Some Hero

• Hayleigh Burman, Grade 10, St Patrick's College
• Short Story
• 2013

Excellence Award in the 'Dream Big 2013' competition

Sitting in sick bay was one of the most boring thing I've ever endured. I sighed, wincing as I dabbed at the crimson fluid trickling from my poor, mistreated, battle shaken nose. And to think, this all happened because I stood up for Kathryn. “Some hero I am.” I mumbled to myself before wincing once again as the unwelcome blood soaked into the wad of what was once white tissue. Now, used as a tourniquet for my misfortune.
I mentally kicked myself for being so reckless. “Stupid Annabeth and her stupid block head.” Annabeth was the girl who was picking on Kathryn. I’d witnessed her tormenting for too long. I got fed up I guess. Someone had to stop her, so, why not try myself?
Yeah, that seemed sensible at the time, but not so much when I ended up in the emergency room with tissue attached to my bleeding nose. When you’re mad and have an adrenaline rush, everything seems like a good idea. “And the consequences are endless.” I said to myself, looking up at the ceiling to try and stop the blood flow. Instead, I got a little dizzy and decided against it.
“Harley right?” I looked to the open door, staring in shock at the dark haired, bright eyed beauty, Jack, standing before me. ‘Oh gosh oh gosh Lorenzo help me!’ I thought to myself, having a panic attack over the fact that he knew my name. He gave me an inquisitive look, bringing me back to the present as I nodded my head in confirmation.
“That’s me alright.” I smiled as best as I could with a crooked nose and a soaking red and white wad against it. He smiled back, eyes sparkling like a thousand emeralds in the sun with glitter and rainbows. I cleared my throat, trying my best and failing to cover the light red dusting my cheeks. “Did you need something?”
“I just wanted to say that, I thought what you did back there was really brave. With Annabeth I mean, not the getting your nose smashed part.” He said rubbing the back of his neck, a nervous habit I’d noticed over the years in school. I laughed lightly, “Thanks. I still think it was pretty stupid though.” I said, looking down at my shoes. “Hey, at least you got a hit in. Plus, she’s in major trouble now, you should be proud. You've done a good thing.”
I smiled, relishing in the good feeling his words gave me. A few seconds past of staring and the bell went, signalling the end of our little contest we had. He coughed, trying to cover the pink dusting his cheeks just as I did. “So, I'll see you around?” he asked, a hint of hope glimmering in his gorgeous eyes. I nodded, “I guess so.” And with a smile and a wave he was off, leaving me in a better mood than before.
So I guess a bloody nose isn't all that bad.