#Chapter 6# Nearer to my Grave

"Go Bella! Go Bella! "Go Bella!" The students shouted.

"Run Faster! You can do it! Go! Go! Run! "Bella run! " I said, motivationally. 

Our school is engaged in a sports competition. Let's just say my school has done exceptionally well. I am one of the cheerleaders. Bella is one of the best athletes in my school. She's going to make me proud. She promised me that. 

"There she is, almost to the finish line and Bella is." Oh no. Bella, from Besork high school, has fallen to the ground. However, Lillian, from Charm School, crossed the finish line first. This is a victory for Charm High School! " The commentator remarked happily. 

"Oh no! OMG! Bella! " I said shockingly and pityfully. 

Dennis rushed to get her. 

"Are you alright?" Did you get injured?" Dennis asked.

"Yes, I am alright and, no, I didn't injure myself." Bella said sadly, almost crying.

"Awwn." Poor you. Dennis said, cleaning the little drop of water that dropped from her eye. She couldn't walk well, so Dennis carried her. 

"Bella? Are you okay? Did you get hurt? " These are the questions thrown at Bella from different angles. She remained muted. She continued crying. 

Come on, Bella, don't cry. It's not your fault. Everyone is bound to make mistakes. "You failed now, but that doesn't make you a loser. It doesn't change who you are. " I said to her. 

"Cheer up!" Dennis said. 

"So does that mean I won't go home with any medals?" She asked, curiously. 

"You won't go home with a medal, but you will go home filled with love and happiness. Just forget the past. " Dennis said, consolingly.

"No! You don't seem to understand. I haven't collected any medals since I have participated in many tournaments. This one was my opportunity, but I lost it. " Bella said, expressively. 

"Come on, Bella. Don't get discouraged. Let me tell you something. Medal or no medal, you are you. Medals won't define your abilities or your true self. A medal is only there to appreciate and encourage your efforts. " Dennis said, softly. 

"Wow. I never knew Dennis was this soft and romantic. " Ashley said, teasingly, and Bella laughed. 

Thanks, Dennis, for your words of comfort. I really appreciate it. Bella said, appreciatively. 

"Don't mention it." Dennis replied. 

"You know what? I will get you a medal. I promise. " Dennis said and walked away. 

"How?" Ashley, Bella, Benedita, and I chorused. 

"Let's see how he does this." I said. 

It was time for the final of the males' basketball competition. It is between Charm High School and Besork High School. The cheerleaders escorted the players to the basketball court. The match commenced in no time. We, the students, sang their praises.

It is barely 20 minutes later and Charm School has the table turned to their side. It is: Charm High School-27; Besork High School-1.The match was really tough. In the 39th minute, Asher was substituted in during the stoppage. The table turned around. In the 42nd minute, it was a draw. Everyone became tense. They kept scoring, back to back. The match ended in a draw with CHS-39 and BHS-39. An extra time of 15 minutes was given. Charm High School took an early 45-40 lead. The time remained 5 minutes for the match to end. Asher looked at me from afar, and I signaled to him using my finger, saying: "It's not over until it's over." He smiled.

At that point, the entire Besork high school student body stood up and proudly sang our school's anthem. This was to encourage our players and remind them that we are strictly behind them. Within one minute, it was a draw. Our team strived hard to avoid an equalizer for Charm's players. 

Besork-47 and Charm School-45. In less than one minute, Charm School equalized. It was a battle. In no time, Clinton handed over the ball to Asher, and Asher to John and to Dennis. He was about to throw the ball when a player from Charm School hindered the ball from entering the net by pushing it out. Then Charm's players made an effort to score a winning goal, but here comes the messaiah, Asher. He collected the ball, pulled his way through and scored the winning goal. That was the end of the match. We all ran to the court to celebrate their success. Music was played, and we all started dancing. Asher carried me and gave me a slight peck on my cheeks. The awards were presented to the players. Dennis held Bella with him to receive his medal. Asher also took me with him to pick up his medal. He then kissed me. Dennis and Bella exchanged glances for a moment before Dennis kissed her on the cheek. It was a memorable day. The trophy for basketball was given to Besork High School. 

I went to use the toilet. After using it, I discovered the door was locked. I tried to open it but it wasn't Suddenly, tear gas was released in the area where I was. I called for help. I knew someone was behind this. I started coughing and gasping for breath. I later collapsed. 

"Where is Tara?" That was the question on everyone's lips. 

"Wait, I saw her heading towards the toilet," Clinton said. 

"Hope she is fine," Bella asked. 

"She is probably defecating," Ashley said. 

"No way, Tara doesn't use public toilets to defecate. Something is wrong somewhere. " Asher said in his mind. 

He made advances to go there and check up on her. However, Anna stopped him on the way.

"Congrats, Asher. I must commend you. You did perfectly well today. " She said

"Thanks," Asher said, trying to walk out on her.

"Why are you walking out on me? When did you hate me this much? Isn't it enough just to be your friend? " She said She was shedding crocodile tears. 

"Look here, Anna. I don't have time for this. " He said and walked out on her. 

He ran to the female toilet. He discovered the main door was locked. He turned back to leave. But something told him to open it forcefully, which he did. Immediately he opened the door, he found the whole place filled with gas. He dashed into the toilet as quickly as he could. He opened every door, one after the other, until he found me lying helplessly on the floor. He ran out with me in his arms. 

"Call the ambulance! "Call the ambulance!" he said, shooting.