Author's Note: I finally finished this story! About two-thirds of the way through, another story jumped into my head and wouldn't let go. I have started writing that, but can focus more on it now that this is done. I hope to start posting it soon. In the meantime, hope you enjoy this!
It didn't take the trained eyes of a police officer to concur that the man who entered the foyer across from him and Nicole was Mr. Switzer. The perpetrator and his victim gave each other the same wide-eyed expression, but Switzer spoke first.
"Nicole!" he said. "Is this why I've been pulled from my class and summoned to the office like a wayward teenager. What lies have you been telling now?" He kept his distance from her, yet managed to intimidate. To Carlos' surprise, Nicole rose to the occasion.
"I haven't lied!" she said, taking a step towards the older man.
Carlos stepped in front of her and spoke into his two-way for Washington's assistance before addressing Switzer. "Step back, sir."
"Me step back? Tell her to step back!"
This caused Nicole to try to advance once more, but Carlos did not allow her past him. Switzer smirked, which caused her to push harder against the officer. "Stop!" he hissed at her, making her teacher laugh.
Detective Washington entered the foyer with Mrs. Tedeschi close at her heels. She took quick note of the situation and instructed the principal to make an announcement for the student body to shelter in place, thus preventing further intrusion. Tedeschi scurried away to do that, thrilled with having been given a direction.
"Mr. Switzer, I am Det. Washington. Will you please come into the office with me? Officer Reyes and I have some questions for you."
"No," he said. "I don't believe I will. Not if it has to do with anything that this girl said."
"I only told them the truth about what you did to me."
Carlos pushed her further away from him and said, "Do not talk to him."
"Yeah, Nicole," Switzer said, his face reddening, "do as you're told and shut up!" He screamed those last two words and they had their desired effect.
"You asshole!" she yelled. "I hate you!"
With Washington approaching Mr. Switzer, Carlos could give his full attention to Nicole. He managed to get in front of her, blocking her view of her aggressor, and move her backwards towards the door. "We are not doing this right now," he said in a low tone which she alone could hear. His hand on her shoulder moved to her cheek. "Look at me. This isn't happening right now. Do not look at him. Do not react to him. Understand?"
She tried to peer at the teacher over his shoulder, but Carlos did not allow it. Giving up, she looked at her brother-in-law and said, "My head hurts. I want to go home."
With the school in lockdown mode, all access inside the building would be limited to law enforcement personnel. Carlos knew TK was likely outside the front door by now, trying to get in. He needed him. He needed someone to take care of Nicole, who was paling before his eyes, as he needed to assist Det. Washington in her confrontation with Switzer. He spoke into his two-way again and requested Paramedic Strand be allowed entrance as soon as he arrived on scene. He also requested an ambulance for the girl. He led her to a cheap pleather couch in the foyer and sat her down. "Put your head between your knees," he instructed her.
She attempted to follow his command, but her body had other plans and fell back against the sofa. She let him lift her legs so she was half lying down, and heard him call again for EMT assistance. There was no longer even a desire to fight him, or Switzer. The need to sleep overwhelmed her. From behind Carlos, she recognized Mr. Switzer's raised voice, and the insistence of Det. Washington's rising above it to tell him he was under arrest. She pried her eyes open in time to see Carlos' face being replaced by her brother's before she finally succumbed to the darkness.
LSLSLSLSLS
"I just feel so stupid," Nicole said from the back of the ambulance. "I don't need to go back to the hospital."
"You lost consciousness. Twice now since you hit your head. It's probably just the concussion, and the fact that you refuse to rest. It might be because you lied to your brother, who just wanted to take care of you, and always wants the best for you, but on the off chance that there is something else going on in the stubborn head of yours, we're getting you rechecked." TK rubbed his thumb across her knuckles, "And none of this is your fault. Ya know, aside from the lying to your brother part."
Yeah? Then why does it feel like it is?"
"These things take time, Nicole. Give it some time. You'll feel better again. I promise."
"What's going to happen next?"
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, Carlos arrested Switzer. He and Detective Washington are going to come by the hospital in a bit to question you further. I think it's time you talk to her. I imagine they'll continue to process him and decide on charges. But whatever happens, Dad, Carlos, and I will be right by your side and help you. You don't have to keep doing things by yourself. You never should have. You can breathe now."
She closed her eyes and took time to inhale deeply and exhale. For the first time in a while, she felt like things were under control. Maybe.
Author's Note: Carlos, TK, and Det. Washington are not my chararters. Thank you for reading this. It is a story close to my heart. I would love likes and reviews!