Alaska's ears were ringing. 

They were ringing hard and she felt her body shutting down as her eyes expanded to the size of saucers, and her heart was beating out of control.

" . . . we haven't received much information, just that he's in critical condition." 

That was all she needed to hear from the principal to make the pencil she was gripping tightly in her hand snapped.

Immediately from beside her, this caught Alejandro's attention as he felt his ow PTSD creeping in  at the words: 'critical condition.'

The principal looked just as skeptical to reveal the information that she was giving, especially since she knew how sensitive certain students could be. But she thought it was better to hear it officially than from any chatter that would possibly occur.

Christian was in an accident. Simple and short.

"Qué hospital, por favor?" Alejandro asked, almost as if he was reading his sister's mind.

"Central-"

The older woman was cut off at the sound of the chair scraping which caused her to stop talking and look at the direction of the sound, along with the rest of the entire class.

But Alaska wasn't even listening because after hearing 'Central', she had to say no more for the brunette realised what hospital she was talking about.

In that moment, she didn't care about anyone looking at her, the fact that she was leaving school earlier which might affect her, or even disappoint some teachers.  But she didn't care. The laptop was the only item she had to put in her bag before she was quickly scrambling out of the class, much to the protests of both the principal and the teacher. 

The strangest thing about it was that none of the students seemed surprised or even confused at the fact that she'd packed up and left so suddenly. Especially not Alejandro because he should have even know from that point she was going to be heading out.

The blonde wanted so badly to stop his sister and try to calm her down, but just like Alaska, the words 'critical condition' made him feel frozen in place, which highlighted the major difference between their thought processes.

From birth, Alaska had always been more hot headed and quick to react, whilst whatever crisis it was caused Alejandro to go into a state of shock for a few hours before it finally came down on him. 

And hearing about Christian's condition did just that.

-  

The only sound apart from Alaska's ragged breathing was the beeping of the heart monitor attached to Christian. At the mere sight of him, Alaska's palm rushed to cover her mouth to prevent the scream that was threatening to let loose. 

He was completely wrapped up bruises from head to toe with a neck brace, wrist to elbow brace, and the many other braces she was sure were there but just couldn't see, the worst point being his legs. His eyes were closed, and he almost looked . . . dead; But he was't, and that's what scared her the most. 

Around the room, there was one vase of flowers, which makes sense because no one had heard of what happened to Christian until school. It had to be from his parents, who she had introduced herself to when she was outside. His mother automatically embraced her in an emotional hug because the older woman didn't even let her finish saying her last name before she recognised who she was.

 Christian talked about her often.

He wasn't even allowed to have visitors with how critical his condition was, but-

"A-Am I in heaven or am I just imagining the angel in front of me?"

Christian's voice was ragged like her breathing and almost sounded broken. It wasn't his voice. 

At once, Alaska dropped her bag beside the door and rushed over to his bedside to get a closer look at him. Even in his state, he still conjured up the energy to smile and compliment her. But that smile didn't reach his eyes. He looked defeated and angry, but he didn't look surprised.

"Hola . . ." she breathed, staring down at him as she tried to keep it together.

"I know I saw you yesterday but . . . I hope it's not strange that I'm so relieved to see you again, bonita."

His voice was so delicate, so cracked, so . . . not Christian. The small sentence alone looked like it was enough to take away all his energy, which showed his hurt even more. He just looked lost, and fragile. The tears in his eyes after he uttered the sentence is what made similar ones gather in Alaska's own eyes, but she didn't dare let a single tear drop. If not for herself, for Christian.

Pulling the chair nearest seat to the bed, Alaska sat beside him and gently held his hand. The small action brought even more tears to his eyes which the brunette quickly wiped from his cheeks. 

And that's how they spent the entire day. 

Christian condition, as aforementioned, was critical. Watching any television or shows or movies on her laptop or the one in the room was not an option because he could barely move his neck to follow on. So when they weren't talking more about each other's lives, Christian was napping so Alaska would shut her eyes for a few minutes but try to be alert just in case Christian needed her help. It was around six pm that the doctor came into the room with Christian's parents to update him about his condition.

"At this moment, it is a miracle you survived this, Christian; you're very fortunate. Your leg however . . . we are still looking into possible solutions, but it's not looking too good . . ." Alaska tuned him out at that because she felt Christian's index finger twitch against hers to which she replied by squeezing him just a little bit tighter to show support. The news was heartbreaking. 

" . . . but Sir, Madam," he turned to his parents, "there is an alternative solution that has been offered to us by one of our sponsors which I would like to talk to you about outside. But for now, Christian will remain stable tonight so if you want to go home and just refresh, you have nothing to worry about."

With that, he was walking out of the room with Mr. and Mrs. Varela in front of him to discuss whatever other option he was mentioning before. 

They didn't say anything as they just continued to take in the information. It wasn't that she wanted to cry about his misfortune, but she didn't think it was fair especially to someone like Christian who didn't deserve it.

