487 DNA Test 2 (2/2)

”Is that the form?” Mrs. Atkins eyes narrowed at the papers in his hands.

”Yes. It's a half hour drive so I figured we can get lunch first then go.” He moved to the driver's side and got in the car; we also got in. ”After that's all done, we should be back in time for Jake to go to practice. Maybe just a few minutes late.”

They both talked about and decided on a local restaurant for lunch. The conversation stayed on soft topics, with no mentioning of the upcoming blood test or what was to happen afterwards.

After lunch, we made the drive to the facility and walked in with our papers. The receptionist checked us in and then soon led us to a private room down the hall.

A nurse came in and started to check my veins. ”Any problems with needles or pain?”

I shook my head.

”Good.” She got out her equipment and got to work. ”We'll only be taking a couple of vials, but be sure to hydrate afterwards. Have a juice and a banana.” She poked me and withdrew the blood. ”I personally won't be doing the test, but I can tell you that the results will only take a few days after both samples are sent in.”

”So if the other group brings in their sample today, we can have the results before the weekend?” Mrs. Atkins asked.

”Most likely. But if they bring it a day late, you may have to wait until Monday.” The nurse told her. ”Depends how busy the lab is too so don't pin your hopes on having the results by Friday.”

”Alright, thank you.” Mrs. Atkins gave a friendly smile.

The nurse finished with me and put a bandaid. ”Have a nice day!” She left, leaving the door open for us.

Just like that, we were free to go. My blood was taken and I would have the results soon enough. No later than a week. The gravity of it all started to sink in as we walked out, leaving the building, going back to the car.

”Are you worried, Jake?” Mr. Atkins asked, glancing down at me. ”It's okay to be stressed out in a time like this.”

”I'm a little scared of what will happen next.” I said with complete honesty. ”If it's a match, if it's not. If I see Jeremy again, or not.”

”What would you like to happen?”

I shrugged. I wasn't so sure myself. ”I don't know yet.”

”Well, don't worry too much about it.” Mrs. Atkins told me. ”Just focus on the here and now. Go to practice. Then come home and do your homework.” She thought for a minute. ”Shouldn't finals be coming up soon? I should check on all of your grades and make sure you prepare.”

My lips twitched. What happened to the here and now? ”Finals are in the second week of June. Noah and I won't have any problems.”

”It's not you two that I'm worried about.” She sighed as we loaded back into the car.

”All the boys should be in safe territory.” Mr. Atkins reassured her. ”They administration has to check their current grades to let them play in the CIF.”