Chapter 4

                                    

                                          


                          
There was dead silence for the entire trip out to the woods. Rodrick thought that he was going to pass out at any moment. The pain in his abdomen was so intense, like a sumo wrestler was endlessly punching him in gut. He dreaded the very thought of even walking a few steps. All he wanted was to curl up in a ball, and hope that the pain would finally stop.
                          
Finally, they pulled up to a secluded area. It was on a dirt road, with no sign of civilization in sight. The woods went on for miles. Thankfully, this was a common hiking area with marked trails, so no one should get lost. However, there was no one else here. the Loded Diper van was the only vehicle in the rustic parking lot. Rodrick put the van in park.
                          
"Is this good enough?" Rodrick asked in a monotone voice.
                          
"Perfect," Rowley smiled, "Come on!"
                          
Greg, who was in the front seat, turned to look at Rowley in the back.
                          
"Hey," Greg said, "You go on out and wait for us. We'll be out in a minute."
                          
Rowley nodded and got out of the van. Rodrick sighed and shook his head. He knew what was coming.
                          
Greg set his eyes on his brother, who look like death had warmed over him. He was very pale, and his eyes were glassy, probably from the fever. His hand never left his stomach, and he wore a very uncomfortable expression on his face.
                          
"Rodrick," Greg said gently. 
                          
He had never spoken to his brother like this before. It felt strange, but he knew that Rodrick was in a great deal of pain. He just didn't know why he would hide it, but he knew that, more often than not, Rodrick was way too stubborn for his own good, and sometimes it came back to bite him in the butt.
                          
"I know that I asked you to do this, and I know that I told you that it was worth a lot of my Science grade, but I also know that you're not ok," Greg took a deep breath, "You're my brother, and I care about you, even though we don't always get along. Your wellbeing is way more important to me than some stupid Science class. So, I'm leaving this all up to you. Are you sure you want to do this?"
                          
Rodrick said nothing for a few moments. He knew that Greg was only trying to help, and he knew deep down that there was something seriously wrong. He was so tired of this unbearable pain, and of playing it off like it was nothing. He was so tired of lying to his friends and his brother. However, he wanted so badly to prove that he was perfectly capable of going to a gig with his band, the one thing that he loves to do. He also wanted to prove to his parents that he was more than responsible enough for he and Greg to be left alone for long periods of time. For years, they have been so reluctant to leave them alone for more than a day, so this was the perfect time to show them that he could be trusted. However, for the first time since it all started, he was in so much pain that he felt like giving up, but the need to prove himself was too powerful.
                          
"Rodrick?" Greg put a hand on his brother's shoulder, interrupting his thoughts.
                          
Rodrick finally turned his head slightly to meet his brother's gaze with pain-filled eyes, and he nodded slowly.
                          
"Ok," Greg nodded slightly in reply, "Come on. Do you need help getting out?"
                          
Rodrick shook his head.
                          
"Alright," Greg unbuckled his seatbelt a got out of the van, with Rodrick slowly following behind.
                          
................................
                          
They have been on the trail for only a few minutes. Greg and Rowley were busy looking for leaves, but Greg kept a close eye on Rodrick, who continued waddling behind them, holding his midsection. Inside, Greg knew that Rodrick shouldn't be out here like this. He looked so weak and tired, but he made his choice, and Greg knew that he was going to stick with his decision. 
                          
So, they kept on going.
                          
..............................
                          
Rodrick kept his gaze straight ahead. Maybe if he just focused on the two boys, it would keep his mind off of his stomach, just a little bit. However, every step he took sent shooting, agonizing pain through the right side of his abdomen. He started feeling dizzy, but he kept his eyes focused straight ahead. He needed to forget about the pain.
                          
...............................
                          
Greg tried to stay focused on the task at hand. So far, they had only found two of the five different leaves they needed, but his mind kept wandering off, worrying about Rodrick. He looked back at his brother once again. He was starting to wobble a bit, but he still kept walking. 
                          
Greg had to admit, Rodrick showed great determination, despite how he must be feeling. He just couldn't understand why he wanted to do this so badly. After all, he never showed any interest in helping with any of his projects before. What was so different about this time? What was he trying to prove? Sighing, Greg turned back to continue his and Rowley's quest.
                          
................................
                          
It was becoming increasingly difficult for Rodrick to focus, but he kept trying. He wasn't about to fail. He couldn't let Greg down, he couldn't let his band down, and he certainly couldn't let his parents down. So he kept trying. He tried as hard as he could, but the pain in his midsection continued to gnaw at him. The voices in his head kept saying to give up, and turn back, but he continued to push them away.
                          
All of a sudden, Rodrick felt his pain increase. It was the worst pain he had ever felt in his life! It was like someone taking knives and continuously stabbing him in the gut. Rodrick groaned. He tried to keep going, but the pain started to spread throughout his abdomen. 
                          
It was unbearable! 
                          
Too much. 
                          
Too much for him to handle. 
                          
He couldn't go on any farther.
                          
His vision started to blur, and his knees started to buckle.
                          
He collapsed on the forest floor, holding his midsection, crying out in pain.
                          
He had failed.
                          


                          


                          


                          


                          
This one was short, but I thought I would add a little fluff to make it more interesting. Hope you enjoyed!
                          
R&R