Chapter Six 'Intervention'

Gar knocked tentatively on Kori's door and took a step back just incase she decided to come bouncing out of her room and tackle him, which Gar expected was highly likely.

"Friend Gar!" Exclaimed Kori happily, as she flung the door open and pulled the boy inside.

"Hey Kori I-uh what's going on?" Asked Gar looking around the room confused.

Gar immediately spotted Vic and Dick sitting on Kori's couch in the corner of her room. Dick was sitting slumped with his legs propped up on the coffee table and his arms folded across his chest looking at Gar with a sly smirk. Vic on the other hand was sitting with his head propped in his hands looking at Gar with slight amusement.

Kori laughed nervously. "Nothing is going on friend; we are merely calling the 'intervention'."

Vic slapped his hand over his face at Kori's answer. "Great," He mumbled to Dick. "Can't you get your girlfriend to keep a secret?"

"She's not my…forget it," Said Dick sighing and turning back to Gar who looked very confused.

"Uh, intervention? For what?" Asked Gar.

Vic sighed and stood up crossing the room to stand next to his friend. "So, little buddy, what's up with you and Rachel?" He asked a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Wha…this is what it's all about? Dudes! I can't believe Vic's got you all thinking I like her!" Complained Gar flinging his arms about wildly.

Kori tapped her two index fingers together and looked at him timidly. "Please, we did not mean to make you angry friend Gar we just thought that-."

"We just thought that we'd let you know…don't," Said Dick sternly.

Gar blinked a few times looking at his new friends confused. "Don't…what?" He asked.

"Don't get attached to her, don't try to get her to like you, Gar it's not a smart idea to get emotionally involved with someone like Rachel," Said Dick sighing. "Trust me on this; we've all tried to be her friend."

"Have you?" Asked Gar sarcastically. "Because I don't think you could have really tried that hard."

Dick groaned and slumped back further into the couch. "We've lost him."

"We have?" Asked Kori confused. "But…I can still see him."

"No, Kori not like…never mind," Said Dick a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Gar I really don't think you should-."

"Veg-head, the girl's not going to get better in two weeks don't stress yourself out on this okay? I don't see what wrong can come out of you being friends with her but man she's in too deep," Said Vic shaking his head and sending a sympathetic look towards Gar.

"You guys all know how stupid this is right?" Asked Gar balling his fists. "Rachel's my friend same as you guys are. I'm trying to help all of you because I want you to get better!" Gar hissed. "Because that's what friends do, they help each other."

Kori bit her lower lip and clutched onto Dick's arm; Gar hadn't even noticed that she'd scooted away from him and over to the dark haired boy. "Friend Gar, we…we did not mean to upset you. We were just concerned for both you and Rachel."

"Rachel? What bad could come out of me helping her?" Asked Gar, lowering his voice to a softer tone.

Vic sighed. "Sit down little buddy, it's a long story," He said gesturing to one of Kori's fluffy pink chairs.

Gar did as he said and looked at the three teens expectantly. "Okay…so what happened?"

"Rachel's talked to me a few times," Began Dick. "She never really let me inside her mind though, if you know what I mean. She never told me what was exactly wrong with her that made do the things she does. But I do know that there was this guy. His name was M-."

"Malchior?" Asked Gar scooting to the edge of his seat. "Rachel's mentioned him to me before. What-what'd he do?"

Dick smirked slightly. "She told you about him already? That might be a good sign then," He mused to what seemed like no one but himself. "Anyway, she trusted him…a lot He used to promise her that he was going to help her get better and get her out of here. That promise only lasted a few weeks," Said Dick sighing. He paused for a minute to look at Gar who seemed to be very interested in what he was going to say next.

"So, he just stopped coming?" Asked Gar.

"No, worse," Answered Dick. "He came one last time and told her he was giving up, that nothing could ever fix her, and that he was sick of wasting his time around here. She told me he left her a goodbye present, never said what it was though. All I know is that she began having a lot more relapses after that." Dick looked up at his friend whose mouth was hanging wide open, from shock he guessed.

"A-and you think I'd-I'd do the same to her?" Asked Gar stuttering and trying to keep his words together.

"No, man, we never said that," Vic cut in quickly. "We just don't want to see that happen again seeing how you're only going to be here for two weeks, she hasn't really been the same since."

Gar was quiet for a moment before he spoke again. "Are you sure you don't know what he gave her?" He asked softly.

"She only mentioned that he never really thought she'd get better after all considering what he left for her."

Dick's words rung in Gar's head over and over again until it clicked. Rachel couldn't get better, of course she couldn't, and there was always a way for her to come back to her disease. He stood up quickly, feeling a little dizzy and rushing to the door. "I-I've gotta go guys, I just remembered something I have to do! I'll see you tomorrow!" Gar yelled already headed down the hallway.

"He really does care about her doesn't he?" Asked Dick.

Vic smiled a little. "I think he does, even though he doesn't seem to know it."

"Hmm, well maybe it'll all work out," Dick suggested.

