As Max got into my car I knew I had to help him. No matter the cost. So many questions were flooding my mind, things like:
What happened?
Who did this?
When did this happen?
Are you okay?
Why did someone do this?
How long ago was it?
Where did this happen?
Do your parents know?
Where are your parents?
So that's exactly what I asked. I didn't get it. I knew the second I met Max that he was different, he reminded me of myself when I first went to Camp Campbell. My heart broke at the sound of his small fragile voice when I heard him over the phone. But why? I had never felt this way to any other camper who has come to the camp for the summer. So why Max? Was it simply because he reminded me of myself? Or was it something else?
Every time I asked him a question I just got silence as an answer. I wanted to know how to help, but I couldn't unless he told me.
"Max, please. Tell me who did this!" I'm practically begging for answers at this point.
"Where are we going?" I hear him quietly ask from the back seat.
"The hospital, you need medical attention Max, and I'll be damned if I don't get you the necessary care you need." If I know Max he'll refuse, with him being so stubborn.
"Don't you need a parent or legal guardian or some shit to take you to the hospital?" I hear Max's sarcastic voice. Damn. I forgot about that. Think David, think!
"Yes, so when we get there I'm going to be your uncle who is taking care of you. Okay." C'mon Max just work with me.
"David, we don't even look related. There's no way they'll believe that." Max's voice was practically dripping with sarcasm at this point.
"Besides, my parents will want me home." Excuse one.
"I'm sure they'll want you healthy before anything else Max." I told him, refusing to give in to his excuses. I hear him mutter something under his breath that I couldn't make out
"I'm too tired, I'll go tomorrow, just take me home." Excuse two.
"Tomorrow might be too late Max, besides I'm sure you can take a little nap while we're waiting."
"Well, who's gonna pay for the hospital visit? Cause I don't have any money on me." Excuse three.
"I will. I will pay for anything you need. If it helps, I will do whatever it takes!" I answered all of his questions. From there I was all in. There is no way I could just bail now. Not after I had promised.
"David, no." Max answered. As I went to reply to his almost pleas.
"Just take me home." He answered in an almost broken voice.
"Then why did you call me if you just wanted to go home Max?" I asked slowly getting tired of not getting the answers I needed to know.
"I… I don't know." A hushed voice finally answered one of my questions.
"Max, I know you don't want to tell me. But for me to help you you need to tell me what happened." I slowly pulled off of the road.
"No."
One thing's for sure.
This is gonna be a long night.