Page 7 of Shuttered Hearts

“How’d that feel?” Principal Carter chuckles.

“Not good, I’m not there yet.”

Declan’s head bounces back and forth, clearly uncertain what is happening.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Marks.” Principal Carter’s laugh echoes down the hall.

“I’m confused. What was that about?” Declan asks.

“He started as principal here when I was a senior, and I may have gotten sent to his office a few times that year.” I laugh, shaking my head. “It feels weird calling him Demitri.”

“So, you were a troublemaker yourself growing up,” Declan jokes.

“Well, I was probably a little like Tyler. Calling out for help without knowing how to.”

“Right, you did say something about life being a little uncertain your senior year.”

“That I did. And there I go again, sharing things I wouldn’t typically.”

“Maybe I give off a trustworthy vibe, and you can’t help yourself.” Declan is clearly trying to give me an out, and I appreciate it.

“Must be.” I open my mouth to say more, but my phone rings, interrupting us. “I’m sorry, I have to get that.” I turn for my desk, rushing to my phone.

Since I walked into the school, my phone has been set to ‘Do Not Disturb’. The only calls that would get through would be from my brother, my dad, or Lucy, Dad’s neighbor who keeps an eye on him throughout the day. The fact it’s ringing now whenall three of them know I’m still at the school means something’s wrong.

Seeing it’s Caleb, I answer immediately. “What’s wrong?”

Caleb doesn’t mince words. “Dad had an accident. He’s been rushed to the hospital.” It’s loud where he is, probably standing in the hallway outside Dad’s room, watching the doctors like a hawk.

Caleb’s an attending in the ER. I know how badly he wants to be the person treating Dad, but he also knows he wouldn’t be able to focus the way he should. So instead, he’ll hover over whoever is taking care of him.

“How bad of an accident?” I ask, fumbling to gather all my things.

I see Declan in my periphery, moving toward me.

“Not horrible, but not great. He fell down the stairs. He definitely broke his leg, but he lost consciousness, so they’re concerned about a concussion. He’s being taken for a CT scan as we speak.”

“Okay.” I grab the desk for support. I know it could have been so much worse, but the fact he’s in the hospital at all has me nervous and uncertain.

“Quinn, why don’t you sit down?” Declan says softly by my side, his hand on my back, ready to offer support.

I sit as Declan suggested and look up at him as he stands by my side, concern etched on his face. “Do you need me to come to the hospital?” I ask Caleb.

“I don’t think so, but I know he won’t be home when you get there with Max, so I didn’t want you to worry. Though, I know you will.” It gets quieter on the other end of the phone, as if Caleb has stepped into an empty room, away from the hustle and bustle of the emergency room.

“You’re right. I will.” We both take a moment. “You’ll keep me in the loop?”

“Of course. You’re still good to pick up Max? Emily’s off today and can get him if something’s come up and you need to stay.”

“No, I’m good. My classes are done, and I met with the art teacher this morning before classes started, so I’m as caught up as I can be. A few more hours here to pass the time till he’s off, and I’ll be set.”

“Good. Declan’s a good man. I don’t know how I never introduced you two before. He’s been a really good friend. Not just to me, but to Dad too.”

I look up at Declan, who’s still standing sentry at my side, looking prepared to do anything I might need. Principal Carter was right. Declan is always willing to help.

“I didn’t realize you two knew each other.” I raise an eyebrow at Declan. He glances down and shrugs slightly, as if he might be a little ashamed he didn’t say anything himself.

“I don’t know how it slipped my mind when you told me you got the job at the school. Obviously, I know he teaches there. I also knew he was covering your classes, though, no one knew they were your classes when he started covering them.”

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