Only If I'm With You

Chapter 2

Nathaniel was walking to school, as usual. His heart fluttered when he thought about Marc, and his charmingly beautiful appearance and the most golden and pure heart he'd ever seen. Until the ground started to vibrate. It was trembling, then it started to shake. "Earthquake!" He heard one person scream. He glanced around with alarm, and saw some of his other classmates rushing for shelter. He decided to do the same, and hurried over to an open space. He'd learnt about earthquakes in science class. Science class did help him in this class. Until-

When Nathaniel thought he'd be okay, he saw lots of people, frozen. He guided some young children and elderly, jumping out of his tucked position. "Kid! Watch out!" He heard someone yell. He thought it was another young child, but when he turned around- CRASH! With him, lots of people got squashed underneath a huge, ancient tree. Very few people found a small opening in the fall, and managed to get to safety inside the tree. However, many unlucky people were injured. One of them included Nathaniel.

He wanted to scream. He wanted to cry, yelling that it hurts. His leg was stuck, tight under the huge tree. Nathaniel clamped his jaws shut when he saw someone's whole body squished between the floor and tree. It wasn't common to have an earthquake in Paris. Not at all. Was that sudden quake an akuma attack? Perhaps not. He didn't hear the miraculous ladybug yell, or the magic ladybugs flying around, fixing everything.

Soon, the police and emergency services arrived. Nathaniel was pulled out at last, but everyone was gasping. "Is that a child in there?" 

"Isn't he just a teenager?" 

"Poor kid!"

"Thank goodness the other child stuck inside was safe!" He heard whispers too. He was pushed in an ambulance, with a medic on board. "It hurts so bad.." He finally spoke, clenching his fist from the pain. "I know kiddo.." The medic said sorrowfully, patting her hand on his arm. "Hang in there" She let go, looking around for anything that might ease the pain. However, Nathaniel was growing sleepier, and more tired. He closed his eyes, and let his body relax. 

When he awoke, he was in the hospital. There were some drips attached onto him, and the uncomfortable smell of a hospital. He blinked open his eyes, slowly. "Where.. Am I.." He muttered, unaware he was at the time. All he remembered was an earthquake, and his leg.. Nathaniel saw a nurse beside him, coming over. "Hello dear. Your parents are on the way here. Meanwhile, do you need a drink? No food for now" She sounded kind, and gentle. He didn't respond straight away. He just nodded, and watched the nurse disappear. He glanced at his leg. It was wrapped up in a cast, and-

Nathaniel saw his teacher knock on the door. "Mrs Bustier..?" He blinked. "Hello Nathaniel. Are you doing alright?" She asked kindly. "Max is also at the hospital. He's a few rooms away" She went over, and sat down. "Your friends are here to visit you" She explained, glancing at the door. A few seconds after she said that, Marinette's head poked at the doorway. "Nate?" She first said it quietly, then she rushed over, pulling someone with her. It was Marc. "I'm going to leave you three alone" Mrs Bustier stood up, and offered a seat to the students.

"Nath!" Marc's eyes sparkled with concern and worry, while Marinette looked like she wanted to hug him tightly. Nathaniel felt a little more awake now. "Hey guys.." He smiled weakly, now only feeling tired. "Is Max alright?" He asked. "Max isn't important right now! You are!" Marc said, going closer towards his best friend. "Max is doing alright. Fortunately, he didn't break any bones! He was just unconscious" Marinette reassured, her eyes glistening with emotion. Nathaniel's grip on the blanket loosened, as he let go. Now, his hand was free, until Marc held it tightly. "Please tell me it's the same for you!" He pleaded, though, everyone knew what the answer was. "I.. I'm not sure. I just woke up.." Nathaniel responded. Despite his exhausted state, he still felt his heart beat faster and faster when his best friend was holding his hand.

The doctor came in, looking a little grim. He tried to brighten when he saw the teenagers, but failed successfully. Nathaniel saw his parents come in, and shooed his friends out. "Now Shirel, they can hear the news too" His father tried to soothe. "This is my son, and I know what's best for him! And the best for him is without his friends!" His mother snapped. The doctor said something to his parents, which made them quiet. Nathaniel assumed it was something about his friends staying.