Forty nine

Blake's POV

I got a text from Jessie. Hey Blake, just thought I'd let you know. Me, Josh, Lily, Holly, Charlie and Jade are all clear of illness and disease. We are still waiting to hear about Zach. How's everyone else doing back home? And how are you? Don't deny it as I saw you attacking the tree! What happened? Jess xx

I read her text dismayed. Zach could be ill. How was I going to tell everyone that. I laughed a little at her concern for me. After that first week here, where I'd sort of been mean to her we'd got over it and moved on. Especially after she helped me through my episode with Elektra. And after the kiss, although that had caused things to be a bit awkward between us. But we were finally beginning to class each other as friends and she wouldn't feel the need to leave a room if it was just the two of us in there. I sent her a quick reply. Jessie, glad to hear that you are all ok. Hope Zach is too. Tell him, get well soon. Everyone is a little subdued. Nobody really knows how to feel or act at the moment. Your bf is currently asleep in his room after his blackout earlier. Don't worry, he's fine. He just felt tired. I glanced around the living room. Harry and Floss were sat on the carpet with Jeff but they didn't seem to be that interested in playing. Jody, Carmen, Tyler and Tee were all sat on the sofa with me, staring at the TV but not really seeing it. Johnny and Frank were sat by the computer, muttering under their breaths. Elektra was upstairs in her room but there was no noise coming from there. Rick was asleep and Faith was out running. Nobody really felt like doing much. I carried on the text. As for me, well I just felt so angry. I didn't hurt anything though. Well except possibly the tree as I clawed its bark off and possibly my hands which are now in bandages. I calmed down though. Life is just so hard and unfair. Why do bad things always happen to us. Blake xx

I sent the text and went upstairs to check on Rick. He was awake this time as I went in. "how are you feeling?" I asked. He shrugged.

"I have a throbbing headache but I think that may be because I hit my head on the table as I fainted. How are the others?" he asked.

"They are ok. Still waiting for the results of Zach to come through. I hope he's ok," I added. Rick nodded. We sat there in silence for a bit. Like with Jessie, me and Rick were slowly becoming friends as well, although Rick was quite wary around me in case I had an episode.

"How are rehearsals going?" he asked me changing the topic completely. I shrugged.

"Not very good. The blocking and songs and dances I can remember but my line are another matter entirely. How did you do it?" I asked him.

"I don't really know. I just kept running through them with myself and learning the line before mine so I knew my cue. Do you want some help? I could run it with you," he offered. I nodded and so that's what we started doing.

Three hours later

The door downstairs opened and I heard Jessie giggle at something. Rick's face lit up when he heard her. I wished I could be as in love with someone as he is with Jessie. We slid off the beds leaving our scripts on them and went downstairs. Jessie was standing at the bottom of the stairs smiling up at us. She knew we were upstairs as I she, Rick and I had been texting and we had told her we were practising. Rick ran down the stairs and pulled her into a hug. "I've missed you," he said. "I was so worried." He added. Jessie giggled.

"Well don't. I'm fine," Jessie said smiling. I walked down towards her and she brought me into a hug. "thanks for being there the past few hours," she whispered in my ear. I'd been giving her updates about Rick and trying to keep her spirits up.

"you're welcome," I replied and the three of us walked into the living room. Everyone was gathered around and those who had come from the hospital looked quite serious. Whatever we were about to be told. It couldn't be good news.

"Ok. Don't freak out but Zach is ill and has been for a long time. He has lung cancer and is going to pass away at some point. We don't know when but he doesn't want to spend his time in hospital or in a hospice. He wants to spend it with you lot, here, with his friends. Just treat him like normal but be aware. Zach is not allowed to leave Elm Tree House boundaries. He can go in the garden and the house but that's it. So just bear that it mind," Mike told us. Everyone just stared at Zach in shock. Jade was holding his hand and they both seemed unconcerned. I looked at them holding hands. Another couple in love but Jade has to cope with the fact her boyfriend could pass away. And soon.

No-one really knew how to react so I took the first step. "Zach, I'm sorry to hear that. Want to come play football with me?" I asked. Zach nodded and soon Rick, Frank, Charlie, Josh and Jessie were following us out into the garden. Jessie sat on the grass. We teamed up. Me, Zach and Charlie on one team while Frank, Rick and Josh were on the other. Jessie laughed loudly and we all turned to look at her.

"What?" we asked.

"it's just you've done teams so that basically you're up against your own roommate, or your cousin, or your 'rival'," she said referring to me and Rick with the last one. I glanced at the teams. So we had. Charlie was against Josh – cousin and roommate rivalry. Zach was opposite Frank – roommates. And I was opposite Rick – my complete opposite and roommate. I could see why she found this funny. We all laughed and then we started playing. We treated Zach as normal and I think he appreciated it.

A/N: When I was writing this I didn't actually realise I had put roommates against each other until I reread it and I have to say it did actually amuse me. Also this chapter is set part during the previous chapter and partly after it. Indigo :)