๑۩۞۩๑Andrea Saxx held Ian down, her hands pressing hard on his arms to keep him still.
She was surprised by his strength, considering all he ever did was computer stuff. His veins
were taught, his teeth gripping tightly around the stick Ender had shoved in his mouth.
That part would have been funny if the kid weren't injured. Andrea cursed when Ian almost
escaped her grip, but she held on tight and at last he settled. When Ender was done, Andrea
helped the older guy carry Ian to the truck, where Aaron was waiting. Of course. She smiled
a little, heaving Ian into the back and making sure he was okay. She turned to Ender. "Thanks.
We would have lost him without you." Andrea turned away without another word, climbing into
the passenger seat with Aaron. She may have been grateful, but she still didn't like Ender much.
When everyone was ready she looked at Aaron. "Back to Jeremiah's, and step on it.
We don't have much time."
๑۩۞۩๑Ian Thorne tried to hold still as Andrea and Ender held him down to remove the bullet.
But as soon as Ender started working Ian thrashed, his teeth clenching the stick until it snapped
between his jaws. The wood splintered in his mouth, and he tried to focus on the dirt and dust
rather than the pain. Andrea cursed as she tried to hold him, and Ian was glad that he wasn't
any stronger. He had muscle from working out with Brooke every day, but he never saw any real
action. At last the process was over, and Ian's arched back collapsed into the dirt. He panted for
a moment, his pale skin sweaty. Ender tied the shirt back around him, and Ian struggled to his
feet when they lifted him. He hobbled along, glad when he saw the car not too far away, coming
to a stop. Brooke was in the back, and Andrea helped Ian climb in. "Thanks," he gasped, looking at
Ender but grateful to Aaron and Andrea as well. He laid back, letting his head fall in Brooke's lap.
"I'm alive," he croaked, grinning up at her. Then he closed his eyes, letting the exhaustion take over.
His sleep was dreamless, but he could feel the pain even in his sleep.