Read Online When The Light Goes Out by Jack Thompson - Free Book Online

cracked teeth were bared at me. Even more when those angry hands grew even colder, and lifeless, and fell from me.
     
    I hadn't heard the shot.
     
    Hadn't seen the boy walk into the bathroom.
     
    In spite of his disturbingly comforting presence, I wrapped my arms around the front of my body, shivering uncontrollably. Not because I was cold which I was. Not because I'd nearly died, and was scared which I also was. But for the mere fact that I felt utter useless.
     
    I was utterly useless. I knew I was.
    I couldn't even protect myself when I had a gun in my hand.
     
    I found my eyes glued to the completely soaked boy. He was dripping again, but no longer with blood. Actually, taking note in the very back of my mind, there was very little blood left on him. He pants looked wet and clean, and he was indeed shirtless, so I figured he'd washed his while I was otherwise occupied. And even while his face was completely expressionless, I couldn't beat down the fear that he was mad at me.
     
    Again. "Get up." Cold words.
    Yeah, he was mad. "Get up now ."
    Very mad.
     
    But I got to my feet. My very shaky feet. "II'm sorry. I"
    "I ask for soap, and you disrobe?"
     
    "She grabbed my" I'd already started answering before I realized that he'd made a joke. A dry joke, true enough, but one all the same. I spent a moment staring at him, before he sighed, and grabbed my wrist. I couldn't tear my gaze from his.
     
    That was probably the desired effect. "Come on."
    I remained plastered to the floor. "Come on ."
    I just stared at him, raising my free arm to cover myself. Making, what was more or less a point. I was not not going back to the others, shirtless. Never. Nuhuh. Not happening. Ever. No. I shot him a look that (I hoped) said as much. But he pulled me toward the door anyway.
     
    "We'll find you something to wear on the way. There has to be something somewhere." Keyword: Somewhere.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE

     
    Malachi ended up leading me back to the chemistry room which I completely understood. It was probably the only room in the school he was familiar with at all, aside from the auditorium, which he was only in for a few minutes anyway. I was only a little shocked that he didn't complain about my neglect in retrieving him his soap. But maybe he was just being dare I say sympathetic. Maybe he was taking pity on me, and the fact that I'd been attacked. Effectively double teamed.
     
    Maybe.
     
    Just maybe. Maybe not.
    "I.. never got you the soap.." I couldn't help but whisper. Wanting the second shoe to drop, if it ever would. Or was it still the first shoe? I wasn't entirely sure. But he didn't spare me a glance with those cold eyes. As nervous as it made me, I was glad he didn't look at me. I didn't want to see the disappointment that was sure to be there.
     
    "It's all right." He barely turned his head as we entered the room.
     
    I didn't know why the boy was suddenly being so damn hospitable. After the verbal threats. The looks of death. Why was he being so kind? Why wasn't he being mean? I shook my head, cracking a small grin. One figured he realized how shaken up I was. One figured that he knew I was scared. Absolutely terrified.
     
    And cold.
     
    "Just help me wash my hair."
     
    I took a moment to look at him oddly, but understood. It had to be difficult to wash his own hair, especially since it was longer then most boys. Not the mention the sink was uncomfortably low. I wondered how he'd get his head close enough in the first place.
     
    I didn't respond to him directly though, choosing to nod and begin moving instead. I grew oddly grateful that I had no shirt. Less to get in the way, I figured. Less to get dirty. It was unfortunate that the moment I put my hands under the water I realized how damned cold it was. The draft in the room hit me like a shot in the dark. Was the water heater broken?
     
    Damn.
     
    "You sure?" I finally spoke.
     
    "I need to get this crap out of my hair."
     
    "All