Author's note: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read my story! I can't believe how much you all liked it. I'd also like to thank ilovebooks17, kittieyez, MiptheGinger and Justified Turkey for writing reviews. Hope you all like the new chapter!

Walking to the nurse's office turned out to be more painful for Adam than walking to class had been. His stomach was aching, his head was throbbing…not much further now. Three more flights of stairs. He'd made it.

No one was in the office so Adam just let himself in. He stood on the foot stool and – albeit painfully – made his way up onto the bed. His cellphone began to vibrate. Who… it was Eli.

'Are you as bored as I am?'

Adam laughed and began to type. Just as he hit the 'send' button, the nurse walked in and gasped. "Oh goodness, you startled me young man." She shut the door behind her. "What can I do for you?"

"Uh…it's about my nose." Adam pointed at his still bloody beak. "See I sortof…uhm…had an up-close and personal visit with a glass door…" she stared at him in horror. "Do you have anything that can stop the bleeding and dull the pain?"

The nurse gave him a dirty look, and then began rummaging through her drawers. "Listen; don't think you're fooling me. The second I fix you up, I'm calling the principal and your parents and you're going to tell them what really happened, alright?" Adam stared at her but said nothing. She finally found what she was looking for and brought her supplies over to Adam. "Why don't you just save everyone the trouble and tell me what happened."

She poured the clear liquid onto the gauze then tried to dab it underneath Adam's nose but Adam flinched away. "I'll do it myself, if you don't mind." She handed the gauze over reluctantly and Adam wiped the blood from his face. "Thanks for your help, but I really don't want to get my parents involved. Or the principal. I just want to get cleaned up and go back to class." Adam finished with the gauze and threw it in the garbage.

"Anything else I can do for you young man?" The nurse's tone was irate.

Adam shifted his gaze to the door then down to the floor. "I was…kicked too." He paused and sighed. "I got kicked in the stomach and it's kinda hurting more than I thought it would."

The nurse softened her expression. "Can I take a look? You might have dislocated a rib."

He knew right away what was going to happen if he lifted up his shirt and immediately regretted his decision to tell her about getting kicked. "You know what? I think I'm ok, really. I think I'll just pop some Tylenol and some Tums and I'm sure I'll be right as rain." Adam slowly made his way off of the bed to the door.

The nurse watched him but said nothing.

Adam got out of the office and slowly made his way to his locker. His phone began vibrating again.

'So what did the nurse say about your stomach?'

Adam sighed and texted back once more. He leaned on his locker door and slid to the floor. What if she's right? Stupid Fitz. How am I supposed to get a dislocated rib treated? Or internal bleeding? I'm not a doctor, but the second I tell my parents, they're going to want to know who did it. Ugh. Maybe Eli could drive me…somewhere.

'Could you drive me to the doctor?' He texted.

Eli was calling him two seconds later. "Is something wrong, Adam?"

"Yeah…I might have a dislocated rib. It really hurts, Eli."

"Is it swollen? Have you looked at it?"

Adam looked up and down the hallway to make sure that it was empty. He lifted up his shirt and saw a lump. His skin was discolored. "Oh yeah, it's swollen alright."

"Ok, where are you? I'll come get you right now."

"I'm sitting by my locker."

"Be there in a few." Eli hung up.

Adam put his phone back in his pocket and closed his eyes.

Eli closed his classroom door quietly, after telling his teacher a fable about needed to drive his cat to the vet. He ran down one hallway after another and just as he was rounding the corner towards Adam's locker, he collided with Principal Simpson.

"Eli?" said the stunned principal. "Where are you going in such a hurry? Shouldn't you be in class?"

"I don't really have time to explain right now, sir. You can ask my teacher if you don't believe me but I really have to get my cat to the vet." Eli shrugged.

Principal Simpson gave him a disbelieving glance and shook his head. "It's not that I don't believe you Eli, it's just that…never mind. See that it doesn't happen again and make sure you get a note to avoid detention."

"Will do, thanks sir." Eli nodded and slowly continued down the hall. As soon as he was sure Principal Simpson was out of eyesight, he began to sprint.

When he spotted Adam, he kicked his leg gently. Adam bolted awake. "No don't!" He looked around frantically for his dream enemy but saw only Eli. "Oh uh…hi."

