The next day at school was pure torture. Nearly every breath that Aiden took sent sharp pain shooting through his chest and lungs. Luckily, he managed to play it off all day until P.E. Evidently, someone up there didn't like him all that much because today was the day that the school was testing the students on their mile-run. He tried to run and barely made a lap. Rather than kill himself because of this stupid test, he decided just to walk, but even that left him barely able to breath.
Alex jogged passed him then slowed down, matching his pace. "Hey!" she chirped, grinning at him.
He nearly tripped over his own feet, and he took in such a sharp intake of breath that he actually started coughing, doubling over. His chest was on fire, and he actually had to sit down for a second. "Sorry, I... I fell down the stairs this morning," he rasped out.
Alex was kneeling beside him, one hand resting on his back. "Wow, you okay?" she asked. "Maybe you should go to a hospital."
"No!" he said quickly, getting to his feet. "No hospitals. No doctors." He started walking again.
She sat on the ground, stunned for a moment, then ran to catch up with him. "Okay, no hospitals, and no doctors. Can I at least give you a ride home?" she offered.
He stopped, staring at her. "No!" It was one thing to be friends with her at school where he was safe, but he couldn't let his dad find her. She would be in danger too.
She was hurt by his rejection; he could see that in her face. "Fine," she muttered, stepping around him and running off once more.
Aiden was relieved more than he was disappointed. Maybe he wouldn't have her friendship anymore, but at least he would know that she was safe away from his father. He didn't see her again until after school. She was sitting on the steps and stood when he passed her.
"Hey," she said, matching his steps. "Look, I'm sorry about yelling at you in gym. I'm just worried about you, and I really wish you'd let me give you a ride."
He shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I really can't..." He thought about telling her why, but he knew that would be a bad idea. "I'm sorry. Thanks for the offer though. I have to go. The bus is waiting."
He waved, and she waved back. She still wasn't happy though. If they were going to stay friends, they were going to have to start sharing secrets. But that means giving up your secrets too... Do you think you're ready for that? Groaning, she stomped her foot. There had to be some way to get through to Aiden without revealing her own secrets. But how?
