CHAPTER THREE: The Third Day of High School

As Kimmy and DJ proceeded in to school, Steve wasn't in his usual place waiting for her. The two girls looked all over for Steve but couldn't find him. After a while, DJ whispered, "I hope everything is ok with him."

Just then, two heavy built guys that looked to be football players approached them and asked, "Are you looking for your boyfriend, DJ?"

DJ was relunctant, "Well, yes I am. Where is he?"

One of the guys snickered, "Come with us. You better hurry or else you'll miss him."

The two girls forced themselves to follow them but kept a safe distance behind. Just when they got outside, an ambulance was being pulled away. DJ ran into the street and yelled, "Stop! Wait for me! Steve is in there!"

Kimmy and another guy had to physically restrain DJ from running after it. Instead, DJ silently got through school. As soon as the 2pm bell rang for dismissal, DJ grabbed Kimmy and they walked the full length to the local hospital (which was only 12 blocks). When they reached the ER, DJ inquired, "Was a Steve Hale admitted to this hospital today?"

The woman smiled, "Why, yes he was. His room is 411. This young lady will lead you girls to it."

The young nurse led them up stairs to the fourth floor and, at room 411, DJ stopped Kimmy, "If you don't mind, let me go in first. I'll call you in when it's ok."

Kimmy waited out in the hall. DJ walked in and saw Steve. She literally burst in to tears because he was covered in burn marks, had two black and blue eyes, one broken leg, and a fractured elbow. DJ walked to his side and tried to touch his hand without disrupting the IV, "Steve?"

There was no answer for a while. After about ten minutes, he slowly opened his eyes and said, "What are you doing here?"

DJ sobbed, "Oh, I love you so much, baby. What happened to you? It broke my heart and worried me that I couldn't find you anywhere in school."

Steve tried to put his hand against her precious face but simply couldn't, "Oh, honey. It'll be alright. I just remember it being all so fast...first thing I know I'm walking in to school and then I'm beatin up by some heavy set guys. Wow, were they tough!"

DJ asked, "Are you in a lot of pain? Do you even know what's wrong with you?"

Steve whispered and closed his eyes, "Yes, my body hurts a lot. Can you call the doctor? Get this IV out of me?"

DJ relunctantly pushed the doctor button on the wall and he came in right away, "What can I do for you, Steve?"

DJ put in, "I wants the IVs out. They are bothering him, but he promises to drink plenty of fluids."

The doctor studied DJ and then asked Steve, "Do I have permission from your family?"

Steve annoyingly said, "Yes, she's my sister. Take them out."

After the doctor removed them, he departed. DJ asked, "Why did you say I was your sister?"

Steve smiled, "because they were bothering me and I just wanted those stupid things out."

DJ grabbed his hand and held it for a while, "I love you so much. Please get well soon. Shall I let Kimmy in now? She came with me and is waiting outside."

Steve smiled. Then, Kimmy came in and looked shocked, "Oh, are you ok Steve?"

Steve acknowledged, "Yes, I'll be ok. I already feel a little better without those IVs."

Kimmy grinned, "That's good. So, how long are you gonna be cooped up in this musty hospital?"

DJ put in, "Kimmy, try to make it a good experience for Steve. His priority is to get better."

Just as the girls were about to leave, Steve whispered and lifted his head a little off his pillow to give DJ a kiss. His lips were very dry and parched. DJ asked, "Would you like me to get you some water with a straw?"

Steve laughed a little, "What am I...a baby? Haha. Sure, I'll have some water with a straw actually."

She brought it to him and he drank from it. Then they kissed one more time. Their lips were longing to be together. After the girls left, they went to the Tanners home to do homework.