Page 89 of Mr. B

“What happened? Are you hurt?”

“Twisted my knee.”

The two young men joined them and knelt too. “Whoa, Mr. B.”

“I’m really glad to see you guys.”

Perry smiled. “Glad enough to let that C in Chemistry not kick me off the team?”

“We’ll discuss that next week at school.”

Lester looked at Perry. “We sure will.” He turned back to Wes. “Let’s get you up.”

The three of them stood and pulled Wes to his feet. It didn’t hurt as much as it should’ve. His pants were cutting off circulation to his knee and everything below. Lester handed the flashlight to Robby.

“You light the path for us. Perry and I will help Mr. Buchanan.”

“Yes, sir.”

After standing upright and taking a few supported steps, the pain returned, and Wes tried to suppress the groan he wanted to make with each step. Lester and Perry were on either side of him, bearing most of his weight, but every step still hurt.

The trip back became one long, painful nightmare, and by the time they could see the camp’s lights, Wes wished they’d drop him into a pile of misery and leave him alone. They didn’t. As they came off the trail and headed for the glowing embers of the fire, Cassandra ran toward them with Bailey following behind on her crutches. It must’ve been after ten, because everyone else was gone.

Cassandra came up to him. “Oh my gosh, what happened?”

Lester and Perry kept moving. “Let’s get him to the cabin.” He glanced at Robby. “Will you see that Bailey makes it to her cabin safely?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I want to help.”

Cassandra hugged her. “You’ve been a great help staying here with me. Go to bed.”

“Mom.”

“Please, honey.”

Wes raised his hand, slung around Lester’s shoulder. “I’m good, Bailey.”

“Okay.” She and Robby left for the cabins.

Lester and Perry kept moving. “Almost there, boss.”

The double cabin looked impossibly far away, but Wes kept an eye on the lit window, and it slowly got closer. When they got to the door, Lester looked at Perry.

“Thanks, son. We’ve got it from here.”

“Yes, sir. Hope you feel better in the morning, Mr. B.”

“Thanks.”

He left, and Cassandra helped Lester bring Wes inside to the bed. He leaned against the headboard and closed his eyes. “Thanks, Coach.”

“Glad you’re safe.” He turned to Cassandra. “What can I do to help?”

“Can you get some ice? Then we should be okay.”

“I’ll be right back.” He went out the door, and Cassandra hugged Wes.