It wasn't until Christian said he'd see her the next day that she piped up.

"I'm not going anywhere so you better get comfortable."

"Loski, the doctor said-"

"Fuck what the doctor said. You're out of your mind if you think I'm leaving your side for as long as you're in here." She fired back, determined to challenge whatever suggestion he'd make next.

"Pero-"

"No 'buts' Christian, okay?" The sudden alarm in her voice quieted him down as he looked at her to make sure she was okay, and then she continued before he could, "Believe me, I've heard that speech before: 'He's going to be just fine, don't worry about it; he'll remain stable;  it's a miracle he's even alive. I've heard it all before Christian. Last time a doctor told me that, I left the hospital room for just eight fucking minutes to get water from the vending machine, and when I came back, my father was laying in that exact same position that you are now, and he wasn't breathing. I'm not going anywhere."

Christian didn't reply but he did feel his heart dropping a little bit with pity as she concluded her reasoning behind staying put. Her whole demeanour was stiff and cold, but her eyes told a different story. For that reason, Christian further enclosed his fingers with hers with his good hand and squeezed slightly with a reassuring smile. 

"Ben 10 or Kevin 11? "

-

Much to Alaska's discontent, Teodoro was now in the hospital room with Christian for nearly thirty minutes. It was strange because Ala didn't even know how serious his relationship with Carla was for her father to be so deep into conversation with Christian like that, but she tried not to let it bother her. She did argue with the older man a little bit because she didn't want o be apart from her friend, but Christian reassured her that she could leave, and so she did.

The time away from the room was even more tense, seeing as apart from Ander and Alejandro, she wasn't on good terms with anybody else, especially Lucrecia; who she learnt from Ale was on the other side with Carla. 

On the topic of Alejandro, Alaska soon realised he wasn't doing much talking and figured it was because of the situation which didn't call for much. But when she looked to where he was supposed to be seated near the window, her eyes swelled a little and her heart dropped.

How could she be so stupid?

"Are you good?" She asked when she walked towards him and sat by his side which broke his distant stir out the window.

"I'm fine, how are y-"

Alaska stopped him by placing a gentle hand on his shoulder and gave him a sad smile because he was doing what he did best. 

Trying to take care of her and pushing his own feelings down.

"Are you good?" She asked again. 

This time, the blonde boy sighed and returned the sad smile.

"It's a little hard, you know. But I have to be here for you and for Christian to show you some support."

"I know, but Christian or I won't hate you if you decided to leave. You're always there for me, so let me be there for you."

Alejandro felt grateful. He could really see the growth in her actions, not in a bad way, but he had become so used to being so strong that he almost forgot how to be vulnerable. Maybe them separating for the beginning of the summer was indeed for the best after all.

"I know, and I love you both for that but Ala, I  can't hide from this place forever."

"I believe in you, and I'm right here if you need me."

-

Saying goodbye to him was the hardest part. 

After learning that Teodoro had been able to secure Christian into a facility in Switzerland made her feel sick because even though that wasn't too far away, it meant that seeing him everyday was going to be completely cut off. But knowing it meat that he had a chance to walk again . . . how could she even argue?

When everyone left the hospital room, Alaska quickly straightened herself up so she could go back in and face her friend from her spot outside. When she creaked the door open, she saw Christian who had his eyes closed, but nonetheless, tears streaming down his face.

"You're going to have to get rid of me for a little while." he joked with a small chuckle, making the brunette chuckle back.

"Si . . .You know I'm going to come and visit you right? The distance is nothing for me."

"I know you will, Alejandro already promised a few days during the mid-term break when he was in here." 

Ala laughed sadly again and walked forward towards him. It completely sucked that she  couldn't even give him a hug before he left the next day; that is what killed her.

"Why is it so hard to say goodbye to you?" She muttered quietly, trying not to feel overwhelmed with emotions.

"This isn't goodbye, mi vida. One fo my favourite poets said: 'when you ever miss me, keep me inn your heart and I'll stay there forever.'"

"Christian that's Winnie the Pooh."

"I know."

They laughed again over nothing particular until Christian are nervous and serious, which grabbed Ala's attention.

"I need to tell you something, something about . . . Marina."

The brunette was so confused, but still trusted her friend and leaned in.

"Nano . . . N-Nano didn't kill Marina. I feel like a piece of shit because I know that for a fact, but I need someone to tell because it's been eating me alive, especially since I can't tell anyone else. Please don't ask me why I know because I can't talk about it-"

"Christian." She quickly shushed him, "I had myself suspicions that he didn't  but if you know that, why don't you tell the police?"

Christian looked forward again, "I just can't. Please don't ask why," he protested lightly, feeling the tears creeping in once more.

"Hey listen to me. Focus on yourself okay, it's all about you now."

Even though she was confused as hell and possibly a little scared about what information Christian held, she stayed with him all night to take his mind off it. 

That was the last night she'd see Christian Varela for a little while.