"Hi yourself. What's the matter with you? You look scared." Eli gave Adam a concerned look.

Adam shrugged and extended his hand to Eli. "Mind helping me back up?" Eli lifted Adam to his feet and Adam slung his arm across Eli's shoulders. "No problems getting out of class?"

"Nah. Almost had a problem with Principal Simpson though." Adam's eyes widened but Eli shook his head. "It's all taken care of, don't worry. Let's focus on getting you to a doctor."

"Yeah about that…" What am I supposed to tell him? I can't see any old doctor because I just can't? He's not going to let it go that easily. "I-I think it might be best if I just went home, actually."

Eli stopped walking and looked at Adam. "You might have a dislocated rib but you want to just go home, lie down and hope it goes away? Adam, what's going on?" Eli waited for an answer but Adam couldn't come up with one. Eli could tell that Adam was getting nervous. "Adam: whatever it is, you know you can tell me, right? I'm not here to judge you; I'm just here to help."

Adam looked at his feet. I could use your help, Eli. I'm just not sure I'm ready to change our friendship over my…issues. He shrugged. "If you want to help me, just get me home, ok?"

Eli rolled his eyes and continued walking. They were almost at his car when they heard footsteps. "Not now…" Eli barley got the words out when he was shoved into his car.

"Playing hooky are we? I don't think Principal Simpson is going to be too pleased to hear about this." It was Fitz talking.

"What are you worried about us for? Shouldn't you be inside trying to expand the little knowledge you have?" Asked Adam.

Fitz grabbed him by the collar. "Don't you ever get sick of getting your ass kicked? I'm happy to do it until you get the message."

"Hey leave him alone, Fitz." Eli put his hand on Fitz' shoulder. Fitz looked at Eli from the corner of his eye then spat on Adam.

"Hey Fitz there you are…what are you doing?" The three boys turned to see Bianca standing on the stairs. She walked towards them. "Fitz, do you want to get suspended? Don't waste your time with these losers. Owen's got something to share with us." She tugged on Fitz sleeve. "C'mon."

Fitz glared at Adam and Eli. "See you girls later." He let go of Adam, grabbed Bianca's arm and walked back to Degrassi.

"He really has it in for you, doesn't he?" asked Eli as he straightened out his shirt.

"Yeah, and I still have no idea why." Adam wiped the spit off his cheek. "Let's go before he decides to come back."

They got into Eli's car and drove off.

Except for the occasional directions, Adam and Eli drove in complete silence.

Just as Adam was starting to feel bad for pulling Eli out of class, all of a sudden Eli slammed on the breaks. He turned off his car and sighed. "So explain this to me again, Adam. What is it about you that you think I won't understand? Because I can tell you right now that the only thing I don't get about you is why you would flat out refuse to go to a doctor to get your rib checked out. I've heard of stupidity and being too proud, but if this has to do with either of those things, I'm going to tie you up and carry you into that hospital myself. Now, are you going to make this easier on both of us or not?"

Adam stared at Eli, dumbfounded by what his friend just said. Somewhere deep inside, Eli was making Adam really mad. "You don't have to fix everything, Eli. Maybe this is just something I'd rather deal with on my own. It has nothing to do with me trying to be complicated or keeping secrets from you or anything like that. I'm sure I should go see a doctor. But you know what? As my friend, you shouldn't be trying to force me to go anywhere. I want to go lie in bed, so I'm going to go lie in bed. If you won't drive me to my house, I have no qualms about walking to it."

"Don't be ridiculous, you're in no condition to be walking anywhere. I'll drive you home, but I still think you're being an idiot." Eli turned his car back on and continued driving. He pulled into Adam's driveway and put his car in park. Adam looked at him but Eli said nothing.

Adam sighed and got out of the car. He walked around the front and just as he got to his front door, Eli called out to him. "Adam wait!" Adam turned around. "If you need me, call me, ok?" Adam nodded then let himself into his house.

Eli shook his head in disappointment then backed his car out of the driveway. He stopped and stared at Adams front door. Whatever you're hiding from me, it can't be as bad as you think. I wish you would trust me more, Adam. Eli sighed and drove off.

