Chapter two hundred and thirty four:

Becky followed Zac down the front steps of the porch at the Hanson house and out into the driveway. He had hoisted as many bags onto his shoulders as he possibly could and dragged two more behind him. He looked ridiculous, like a bellboy loaded down with luggage.

Becky smiled to herself as he led the way.

He helped practically dropped the bags onto driveway, and quickly removed the duffle bag from around Becky’s shoulders. She smiled at him, and he promptly returned it.

He tucked that duffle bag in the cargo hold beneath the bus and picked up the bag Becky had been wheeling behind her.

Becky lifted one bag but by the time she had it stuffed in with the others, Zac and the bus driver had made quick work of the rest. The bus driver went inside the bus to check on some last minute things, while Zac turned to lead the way back to the house for a second trip. Becky picked up her step, and reached out and took hold of his arm, pulling him to a stop. “Zac, wait.” She smiled.

Zac turned and Becky quickly pressed her lips to his, wrapping her arms around his neck, loosely.

Zac didn’t protest, but instead placed his hands lightly on her hips and returned the kiss.

She finally broke the kiss, but left her arms around his neck. “Zaccy, you are so sweet for carrying Jen’s things to the bus….”

He shrugged lightly, with a half-smile. “No problem. It’s just my way of helping out.”

“I know, but you’ve been so sweet to me through this entire thing. I really appreciate it, Zac.” She kissed his cheek and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.

He pulled her close, “Anytime… I love you.” He whispered, softly stroking her hair.

“I love you too, Zaccy.”

He squeezed her tighter, causing her to burst into giggles. He lifted her from the ground and she kicked her knees up behind her.

He carefully lowered her back onto her feet and she released him, straightening out her t-shirt to cover her stomach.

“Zac, if there is anything I can do to make it up to you…”

Zac grinned, “Well, there is one thing….”

“Zac!” She feigned horror.

“What?!” He asked defensively. “I meant you could kiss me again.”

Becky grinned, and rather roughly pushed him against the side of the bus, planting a kiss on his lips. She kissed him passionately for a few minutes, their tongues mingling, and her hands groping through his hair. Finally she broke the kiss, much to Zac’s dismay.

“I should go make sure Jen is doing okay.” She walked away, and with her back turned to him, she smiled privately to herself.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Taylor came from the washroom, having just washed his hands. In the hall, he met Becky, just as she was about to go into her and Jen’s room.

“Hey, Becca. I was just about to change Jen’s bandage-“

A look of complete horror crossed her face. “Oh gross!” Her face turned completely white.

“Wow, Jen said you were squeamish, but I thought she was exaggerating.”

Becky shook her head. “No, I can’t even stand the thought of blood… I’ve got to… find something to do.” She covered her mouth with her and hand and quickly retreated down the hallway.

Taylor furrowed his brow and knocked on Jen’s door. Without waiting for a response, he pushed the door open.

Jenna was sitting on the edge of her bed with a book open in her lap.

“Jen, what are you doing sitting up? You’ve got to be careful, you’ll pop a stitch.” He approached her and sat across from her on the other bed.

“I know… I um… I was just thinking maybe that Luke would stop in and say goodbye, you know?” She offered a nervous laugh, but it came out more like a sob.

“Jen-“ He began.

“No, no. It’s okay.” She briefly knitted her brow. “I get it, you know? He blames me for doing this to myself and he can’t stand looking at me like this…”

“That’s not true!” he protested. “He doesn’t blame you, no one does! You were sick, and-“

“I made myself sick.” She corrected.

“Not on purpose! Things got out of hand.”

She sobbed again, nearly in tears. “I don’t want to talk about it, Tay. Really.”

“Okay.” He said, not wanting to push the issue. “I’ve got to change your dressing.”

“Oh, no… do you have to?”

“I’m afraid so.”

She sniffled and nodded. “Alright.”

“Here,” He set aside the box of medical supplies and took her hands, easing her back onto the bed. “You know, he’s got to be crazy for not coming to see you yet.” He smiled. “But I bet he’s got a good reason.”

 

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