Chapter 40: Forever Bond Of Friendship

A few days later, Jace was discharged from the hospital. Though he looked fine physically, Joseph, his father, wasn't ready to let his guard down. He stayed home, refusing to return to work. The thought of leaving Jace alone, especially after what had happened, weighed heavily on him. 'Come on, Dad. I'm not a kid. Grandma is here, she'll take care of me. I'll be fine," Jace had said one morning, noticing the worried expression etched permanently on his father's face. But Joseph only sighed, still unconvinced. 'Oh… how about following me back to work? At least I'll be able to watch over you there," he offered, hoping for a compromise. 'Dad, I'll be fine," Jace replied, trying not to sound frustrated. He looked at his father, tired, worried, and already fed up with arguing over the same thing. 'I'm just worried," Joseph finally admitted, his voice softer than before. 'I don't want you ending up in a psychologist's office. It'd break me to see you broken." Jace managed a small smile, the kind that was meant to reassure. 'I will be fine, Dad. I promise." The following week, Jace returned to school, just in time for the inter-class football match. It was a big day, the stadium buzzed with energy. Students filled the stands, excited voices and chants echoing through the air. The cheerleaders, dressed in their vibrant outfits, waved pom-poms energetically. Emma stood in front, leading the routine. Dorah and Miranda sat at the front row, eager to cheer for their friends. 'Why is Prudence not in school?" Miranda asked, her gaze fixed mostly on the cheerleaders, especially Emma. 'She didn't say anything specific. Just that she wouldn't be in school today," Dorah replied. Miranda made a soft sound of acknowledgment. 'Oh." Then, a familiar voice called out, warm and teasing. 'My babies." They both turned to see Jace approaching them with a small grin on his face. 'Why are you just coming?" Mira asked as he reached them. 'I was with the boys," Jace replied, looking like he wanted to sit, but then changed his mind. 'I'll be going now," he added casually, walking toward the coach's bench. 'What…? Oh." Dorah started to protest, but her words died in her throat as she saw Helena approaching them. Helena, noticing Jace's departure, quietly turned and walked back the way she came. 'He's been ignoring Helena since you were admitted to the hospital," Mira said, catching the look on Dorah's face. 'Oh…" Dorah mouthed, her eyes drifting to Jace who was now in deep conversation with one of the coaches. The whistle blew. The game was fiery from the start, with energy so intense it pulled everyone in. The crowd cheered, chanted, and screamed as goals were missed, scored, or saved. Jason and Max were on the same team, while Ronald played for the opposing side. It was a nail-biting match. When the final whistle finally blew, the scoreboard read 2–1. Ronald's team had won. 'Good game," Jace said as he approached Ronald and pulled him in for a quick bro hug. 'Thanks, buddy," Ronald grinned, wiping sweat off his forehead. Dorah came running toward them with Mira right behind her. 'Babe," Ronald called, wrapping Dorah in a brief, celebratory hug. 'Good job," she said brightly, ruffling his hair in encouragement. Max and Jason walked over with neutral expressions, trying not to let the loss get to them. 'Good game, bro," Ronald said, pulling both into a hug. 'You still won," Max replied as he took the water bottle from Ronald, half-smiling as they stepped apart. Suddenly, a rhythmic beat echoed behind them. They turned to find Jace drumming enthusiastically on a plastic table nearby. His hands moved with ease, creating a catchy rhythm that instantly drew attention. 'Oh no, don't start," Jason chuckled, already knowing where this was going. Students still lingering in the stadium turned to look. Phones came out. Recordings began. Jace winked at his friends and raised his voice to sing. [ Jace: ] Hand in hand, we walk this road Friends strong, a story unfolds Through highs and lows, we'll always be there Bound by a friendship, wild and fair He moved from the table and stepped onto a bench, raising his hands and clapping. The crowd followed suit, matching his energy with cheers and applause. [ Jace (cont.): ] Oh, friends united, hearts entwined In each other's company, we find Laughter, support, a bond so true Together, there's nothing we can't do [ Dorah: ] Side by side, we'll face the day Through every challenge that comes our way With trust and care, we'll rise above Hearts connected by a thread of love [ All: ] Oh, friends united, hearts entwined In each other's company, we find Laughter, support, a bond so true Together, there's nothing we can't do Ronald stepped up with confidence, bringing a fresh energy to the beat. [ Ronald: ] Souls united, like stars aligned In friendship's embrace, our hearts entwined Through thick and thin, we stand so true A bond that's unbreakable, me and my crew Laughter echoes in every step we take Supporting each other, no matter what's at stake Different paths we tread, but side by side Late-night talks and inside jokes worldwide He signaled Jason, who took over the rap smoothly. [ Jason: ] Shared secrets and dreams, no need to provoke Through highs and lows, we navigate A lifelong bond that time won't negate So let's raise a toast to the times we've had The memories we've made, the good and the bad Forever friends, a family so tight In the tapestry of life, our threads ignite The stadium was already full to the brim. Phones were still up, students clapping, cheering, laughing, and singing along. [ All: ] Oh, friends united, hearts entwined In each other's company, we find Laughter, support, a bond so true Together, there's nothing we can't do [ Max – Bridge: ] Different paths we may explore But in our friendship, forever more Through time and distance, we'll remain A strong quarter, hearts unchanged