"The games of kings: Rise of the underdog"

chapter five

I opened my eyes to see where I was. The last thing I remembered before I passed out was me standing in front of the cafe. And the funny message i saw in front of my phone before I passed out.

I winced in pain as I tried to sit up. I grabbed my phone, trying to check the gaming app but it was the same old. I felt a bit down but then being poor makes you imagine things.

I looked around the sterile room and saw I was in the hospital. The beeping sound of the machine and the ivy that was inserted into my veins made me realise I must have passed out.

I don't have the money for the bills. I wonder who brought me down to the hospital. The door opened and I saw the woman again.

" I would stay still kiddo. How do you feel?" The woman asked.

" I feel like shit. I am sorry I had..." The word was stuck in my throat.

" You don't need to feel bad. What is your name?" She asked staring at me.

" Luke." I replied

" Luke, your injuries are a bit serious. I think you might need to stay in bed for a few days." Tracy said looking at him

" I can't." I said getting out of bed. I tried to stand on my feet but I crumbled to the ground immediately.

" Yeah, I was going to tell you that." Tracy said with a sad face.

The door opened and a man with a white jacket walked in. " You should listen to her, Luke. You need a lot of rest and not from your wounds but you are emotionally depressed. Anything happening to you of late?"

I looked at Tracy and back at the doctor. " I am fine. It is just school work. It has not been easy." I lied

I could see the look on Tracy's face. She didn't buy it but I think lying about school was pretty convincing.

" Well, Mr Luke. You have a few broken ribs that need to be taken care of, and we'll need to monitor you for a few days to make sure you're recovering properly," the doctor said, his eyes scrutinizing me.

I nodded, trying to appear cooperative. But my mind was racing with thoughts of how I was going to pay for all of this. I didn't have insurance, and I knew my parents wouldn't be able to afford it.

Tracy seemed to sense my distress, and she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about the bills, Luke. I'll take care of it."

I looked up at her in surprise, but she just smiled and squeezed my shoulder. "You just focus on getting better, okay?"

The doctor nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's focus on getting you back on your feet. I'll prescribe some pain medication and have the nurse bring it in."

As the doctor left, Tracy helped me back into bed. I winced in pain as I settled into the pillows.

"Thanks, Tracy," I said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her. "I don't know how I'll repay you for all of this."

Tracy smiled and patted my hand. "You don't have to repay me, Luke. Just get better and take care of yourself."

I looked at Tracy as I laid on the bed.

[ DING! ]

My phone beeped and I saw a lot of messages. My hand shook slightly as I read through the messages.

" I would run if I were him. Disappear into a hole and never come back."

" A cleaner? He is in for a hell of a ride."

" Everyone is going to come for him."

" Did you hear that Selena even burned everything he had given to her?"

" That is some next level shit. You mean all those cheap and second hand products? I can't wait to see the look on Luke's face."

I could barely read anymore. The tears I had been trying to hold in for a while suddenly burst. The dam, the steam and even the ocean in my eyes gave way.

I could barely hold it anymore. I heard a gentle step at the door and immediately cleaned my eyes but I was having a running nose already.

" Do you want to talk about it?" Tracy looked at me.

" Why are you helping me?" I asked staring at her. " Because that night, you look like you needed a shoulder to cry on. Am I right?"

There was silence in the room as both of us stared at each other. " I am on suspension, Ma'am." The word slipped out of my mouth.

" There is this boy that stole my girlfriend. He even bought my home and had my landlord send me parking."

Tracy kept silent and looked at me. " So? Did he do that to you?"

I nodded and I could see the anger and the fire in Tracy's eyes. " Care to tell me his name?"

Immediately she heard Derek's name, I could see the coldness in her eyes. Like I had hit a spot or said something I shouldn't have said.

" You just get better, Luke." Tracy said walking out of my room. I wonder where she was going as I tried to get some sleep.

My mind replayed everything that has happened to me.

The date with Selena, the betrayal, the laughter of the students and the cold gaze of Selena and I was beaten by Derek and his friends.

It was unbearable.

[ AFTER THIRTY MINUTES ]

I noticed my phone chime continuously and I began to wonder what the latest news was in school. A part of me wanted to check but I knew it was just going to be all about me.

So I decided not to. But then the continuous beep and chime was getting unbearable that I wanted to see what was actually going on.

When I picked up my phone, my face went pale to see the pictures plastered all over the school portal.

" What are you doing?" I murmured as I grabbed the staff beside me. I slide into my slippers and I dashed out of the ward rising towards the exit.