-

Almost a week and a half had passed since Christian had left for Switzerland, and Alaska allowed herself to cry and feel sorry for herself about it because of both the fear of the unknown as well as her having one less person in her life. But when she finally got the chance to speak to him briefly on a phone call just to hear how he was doing, she felt relaxed and comfortable enough to move on.

School was an even because having one less person to keep her comfortable was making her uncomfortable. But Alaska couldn't complain because she still had her brother, Valerio, and Ander who were very supportive about everything.

"I love you and I want to sit with you but I also want you to forgive me because I want to go and sit with her." 

A  voice interrupted her online browsing, and when Alaska lifter her head, she saw the familiar mop of curly dark brown hair and cheeky smile that belonged to only Valerio, of course. 

Taking the straw out of her mouth, Alaska looked to the right and saw exactly who Valerio was talking about. 

A pretty blonde girl who looked like she wanted to make a good first impression with the way she posed with her legs crossed as she read through a novel in her hand. Slightly taken aback, Alaska turned back to face Valerio.

"She doesn't seem like your type." She pointed out after taking the straw out of her mouth.

"Si, si; however, I'm trying this thing where I don't have a type because it gives me a bigger choice of girls." The brunette smirked back at her, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Hm; good luck."

With a wink, Valerio smoothly waltzed to go and sit beside the new girl. Alaska watched as whatever comment came out of his mouth, probably a line that would make both her heart and inside her panties flutter. 

Shaking her head at how typical Valerio's actions were, Alaska almost let out a chuckle until she turned again to face her laptop. What stopped her made her stomach toss and turn and the spike the beginnings of a headache.

"Hola bonbon," Lu's sickly sweet voice said not so quietly from the very front of the class. Guzman somewhat smiled back at her and bent down to give her a kiss.

Suddenly, the apple juice tasted like acid.

She never actually confirmed with her two eyes that Lu and her ex had gotten together but now, as she was seeing it for herself, it was as if whatever work she had done trying to rebuild herself over the summer was all gone.

"Why do we only have two classes together this semester?" 

Luckily, the sound of her brother's voice stopped her focus on the new couple. Turning to face him, she replied:

"Because we're not the same person."

"We're the same person." Alejandro corrected with a laugh.

The teacher was nowhere in sight yet, so they continued to have whatever conversation  it was until Ander pulled up a chair to sit in front of them.

"Have you guys received the message from Marina's mother about the mass this afternoon?"

-

"H-Hola." Alejandro looked up from his laptop at the feminine voice above him. 

And if he said his heart didn't skip a beat at Nadia's doe brown eyes and shy glance, he'd be lying.

"What's up?" He took off his AirPods to reply, but mentally, he wanted to throw himself off a cliff for how douchey the phrase came out, but Nadia didn't seem to mind. In fact, she was rather relieved that Alejandro even responded considering everything that happened.

Nadia fumbled with the navy bag straps at her sides before she nervously asked:

"Can I sit?" gesturing towards the empty seat beside him on the bench outside the building near the sports hall.

Alejandro nodded his head maybe a bit too quickly and scooted to the left so Nadia could take the seat beside him. There was evidently an awkward tension as the two looked at one another and looked away because none of them knew what to say. But Nadia broke the ice.

"How are you, Ale?" She asked genuinely. 

"I'm doing as okay as can be right now, what about yourself?"

"I'm good too. I saw you sitting here when I was on my way to my third class and when I was crossing to go back, you were still here so I just wanted to come and check in on you."

Alejandro tried not to blush too hard, and he didn't know why.

"Thank you, Nadia. That's . . . thoughtful."

'Thoughtful? . . . pendejo.'

Nadia once again picked up on the tension in the space and that's when she got tired of beating about the bush, deciding to say what was on her mind then and there.

"Listen, I want to apologise-"

"You don't have to apologise for anything-"

"No, I have to. I lied to Alaska and I've probably lost her as a long term friend, but most importantly, I lied to you; when you've done nothing but show me respect from the very first day  we met and that guilt has been eating me up."

Nadia looked sincere. The again, she always looked sincere; that was how Nadia worked.

But alongside being sincere, she also looked like she was being ripped apart on the inside. He knew that look because he had that same one just weeks before finally talking to his sister. He blamed himself for for that whole period, but it wasn't until after that he realised it was no one's fault but Guzman's.

Just because she was being sincere didn't mean Alejandro felt any different about having to forgive her. He already had. But he knew as he looked into her eyes that it was as if she was relying on his answer to make herself feel better. Alejandro knew that his next answer would mean having a lengthy conversation with his sister later that night, but he was prepared to have it. 

Nadia wasn't someone he could let go so easily. 

He rested his palm against Nadia's and said:

"It's behind us."

A/N:

Wanted to keep this one short and sweet because there are way too many scene changes for it to keep going. This is the last ChrAlaska moment for a very long Time obviously because Christian leaves at this point. Howeverrrrr, we are blessed with Valerio >:D

Can't wait for the next one :D