Page 216 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Chris moved over and sat on Mano’s other side, resting a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sure when we go see him, he’ll have that same smile on his face.”

Elias and Pierce stood nearby, watching with confused expressions. Elias leaned toward Pierce. “This really messed Mano up, huh…”

“Some assholes jumped them with knives. What do you think?” Pierce muttered.

“I’m worried about Ody too, but look at him…”

“So what? You wouldn’t cry if I got stabbed and ended up in the hospital?” Pierce turned to him.

Elias shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe a little. Depends how bad it was. But Ody’s okay.”

Pierce just stared at him.

“What?” Elias raised an eyebrow. “You’d cry for me?”

“Yeah,” Pierce said, too quickly, looking away.

A grin spread across Elias’s face as he opened his arms. “Aww—”

“Get lost.” Pierce shoved him off.

“Have you eaten anything?” Chris asked.

Mano shook his head.

“Come on. Let’s get you something.” He got him to his feet, and they headed toward the vending machines.

Elias dropped down on the bench next to Steve. “Why did you send us away when you asked him what happened?”

Steve kept his eyes down. “Ask Mano.”

When Mano and Chris came back, a doctor was already approaching. “We’ve treated the wound. He’s resting now. He’ll need to stay a few more hours for observation, just to be safe.”

“Can we see him?” Steve asked.

“Yes, but it’s better if one of you goes in first. He might be asleep.” The doctor moved on.

The boys exchanged a look.

Steve’s gaze met Mano’s. “You go.”

“Thanks,” Mano whispered.

“Can I ask something?” Elias said, drawing their attention.

“Yeah, just don’t ask anything stupid,” Pierce muttered.

“Did anyone call his parents?”

Mano shook his head. “I didn’t.”

“I don’t know, guys…” Elias hesitated. “Don’t you think we should?”

“And what are we supposed to tell them?” Chris asked.

“The truth.”

“Maybe it’s better this way,” Steve said. “He got stitches. In a few hours, he’ll be home. Let him tell them himself if he wants to.”