He didn't even wait until he was in his room before he began removing his layers of clothing and bandages. He dropped as much as he could at the top of the stairs then walked into the bathroom. He closed and locked the door then lifted up his wife beater. His skin color had gotten much darker and the lump looked bigger than it had before. Adam ran his fingers lightly over the lump and winced.

I don't want to call Eli again, but I think he may have been right. I can't fix this on my own.

Adam pulled out his cellphone and unlocked the door. He dialed Eli's number as he stepped into the upstairs hallway. He put the phone to his ear and noticed a dark backpack lying by the door that hadn't been there before. "Adam?" It was Eli. But his voice was coming from downstairs. Adam gasped. Eli answered his phone. "Adam hey, where are you?"

"I'm uh…just in my room. Be downstairs in a minute." Adam hung up and ran to his room to throw a sweater on. His straightened himself out then went down the stairs. "Can I ask why you're in my house, Eli?"

Eli gave him a sheepish grin. "I couldn't just leave you like this, Adam. I'm sorry for just walking in."

"It's fine." He laughed then winced. "Ow. I probably would have done the same thing. I'm sorry for acting like a jerk."

Eli punched Adam lightly on the shoulder. "You're not a jerk. You're just stubborn, there's a difference." The two boys laughed. "So, hospital this time? Or is there another stop you have to make."

"No more pit stops." Promised Adam.

Adam grabbed his keys as Eli went out the front door. He locked his house and they got back in his car.

The hospital parking lot was packed. "Do you see any spots?" Asked Eli.

"Uh…" Adam looked around and spotted one in a far corner. He pointed. "Right there. Go for it."

Eli drove to the spot and parked. The boys got out and walked to the automatic doors. The hospital waiting room was full to capacity. Adam left his Medicare card in the little compartment on the secretary's counter then went and stood with Eli. "You alright to stand, Adam?" Adam nodded then took a deep breath and winced. Eli rolled his eyes. He walked over to a lady who was taking up an entire row with her six kids. "Excuse me miss, my friend here dislocated his rib and he's in a lot of pain. Would you mind giving up one of your seats for him?"

The woman gave Eli a disgusted look but when she saw Adam cringe, she picked up one of her kids, put him on her lap and slid over. She gestured for Adam to sit in the empty seat. "Thanks." Adam managed to say as he lowered himself onto the seat.

"Adam Torres?" the secretary called.

Adam got up slowly and Eli helped him back over to the counter. "That's me," said Adam, trying to smile.

"What can we do for you today, Mr. Torres?" asked the secretary politely.

"I…got into a fight in school and I think I might have dislocated a rib."

"What makes you think it's dislocated?"

"The guy kicked my right in the rib cage. It's swollen, discolored and I have a huge lump. I swear it wasn't there before."

The secretary looked at Adam then scribbled on a piece of paper. She went through her filing cabinet and pulled out more pages. She circled a few things, handed Adam back his Medicare card and gave him the papers. "Go upstairs to the third floor. You'll see a door on the right side of the elevators. That's where x-rays get taken. Hand the secretary up there those papers and they'll help you out right away."

"Thanks miss." Adam smiled at the secretary and she smiled back. Adam slung his arm around Eli and they made their way out of the waiting room, down the hall and to the elevators. Adam pushed the 'up' button and they waited.

The elevator arrived and Adam and Eli got inside. They arrived and the third floor and made their way to the secretary. Adam handed in his papers and was told to take a seat. A doctor walked up to him. "Hello. I'm Doctor Macavey. Come with me and we'll get these x-rays done." Adam stood up and went with the doctor.

Eli looked around for something to do but couldn't find a single decent magazine. He pulled out his phone to check the time. Lunch time back at Degrassi. Maybe I should call Clare and tell her where we are. He speed-dialed Clare and put the phone to his ear.

'Hello?'

'Hey Clare. A funny thing happened when Adam and I tried to go to class. We're actually at the hospital right now and he's getting x-rays done on his ribcage.'

'So I take it you guys won't be joining me for lunch, will you?'

Eli could hear the sarcasm in Clare's voice but knew she meant it in a sweet way. 'We'll make it up to you tomorrow, alright? Adam should be out any minute now.'

Clare laughed. 'I'll hold you to it; you know I will, Eli. Bye.'

'Bye.' They hung up.

