Chapter 32: One Month Later
Summer.
And so, here we are. Time to bid a fond farewell to the warm Spring and say hello to the heated Summer.
The next twelve days after my birthday were just... they were just absolute chaos. News about Melanie's survival, Crane's lie and Imran's death spread like wildfire and I don't think it helped matters that everyone in the Tower often gazed at my friend sympathetically or whispered from afar, when all she wanted to do was get back into the game and catch up with us. Also, we would both like to say a big Thank You to the unneeded gossip for bringing back horrible memories. Much appreciated! Not. But despite that and the horrific nightmares, Mel just soldiered on like a bl**dy boss and didn't take any cr*p from anyone.
Cue a moment where I pump my fists in the air and go: Yes, Queen!
Henry and Rahim also soldiered on like bosses, even though there were moments where I could tell that they felt just as guilty as I did for what happened in the Pit. The three of us frequently teamed up whenever someone was in need of assistance and we decided to use that time to confide in one about what was going on in our heads. They both believed that they too had failed Zere and Melanie by not acting sooner and... after we talked it over, we decided that it was best to try and look forward instead of dwelling on the past - despite that being easier said than done.
We just needed to remember that Mel was safe with us and hope that... hope that Imran was at peace now. I mean, that's all we could do, really.
Then, there was Crane. I don't think any of us wanted to address the situation with him further, especially Jade. The poor woman was...! She was almost a shell of her former self; always lashing out emotionally whenever someone mentioned his name, glaring hatefully at him every time she popped to the hospital and finally staring at Rahim and myself with utter disappointment - the latter which hurt a lot. We didn't know if she was doing this to get back at us for bailing him out or for some other reason - but whatever the case, it wasn't going to stop us from standing by our decision. Yes, he got some of our friends killed and yes, he lied to us - both of which are huge red lines - but he also did good for everyone and... more importantly, he was a friend.
If people weren't fuelled with hate, then maybe...! Augh, I'm diving into this too much, aren't I? Why don't we move on?
A knock on my bedroom door greeted my ears, prompting me to groggily turn my head to see Rahim peeking his head round the corner. "Hey, Libby. Sorry that I woke you up,"
"It's fine, don't worry about it," I said, pulling myself into a sitting position and tiredly rubbing my eyes. "What's up?"
"Not much," He tried to answer happily, despite fear visibly showing in his eyes. Oh no...
I raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"
Hearing this, my best friend grimaced as he entered my room and closed the door behind him. "Okay, you got me. I'm... I'm a little embarrassed to say this, but I..." A mildly annoyed yet amused sigh. "I could use some back up with my sister,"
"That's nothing to embarrassed about, mate," I reassured him with a grin. "I'll be out in a minute, alright?"
"Okay, no problem," Rahim flashed a grateful smile, before exiting the room. Cue me to give him a thumbs up, as I pulled myself out of my single bed and tided up my green covers.
My room in the Tower was a lot different than the one I had at home and it was one of many aspects I remember having to get used to, when I first joined. The walls were a creamy white and the floor was a tawny brown. I also had a white desk and chair, which were accompanied by a shelf of drawers sitting on the left side of my room next to a black television set housing a PlayStation 4 console and four controllers for myself and my siblings. Speaking of which, I wonder how they're doing? A single window stood proudly next to the right side of my bed, which allowed me to get a decent look at the Slums outside.
The first thing I did after making my bed was grab my blue hairbrush and quickly run it through my hair, checking to see if there were any knots present. Thankfully there weren't, which lead to me tying it back in a ponytail with bangs framing my face. I then stripped out of my green t-shirt and dark bottoms into my bulletproof vest (very handy!), grey t-shirt, camo jacket, denim jeans and combat boots. After slipping my watch on my right wrist and my blue lapis ring on my right ring finger, off I went to join Rahim out on a mildly noisy Floor 20. Glad to hear that everyone else seem to be in good spirits.
"Okay, I'm ready," I greeted after I closed my bedroom door behind me. "Are you heading to the Sickbay again?"
"Yep," My best friend confirmed, as the two of us begun walking side by side. "So, I may have some interesting news for you,"
"Really?"
"Yeah," Rahim responded, almost a little excitedly. Oh? "I am hoping to blow up that volatile nest. I don't know when, but hopefully some time today,"
"Oh, right!" I exclaimed. I completely forgot about that, goddamn it. "Do you still want me to be a part of your squad?"
"You, Mel and Henry," The older boy answered eagerly. "That's if you guys are up for it?"
"Course," I revealed kindly. "I'm sure the other two would be willing to lend a hand as well,"
"Thanks, Lib!"
"That's alright," I said, seconds before my brows furrowed with concern. "How are you doing, considering everything that's happened recently?"
Hearing this, Rahim grimaced. That's not a good sign. "I'm... I'm not sure, to be honest. You?"
"I don't know, either," I told him sadly. "I think we just need to remain positive, even though that's easier said than done,"
"Fair point,"
The two of us then descended the staircase onto Floor 19 and turned a right into the hospital. As usual, the area was packed with doctors busy at work via checking on their patients and it didn't take very long for me to find Lena ... who was talking to a near frantic Jade. Oh god. Rahim and I instantly scurried back out into the main hallway with fear, just mere seconds before Brecken emerged from the main headquarters and noticed us.
"Hey, kids," He greeted. "You two okay?"
"Yeah, relatively speaking," I replied sheepishly. "How about you?"
"I'm getting by," The Tower's leader answered honestly. "I think we would all benefit if circumstances were easier, however," He then snuck a concerned glance at the hospital's entrance. "I'm guessing a certain someone's in there?"
"Precisely," Rahim confirmed anxiously. "She's been to see Dr. Lena a lot too and at this point, I have no idea how we're gonna get in without her seeing us," You and me both, bud.
Hearing this, Brecken sighed in understanding. "Look, try not to let her get to you, alright?" We already have. "You both did the right thing and I would have done the same, if I was there,"
"Have you," A nervous gulp. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but have you decided what's to be done with Crane?" I found myself asking. "After we get some answers, that is?"
"Not yet," Our friend revealed. "But I think I might gather everyone together and ask for their opinion. If they want him to stay, then he stays and we find a way to move forward from this - but if it's the opposite, then...!" He then begun to trail off fearfully. Oh no...!
"Jade kills him?" My best friend dared to ask with growing terror. No, no, no, no, no!
"No, no, she won't. I'm not gonna let her," Brecken quickly reassured us, prompting a surge of relief to well up. Oh, thank god! "You two let me worry about this, okay? Maybe you guys could see if anyone needs a hand round here?"
"Sure," I replied. Sounds like a good idea.
"I'll see you both later, alright?" Brecken bade us a fond farewell, which we returned - before he entered the hospital to presumably check on Crane. Here's hoping he's still stable.
"Should we still go in, case someone needs us?" Rahim then decided to catch my attention.
"Actually, I think Lena's got everything under control and she usually does, anyway," I told him with a reassuring grin. "So, how about we check the first floor?"
"Yeah, okay, sounds great,"
And off we went.