"Yeah, maybe," Said Vic glancing towards the door. "You guys…you don't think we're gonna end up like that do you?" He asked. "I mean having to stay here for two years…I can't even imagine-."

"No," Dick interrupted sternly. "We've got each other to help each other…Rachel…she doesn't exactly have anyone."

"She has Gar," Kori chirped smiling at Dick from her position on the couch beside him.

Dick smiled back at her and nodded meekly. "Yeah, but what happens after Gar's done with his community service? Then what happens to Rachel?" He asked.

Kori perked up as if a light-bulb had just gone off inside her head. "I believe I may have an idea…"

--------------------------------------------------------

Gar crept along the hallway of the two hundred rooms, being extra carful that he didn't run into any nurses or worse, Rachel. He felt like a spy or a stalker or something in between. He also had a bad feeling that Rachel was going to hurt him tomorrow for what he was about to do, but he knew it would help her so he didn't mind risking a broken bone…too much.

"Ha! This was easier then I expected," Said Gar praising himself and turning the knob to Rachel's door, peering inside.

The room was dark; pitch black dark and Gar couldn't seem to find a light anywhere. So he left the door open a crack and wondered inside her room cautious of his surroundings. The boy made his way over to her dresser and scanning the top of it only to see it was clean.

Gar grunted and timidly reached down to the first drawer pulling it half way open. "Hmm…clothes," He mumbled glancing back at the door to make sure there was no one in sight.

Seeing no one Gar quickly dug through the clothes feeling around trying to find any sharp objects among the fabric. When he didn't find anything in the first drawer he quickly went onto the second. And on and on he went until he got to the last drawer.

"This is hopeless," Gar complained to himself. "Maybe, Dick was just dreaming this, I don't see-what the…" Gar paused pulling at the handle to the last drawer but it wouldn't budge. "Oh well this is just great!" He exclaimed plopping himself on the ground to get more comfortable then the squatted position he was in.

"Stupid drawer, I bet Dick was making this whole thing up," He mumbled folding his arms across his chest and making a 'hmphing' sound. "Maybe I should just give up because I don't see any reason there would be a jammed drawer unless she-."

Gar stopped in mid-thought, his eyes going wide. "Oh…shit," He whispered turning back to the drawer and pulling on it again. Nothing. The tried again, harder. Still nothing.

Gar grunted and stood up taking a few steps back from the dresser and then running at it kicking the bottom drawer with full force. Nothing…

"Argh!" Yelled Gar in frustration. He flung himself onto the ground beside the drawer and glared at the piece of wood. "I'm beginning to think this whole thing was pointless."

It was then that Gar noticed something, a small keyhole at the side of the drawer. "Well…that makes since. But where would she…" He began, looking around the room. He couldn't see anything that remotely looked like a key but then again Rachel was too smart to make things that obvious.

In the next five minutes Gar had checked under the bed, inside the bed, inside the nightstand, around the book shelf and still he found nothing. "It would really help me if I could see around here," He said sighing. No sooner did he finish his sentence then he spotted a light switch on the wall beside him.

"Aha!" he exclaimed flipping on the switch. Instantly the room was illuminated and Gar was surprised at how bright Rachel's room could actually be. He was taking the sight in when something attached to the lampshade caught his eye. "Well, isn't she smart," Gar mused aloud.

He made his way over to the lamp and pulled out the key hidden from beneath the lampshade. "Sorry Rachel, but it's for your own good." Gar made his way back over to the dresser and quickly stuck the key inside the keyhole hearing a clicking sound and with that he quickly pulled the drawer open.

"Oh man…"

--------------------------------------------------------

"Are you two sure this is such a good idea?" Asked Vic looking at his two friends nervously.

"Come on Vic, you're the one who said that you felt bad for her," Said Dick peeking around the corner to the stairs and once he knew it was safe he quickly slipped behind the wall motioning for Kori and Vic to follow.

Vic groaned. "Does everyone have to guilt me into everything?" He whined. "Besides she probably won't even let us inside. Remember we're not exactly her friends."

"But, we are attempting to be," Answered Kori smiling brightly up at the mechanical teen.

"I just don't see this going well," Said Vic sighing and watching as Dick neared the entrance to the hospital wing.

Dick glanced over his shoulder making sure that no one was following them. "I don't think it will either honestly, but if it means so much to Gar we mas well try, after all he is trying to help us too right?" Dick asked. "Is the coast clear?"

"Yes, I see no one," Answered Kori giggling and quickly slipping through the double doors.

Vic let out another exasperated groan and followed them into the hospital wing. "I'm with you guys for now, but as soon as she tries to hurt one of us I'm out."

Dick glanced back at him and sent him a glare. "Just try to be nice to her, Rachel doesn't like talking much I know that but I'm sure she won't hurt us."

"Positive?" Asked Vic smirking slyly.

"Uh, yeah," Said Dick sounding a bit confused. "Why?"

Kori poked him in the shoulder and pointed to the door they were in front of. "Because I believe this is Rachel's room," She stated.

"Seeing how you know her best…why don't you go in first Richie," Said Vic chuckling.

