Chapter Six

        

“Hey, have you seen Alex today?” Serena asked Nora as they walked into first hour English together.

“No, I figured he was with you. And I've got to tell you about my amazing weekend!”

“Oh really! What happened?” Serena replied, worry momentarily pushed from her mind.

“Well you see, there was this boy...”

Nora continued with her tale all through English, mostly by notes passed while Mr. Hall wasn't looking. They continued to talk as they walked to health together. It was only after class started that Serena noticed that Alex was not in his usual seat next to her. His friends, Justin and Tim, were not there either. She voiced this concern to Nora, and Nora thought they were just hungover, and to call Alex during lunch.

During lunch, as Nora and James walked away towards the Monteray, Serena called Alex's house on her phone. After several rings, a female voice says hello.

“Hi Carmen, is Alex there?” Ser asked Alex's mom.

“Oh Serena, you haven't heard? I figured someone would know at school. Something awful has happened.” As Carmen spoke those words, Serena dropped her phone. It's tiny speaker called out for her, and when Serena didn't respond, Carmen hung up.

Nora and James found Serena curled into a ball, leaning against the side of the school. Nora rushed to kneel by her best friend.

“Ser, what's wrong?” When Nora got no response, she asked, “Serena, are you alright? What's happened?”

“Something awful has happened.” Was all she managed to say.

“What's happened? Is it something with Alex?” As soon as Nora spoke those words, Serena started to sob. She took that as a yes.

Nora rose to her feet and turned to James, who handed her a bright red cell phone, featuring a picture of an excited girl with long, curly brown hair standing next to a big blonde man.

“I would take it this is Serena's phone?” James asked.

“Yes, it is. I'll hold it for her. Go tell Mrs. Todd in the office that I'm bringing Serena home. Say she's not feeling well, some of her lunch didn't agree with her. I'll see if I can come to Saint Mary's after school.” Nora said and kissed James once more. Soon after, she had Serena up and they were moving towards the student parking lot.

 

~

 

When Nora got no answer at Alex's house, she drove to the next logical place – the hospital. At the front desk, Nora asked if there was an Alexander Haille being treated there. The receptionist directed them to room 263. They hopped the elevator and waited to learn the fate of their friend.