DISCLAIMER

It's not mine but the property of the Disney Channel and thank you to Montana Magic for my first review.

The next morning, Jamie groaned as rock from his radio woke him up. Then, he turned it off, climbed out of bed, and walked to his closet. Jamie pulled off the previous day's shirt to reveal long, deep scars running up and down his back. These old wounds intersected with the freshly made ones. Moving in pain, the boy grabbed a black shirt and then slipped it over his head. After getting dressed, he gathered up his belongings and headed into the kitchen. His father was already at the table, drinking coffee.

"You sleep well?" he questioned.

"Yeah fine," was the answer. I don't believe it. He practically gives me a concussion and then act like nothing's wrong, Jamie thought. However, he knew enough not to say a word. He didn't want his dad getting really crazy.

"You gonna eat?" Mr. Waite queried.

"No. I'm not hungry," Jamie replied.

"When are you gonna be home?" Mr. Waite continued.

"It depends on how busy the squad gets," Jamie answered.

"Drive carefully," Mr. Waite said.

"Sure, Dad," Jamie acknowledged. With that, he went out to his motorcycle, and then took off. Minutes later, he arrived at Kingsport and alighted carefully. His sore body screamed in protest as he walked up the steps and into the school. However, Jamie kept his face impassive. He didn't need any of his friends suspecting. Especially not the squad. They were like homing beacons for pain. Jamie headed for his classroom. As he took his seat, he could almost hear his body crying out as he leaned back. Suddenly, he felt somebody's hand on his shoulder and bit back a cry. That hurt!

"Are you okay?" he heard Tyler question softly.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Jamie lied in a mutter.

"It's just that you're sitting kind of stiffly," Tyler whispered.

"Who do you think you are? My mother?" Jamie tossed back, pulling away. "What do you care?" he added.

"Sorry," Tyler murmured in annoyance. He flounced in his seat. He had only been trying to be a friend. Jamie didn't have to snap his head off. Jamie immediately felt bad. He knew that Tyler was only looking out for him. But he didn't want anybody knowing what was going on with him. The usually inattentive rebel forced himself to listen to the teacher. After a three classes, the kids went to lunch. Tyler, Val, and Hank sat their usual table, while Catie hung outside with some of her friends. Jamie on the other hand, was by himself underneath the bleachers. He kicked at the gravel. He didn't know what to do. He ran his fingers through his hair. What am I gonna do? He's getting crazy! he thought frantically. He wasn't sure how much more he could take. Just then, his shoulder began to throb. Jamie groaned. Dang it. The Tylenol he had gotten from the nurse was wearing off. Of course, she had no idea what the real reason he needed it was. He had merely told her that he had pulled a muscle on a call. He looked at his watch. Seeing that he had time before his next class, he headed for the nurses station.

"Oh. Hello, Jamie," Nurse Harrison greeted.

"Hey, Ms. Harrison. Could I---could I get some more Tylenol?" Jamie requested.

"Of course," she responded. She gave him two tablets, which he promptly swallowed.

"Are you sure you don't want water with those?" the woman queried. He waved his hand dismissively.

"This should tide me over until I get home. Thanks," he responded. Then, he headed for his next class.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I'm going to have Val as the one to discover what's going on with Jamie, but I'm not sure how to do it. Any suggestions? Be assured, if I use one, you will get credit.