"What are you?" Eli could hear the doctor shouting.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Adam was clutching at his sweater as he hobbled down the hall. "Quick, let's go Eli."

"What happened? Why was he yelling at you?" Eli was confused but stood up and followed Adam anyway. They made it to the elevator and Eli looked at Adam. "Are you going to explain what happened back there or is this another one of those need-to-know secrets of yours?"

Adam sighed. "Please just drop it, Eli. I just want to go home."

Adam looked the saddest that Eli had ever seen him. He decided at that moment that whatever secret Adam was harboring: if he wanted to tell Eli, Eli would wait. "I'll get you home, Adam." They got into the elevator and Adam pushed the 'RC' button.

Eli drove Adam home quickly and quietly. "Thanks again, Eli." Adam got out of the car slowly. "Uh hey, do you…wanna come for dinner? If you're not busy, I mean."

"Sure." Eli motioned for Adam to move towards the garage as he reversed and re-parked his car on the right side of the driveway. He got out and followed Adam into the house.

"Who's there?" Mrs. Torres was lying on the couch. "Oh, hi Adam. Who is this?" She sat up to face the boys.

"Hello Mrs. Torres, my name is Eli." Eli stuck out his hand and Mrs. Torres shook it reluctantly.

"I take it Adam's invited you for dinner?"

"I uh…if it's a problem I can just eat at home," Eli offered. "Wouldn't want to disrupt anything."

"No. It's fine." Mrs. Torres was curt and Eli began to feel less and less welcome. "You two go wash up and then come help me with the dishes. No one did them last night."

Eli looked at Adam who shrugged and walked up the stairs.

They went into the bathroom and Adam closed the door. "Sorry she's so rude. She's been really annoyed with me lately."

"What are you sorry for? If she's got a problem, I'm sure you weren't the cause of it." Adam looked away. "I mean she's a mom. I'm sure she has all sorts of things on her mind."

"Yeah, sure. Let's wash up and get the dishes over with." Adam washed his hands, dried them and then opened the door. "I'm gonna go talk to her."

"I have to use your facilities anyways. It would be a bit awkward if you stayed." Adam laughed and closed the door for Eli. He went down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Why aren't you in school, Gracie?" His mother's tone was colder than it had been before.

"It's Adam, mom and I got into…" Adam stopped and his mom looked at him. He didn't even need to finish his sentence for his mom to know what he was saying.

"I'm calling the principal tomorrow and pulling you out of Degrassi." Adam tried to protest but his mom lifted her hand up. "You promised that things at Degrassi would be different. It sounds like nothing has changed. I refuse to have to send you to the hospital for the rest of the school year because of some bully. I'm calling your principal and that's that."

Adam sighed and walked over to the sink. He lifted up and plate and began to scrub. A hand squeezed his shoulder. He nearly jumped out of his skin and dropped the plate all at the same time. "Oh, he Eli. I'll wash and you dry?"

"Sounds ok to me." Eli grabbed a large cloth. They finished the dishes and set the table. "Something smells really good. What are you making Mrs. Torres?"

"Chicken cacciatore, rice and beans."

"Mmm. Can't wait." Eli tried to smile at Mrs. Torres but she refused to look at him.

"We're going upstairs, ok mom?" Asked Adam. His mother turned her back on him. He rolled his eyes and motioned for Eli to go upstairs.

Once they were in his room, Adam collapsed on his bed. "So what is her problem, Adam?" Asked Eli casually.

"You wouldn't understand" was Adam's response.

Eli looked at Adam for two seconds then walked out of his bedroom. Adam was stunned.

"Where are you going Eli?" Adam got up and followed him.

"I get that you need space and you don't want to tell me anything about what's bothering you but I can't listen to you telling me that I won't understand. Either find a new way to say it or stop saying it. I'll probably be able to understand a lot more than you think, if you would just give me a chance." Eli's tone was defensive.

"I'm sorry Eli, I really am. I'll try to stop saying that, ok? Please don't leave. I really do want you to stay for dinner." Adam was pleading.

Eli smiled. "You really don't think I'd do all your dishes for you and then not stay for dinner, do you?"

Adam grinned. I knew today was going to get better.

So that's the end of Chapter 2. Stay tuned! Chapter 3 will be up next week.