Page 44 of He's the One

“They’re on their way. Is the scene safe?”

Theo’s heart thumped. “What do you mean?”

“Is whoever attacked him still there?”

“Oh God. I don’t know.” Theo pushed to his feet and looked around. “I can’t see anyone. There are no other cars in the field.”

“Is Col on the ground?”

“Yes. Do I need to try and wake him?”

“No, but if he stops breathing, you’ll need to help him.”

“Right.”

“Do you know how to put him in the recovery position?”

“He’s already lying on his side. I know he shouldn’t be on his back in case he vomits and chokes.”

“Great. If there are any changes tell me, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Is he cold? Is there anything to drape over him.”

Theo took hold of Col’s hand. “He’s not particularly cold.”

“Is there anyone else there with you who can meet the vehicle?”

“No, but I can flash my headlights when I see the ambulance coming up the drive.”

“That’s great. What’s your name?”

“Theo.”

“You’re doing really well, Theo.”

I’m not. I’m barely holding myself together. Please don’t let Col die. Please, please, please.

“Is he still breathing?” the man asked.

“Yes.”

“Don’t forget you need to breathe too.”

Col suddenly twitched and began to shake.

Theo gasped. “I think he’s having a seizure. What do I do?”

“Make sure he doesn’t hurt himself by banging against something. Don’t put anything in his mouth.”

Col wasn’t lying near anything that would hurt him but Theo was scared seeing him like this. He clung to his phone with one hand and stroked Col’s arm with the other.

“It’s okay, Col. Just hang on. Help’s coming.”

“Talk to him. That’s the perfect thing to do,” said the guy on the line.

“This is not my idea of a fun-filled first date, Col,” Theo said. “I wish we’d gone for scuba diving now. Have you ever been scuba diving? I haven’t. I think I’d panic. That wouldn’t be good. I can’t wait to take you metal detecting. We—”

---