Hi guys, I cannot believe it has been 3 years since I've written a story! Where does time go, I hope I can keep up writing this one and you all enjoy this.

No Joy in a Joy Ride

"You're bleeding Jesus' bro; you're getting blood everywhere; we have to go!" I heard the voice, but my ears were ringing so badly that it sounded muffled. I put my hand to my forehead and warm, red, wet blood painted my right palm. My hands shook in the cold winters night and I wanted desperately to cry because the pain coming from my head was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Looking out of the window shield I could see white hazy smoke coming out of the cars radiator and the headlights lit up the red brick wall I had hit. I felt someone tugging at my seatbelt and I groaned loudly wanting to help, but I felt dazed. My vision went blurry as blood trickled into my eyes and even though I knew he would kill me; I wanted my brother. "Lincoln, I want, Lincoln." I whispered out. The seatbelt released and I slumped forward hitting my upper body on the steering wheel with a loud thump. The horn did not go off because the airbag had deployed, and I realized that is why my chest hurt. I felt warm breath in my right ear, "I know Mike, I know, we have to get out of here! I can hear sirens; the police officers are coming, can you walk?" Jasper's voice shook, I knew he was scared.

Jasper jumped out of the passenger seat and went around to Michael's door, tugging it open. It felt like a lifetime since they crashed but it had been only a few minutes, and the sirens were getting closer. Jasper had shot up to six feet this summer and for his sake, Michael was stunted at five foot seven, which made it easier for him to yank him out of the car. Michael cried out because his chest hurt and Jasper grabbed his left arm, pulling him out of the mangled Honda, and that did not help the pain. Thankfully, Michaels legs at first wobbly woke up and he was able to walk while leaning on Jasper. They headed down a dark alley that led back to the Navy Pier and as they turned the corner, they saw blue and red flashing lights engulfing the stoop where the car crashed. Michael could feel the blood from his head rushing down the front of his pale face and he knew if someone saw him like that, they would call the police. He stopped leaning against a booth at the pier and took a quivered breath in.

"Jazz, we have to clean this blood up, figure out a plan." His voice sounded small, but Jasper stopped and took his black hoodie off. He gently put it over Michaels cut and used the sleeves to wipe the blood off his best friend's face. "Listen, we can't go to my place my Dad's there and he'll call the cops to arrest us, I know he will." Jasper started to breathe heavily and the shock of what just happened started to wear off. His adrenaline started to go, and he was left with sheer panic. Michael had seen this before with Linc after fights and he gently grabbed his friend's shoulder who was now dressed in a t-shirt shivering from the cold winter's air. "Remember, "Lincolns out of town for work, that is why we decided to go on a joy ride. We can go back to my house and glue my cut like we learned in health class. It will seal the wound, and we can come up with a plan." Michael tried to stay calm, he felt woozy, but he knew the best plan was to get somewhere safe and off the Chicago streets. Jasper nodded his head and took Michael's arm, letting him lean against him as they walked to the apartment. Anytime they saw a car they hid, and Michael let silent tears stream down his face. He knew they were in the worst trouble he had ever been in, why did he agree to steal a car?! Apart of himself was terrified of the police arresting him, but the terror he felt when thinking what Lincoln would do overrode being arrested. Was being in jail really that bad compared to what Linc would do to him?

He looked at Jasper who looked ashen under the moonlight and knew that no matter what he'd take the blame for what just happened. Jasper just saved his life and there was not anything or anyone that could make him rat his best friend out. By some miracle Jasper opened the door to Michael's apartment and they had made it without being spotted. The elevator for once was working and they rode up making Michaels stomach flip flop around. He was starting to feel dizzy and sick to his stomach as the elevator dinged open. "Jazz, I don't feel so good, I need to lie down when we get inside." Michael groaned. He fished for his house key in his front pocket while his right hand clutched the sweater to his head. With bloody fingers he shook handing the keys to Jasper. Jasper took the keys from Michaels shaking hands and unlocked the apartment door nudging it open with his foot while he held Michael up.

The apartment was pitch black and it was warm, which was a welcoming surprise because it had been so cold outside. "Wait, Wait, to the right is the light switch, Jazz." Jasper turned on the lights and immediately with the door still open walked Michael to the green suede couch. He gently set him there and went to shut the door before anyone could see them. As he looked at the beat-up white door, he spotted a bloody handprint and grabbed a towel from the small kitchen. He hurriedly wiped off the door and shut it, locking the deadbolt and for the first time in the light he saw Michael. He gasped as he saw the blood on Michael's face and the top of his blue shirt was covered in dark red blood.

He went to the kitchen sink, soaking the towel with water and rushed back to Michael, wiping the blood off his face. He peeled the sweater away and gently put the wet towel over the gash on Michael's forehead. He could see white under the skin, but if that were his skull he was not sure. What did a skull look like? Michaels eyes were heavy and slipped closed, "Michael I do not know what to do man? Should I call an ambulance?" Michael groaned but felt so tired. He just wanted to sleep, and Jasper got up heading to the phone. On the kitchen table was an origami Crane and Michael told him once that when Lincoln would leave for Vee's for a day or two or to work, he would leave him one to let him know he was leaving for a while.

Jasper looked over at Michael and it seemed like he was fading fast, he had to get him help but how? Who would he call? As Michael fell asleep slumping over Jasper ran to him, "Mike, please wake up! Do not go to sleep, okay? You could have a concussion or worse, I do not know what to do?!" Jasper started to cry and shake. Michaels eyes felt heavy but as he heard Jasper crying, he could have sworn he heard Lincoln. He could not open his eyes though even though all he wanted was his brother and so he mumbled, "I want Lincoln, I want my brother…" He felt rough hands and they were gently caressing his face at first and then holding his hand…" I am here Mikey; you are going to be okay…please God let him be okay." Michael recognized Lincoln's voice, and a thought washed over him. If Linc was here he was safe but if Linc was here he was in more trouble than he could ever imagine….

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