll be up to the professor to dictate what goes on from here. I'm just going to be keeping John company as much as I can. I don't want him to be alone down there too much. I know what he's like when he's stir-crazy."
"Do you think the professor's going to let him come back here?"
"He'll be staying here if I have anything to say about it."
"Even if no one else wants him here?"
"He never hurt you, hell, he never hurt anyone here," Bobby said, leaving Rogue as he went downstairs.
Opening the doors, he found John lying down with his eyes closed. He noticed the professor not too far away, checking on some monitors.
"Bobby's here," the professor announced.
Bobby saw John's eyes open and look toward him.
"Took you long enough," John said.
"I also wanted to find you something to do while you were stuck here," Bobby replied, handing him the clothes and books that he brought, adding, "And I saw Rogue on the way back."
"What did she say?" John asked.
"Not much," Bobby lied.
"Why do I doubt that?"
"I'm not going to tell you everything that's said. It won't do you any good."
"He's right, John," the professor commented.
"I won't tell you because I know you'll use it to beat yourself up with. You need to relax and rest," Bobby said, indicating that further discussion on the topic would not be tolerated.
"Don't you have classes to go to?" John asked, taking Bobby's hint.
"I've been excused for a few days, so you're stuck with me," Bobby answered, taking seat next to John.
Over the next few days, Bobby stayed with John as he recovered from their ordeal. A while later, the professor asked Bobby to talk to John about what he wanted to do since he was well enough to get out.
"Want do you want to do now?" Bobby asked.
"What do you mean?"
"The professor thinks you're well enough to get out of here. Where do you want to go?"
"You know I have nowhere to go," John said, his voice hovering just above a whisper.
"I'll talk to the professor, I'm sure he'll let you stay here," Bobby replied.
"Even if no one wants me here? Bobby, I know you want to help. You've done so much already. But I can't stay where I'm not wanted. Been there, done that, won't go through it again."
"What will you do if you leave?"
"I'll figure something out."
Bobby didn't immediately respond, he just sat there and watched John's face for any change in expression. Bobby had an idea of what was going through John's head, what he was thinking.
"No."
"No what?"
"No, you're not going anywhere unless you have somewhere to go. Figuring it out just isn't acceptable," Bobby said.