"It's Richard, I mean Rich…I mean Dick!" He said glaring up at Vic.

Vic stopped laughing and rolled his eyes ((eye?)). "Chill man, I'm just kidding around. Anyway…are we going?" He asked gesturing to the door.

"Should we not knock first?" Asked Kori nervously.

"Be my guest," Said Vic smirking at her auburn haired girl.

Kori gulped and took a step towards the door knocking lightly and then running behind Dick. It only took a few seconds for Rachel's half hidden face to come into view and all three of them could have swore that she looked slightly surprised to see them.

"Can I help you?" Asked Rachel her eyes narrowing at them.

Kori's grip tightened around Dick's arm and Vic let out a nervous laugh. "Um, hey Rachel, we just stopped by to see how you were doing," Said Dick sending her a small smile.

"Just peachy," Said Rachel beginning to close the door.

"Wait!" Said Dick his voice squeaking. "Um, we also wanted to know if you wanted some company?" he asked clearing his throat.

Rachel looked at the three of them, confusion written clearly on her face. "Excuse me? Did Garfield put you up to this?" She asked clearly annoyed.

"No, no Gar didn't have anything to do with this," Vic cut in. "I mean, he did suggest I come the first time but we came on our own. Gar left…I think."

Rachel nodded. "I'm not really in the mood for company," She stated shutting the door on them.

"That went well…yes?" Asked Kori laughing nervously.

Dick sighed. "I told you she doesn't like talking."

"Well, ya'll maybe we just need another approach," Said Vic looking at the door with a strange smile on his face.

"Like…?" Dick questioned rather confused.

"This," Vic stated holding up his right arm and letting out a small chuckle before a flash of blue light appeared and burst the door open. "Sonic cannon…comes in handy every once and awhile," He said looking at his friends astonished faces.

Rachel was glaring at the three of them when they peeked inside. "What is your problem?" She asked in an eerie tone.

"Please," Began Kori stepping out from behind Dick and coming into the dark girl's view. "We just wish to help you, perhaps we can be friends?" He asked meekly.

"You three want to be friends with me?" Asked Rachel harshly. "None of you have any idea what I've gone through, what makes you think that-."

"Uh Rachel, news flash…we've all gone through tough stuff. Why do you think we're here?" Asked Vic.

Rachel continued to glare at him. "You broke down my door."

"You'll be out of here in less then three hours probably, it's not that big of a deal," Said Vic.

"Just leave me alone," Hissed Rachel. "I don't need your pity."

Vic sighed. "This is a pointless cause, but there is one thing I don't seem to understand. Why do you talk to Gar about this stuff and not us?" He asked. "Gar's not nearly as messed up as we are but you still let him in? What's up with that?"

Kori and Dick looked shell-shocked for a minute. Vic had made a point, one that Rachel couldn't even seem to answer.

"He's doing this for community service," Answered Rachel. "He has to talk to me."

"You know what I mean," Snapped Vic.

"Just get out," Whispered Rachel.

"Rachel, we just want to try and help, after Gar leaves then-." Began Dick.

"I said get out," She snapped.

Kori squealed and clutched onto Dick's arm again. "Please, if you would just let us talk to you we could-." Kori stopped speaking instantly as soon as she saw Rachel walk across the room towards a red button beside the door.

"If I push this, the nurses will come in and figure out you're not in your rooms," Stated Rachel. "So, you can either get out now or be forcefully removed."

"Rachel…if you'd just let us-."

"Three…" Began Rachel holding her hand over the button.

"-we could help you and-."

"Two…" She continued.

"Okay, okay you win," Said Dick sighing. "We'll leave. I just wish you'd give us a chance."

Rachel watched them with a glare as they dragged themselves out of the room and down the hallway until they were out of sight. "One…" She whispered sighing, pulling her arm back and wrapping her arms around herself. "Looks like I lose…again."

--------------------------------------------------------

"This…ugh dammit Rachel what were you thinking?" Gar whispered staring into the drawer still shocked at what he was seeing.

There were several razor blades, a piece of tin foil, some glass, and a few broken pieces of the mirror she had shattered yesterday.

Gar rubbed his temple and tried to stay calm, which obviously wasn't working. "How did anyone not know about this?" He asked to no one in particular. "I have to get this stuff out of here…but how."

Gar looked around trying to find anything to carry Rachel's stash out with. His eyes darted to her closet and he quickly ran to it flinging the doors open and spying a lone pillowcase folded neatly on top of the folded bed sheets. "Yes!" Exclaimed Gar jumping up, grabbing the sheets and plucking the pillowcase up.

The boy returned to the drawer and quickly filled the pillowcase up with the sharp objects, completely clearing the drawer out. After that he shut the drawer, locked it, and returned the key back to its hiding place before he quickly darted out of the room and back to the stairs.

"Garfield Logan…you are a genius," He said praising himself.

End chapter six…!

Soooo my lovely reviewers? What do you think so far? I hope you're enjoying it annnd I should have the next chapter up by sometime next week.

Xoxo—Gothic goddess14