The next day at Whitney High, Ralph walked over to the library to see how his students were doing helping out at the drive. He felt a lot better than he did the day before after enjoying a celebratory meal and a good night's sleep. Just to be on the safe side, Pam filled his thermos full of orange Julius. The milk and orange juice combo was a nice change from the straight orange juice the day before.
When he arrived at the library, he was shocked to see Cyler, Paco and Rhonda not hand out flyers but sitting in various stages of the drive. Paco was finishing up his paperwork, Rhonda was going through the tests, and Cyler was in a recovery chair eating a cookie. Tony, who after the events the day before reasonably decided to wait, was handing out flyers to students.
"What are you guys doing here," said Ralph with surprise.
"Well, Mr. H, we thought about what yous said about helping out others, and after seeing you donate blood yesterday, we decided to give it a try," said Cyler.
"Huh, well glad to see you participate," said Ralph, smiling. "I trust there were no more friendly wagers."
"No wagers, Mr. H, I learned my lesson," said Tony. "Besides, I plan on trying to give blood at a different drive next week to see if I can overcome my fear of needles. It's just too soon right now."
"Well, Tony, when you do, I'll see if I can come by," said Ralph. "After all, though I won't be able to donate for another couple of months, I can give you moral support."
Just then, Bill walked into the library, causing Tony and the others to groan a bit. "Maxwell, what are you doing here? Trying to find reasons to give parking tickets to legally-parked students?"
"Cute Villicana, why don't you go talk to the rocks, I'm sure you would have a great conversation with them," said Bill with a smirk. "Ralph, can I have a word, it'll only be a couple of minutes."
"Sure Bill. Guys, I'll be back in a couple of minutes if you need anything." He walked out the door and turned to the gray-haired man. "Bill this is great, I actually got the kids interested in helping out with the drive. Rhonda, Paco and Cyler are donating blood and Tony's even going to give it a try next week."
"That's great kid, but you need to pay attention here. Malachite confessed to all the weaponry thefts and Chiastolite's murder. He's going to go to jail for the rest of his life for that and other crimes, and I've got the bust of the month honor again. Carlisle had kittens when he saw my report, it was great," Bill concluded with a broad grin.
"Congratulations, partner," said Ralph with a similar grin. He turned to head back to the drive, but realized Bill just stood in place. "Is there anything else you're here for?"
"Yeah, kid, there is," he said. "You see, I want to donate blood at the drive and well, but it's been a long while, since 1963 in fact, and um..."
"You're a bit scared?" asked Ralph. When Bill nodded reluctantly, Ralph chuckled. "Come on, it's not that bad. There's been some changes since the last time you donated, and I'm sure they'd be happy to answer your questions."
Bill hesitated again and Ralph then realized the bigger issue. "Bill, I've already told the others I'd stay for moral support, and that includes you too," he said with a smile. "If they let me, I'll even hold your hand," he kidded.
Bill rolled his eyes, but the glint in them wasn't hard to miss. Ralph smiled. "Come on, let's go."
The two entered the library, realizing there partnership as well as friendship, was as thick as blood.