Chapter 26 #3
“No,” Martina said firmly. “Absolutely not. I’ve seen this movie.
We all go and Mrs. Haysmith regains consciousness and comes after us.
That’s not how this is going to end. We’re smarter than that.
” She looked around, assessing the group.
“Okay, Cam, Zara, you two go and call the ambulance on your way to check on Landon and Alexis. That way you can fill the dispatcher in on their condition right away. I’m going to keep an eye on Mrs. Haysmith while Rick keeps Nika upright. ”
They didn’t argue. Cam took off at an easy jog while Zara hobbled after her at a slower pace as she dialed 911 on her phone.
As soon as they were gone, Martina returned her attention to Mrs. Haysmith, scowling down at her prone form.
“She was why my parents didn’t join the Booster Club.
I think I just lived out one of my mom’s deepest fantasies.
I got to hit Mrs. Haysmith with a crowbar.
” She considered the crowbar still clutched in her hands. “Maybe I’ll do it again.”
“I can’t see Mrs. Lopez hitting people with crowbars,” Rick said, relief finally flooding him as it began really sinking in. No one was going to be shot. They were mostly safe. An ambulance was on its way. The elation left him shaky and numb, and he was grateful to be feeling anything at all.
Martina looked up at him. “No, because she keeps those thoughts on the inside. She doesn’t act on them.
” She considered this for a minute. “But I’m not my mom.
” She kicked Mrs. Haysmith hard in the gut.
“That’s for trying to kill me, you fucking monster.
” She pulled her leg back for a second pass, the toe of her shoe connecting with Mrs. Haysmith’s ribs this time.
“And that’s for Mr. Stephens.” She kicked again.
“And Bryce.” Another blow, this one lower down toward her hips.
“And Paxton, even though he was an ass.” Martina hiccupped on a sudden sob.
Rick wanted to reach for her, but he was afraid if he did, Nika would fall. He was worried about how quiet she was being. “Teeny—”
“No!” Martina slashed her hand out. “Please tell me you were distracting her and not just waiting up there like a messed-up version of Romeo and Juliet, just waiting to die.” She scowled at Rick.
“I would never have forgiven you if you let her kill you.” Her lip wobbled then, her eyes filling.
“You’re—” Her breath hitched. “You’re supposed to be my ride-or-die, you prick. ”
Rick adjusted his hold on Nika and held out one of his arms, pulling Martina in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Teeny. I’m so sorry. You’re always my shotgun. Always.”
Martina smacked him with the palm of her hand but buried her face into his shoulder. “You asshole.”
Nika laughed, or at least tried to. Her teeth were chattering continuously now.
Rick pulled them close, grateful that everyone he loved was still alive, two of them in his own arms right now. He felt lucky. He felt alive. “I love you too, Teeny.”
“Romeo and Juliet were already messed up,” Nika said, her words slurring a little. “They both die at the end. It’s a tragedy, not a romance.”
Martina pulled back, concern on her face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Nika said, but her face was pale, her lips almost white. “Totally fine.” Then she crumpled in Rick’s arms as if in slow motion. “It’s just, I think I got shot?”
Rick swore, catching her. “You said it was a scratch!” His panicked gaze went to Martina.
His best friend stepped aside, put her foot on Mrs. Haysmith’s back, pulled out her phone, and dialed 911, even though Zara was already on the phone with them.
Zara hadn’t known the blood was from a gunshot wound and Martina thought that might be the kind of thing that an ambulance should know right away.
She tipped the phone away from her face. “Find where she’s bleeding and put pressure on the wound.”
“Right.” Rick set Nika down gently before he tore off his hoodie to fold into a compress. “Thanks, Teeny.”
“I got you, Rick,” Martina said, her voice steady.
“And that’s why I’m your ride-or-die.” She put her phone back in place, her expression reminding Rick of Mrs. Lopez when she was in handle-it mode.
“Hi, 911? This is Martina Lopez. Zara Moxley is probably on the phone with you already about sending an ambulance to Meadowvale High. I think we’re going to need more than one.
Someone’s been shot.” She went quiet for a moment as the dispatcher asked her something.
Rick kept his hoodie pressed to Nika’s side, using his free hand to pat her cheek. “Hey. Hey. Stay with me, Moose.” Nika blinked sleepily up at him.
“It’s Nika Page. We’ve got pressure on the wound and we’re trying to keep her conscious.” Martina’s nose wrinkled and she sniffed her shirt. “And sorry, but you should also call the fire department? One of the modulars is on fire. I almost forgot about that.”
Nika laughed, wincing at the pain. “You forgot…about…a fire.”
“Shhh,” Rick said. “Don’t talk. Breathe. Focus on that. Help will be here soon.”
Martina interrupted the dispatcher. “I know, it’s just—we’ve had a very busy day.” She sent a worried look down at Rick and Nika, her composure cracking around the edges. “Please hurry.”