water in each of the four squares. "Then I want you to carefully prick your finger with the lancet... " He grabbed Mike's hand and jabbed the spike into the tip of Mike's middle finger. Mike yelped.
Oh no. Clammy moisture broke out across my forehead.
"Put a small drop of blood on each of the prongs." He demonstrated, squeezing Mike's finger 'til the blood squirted onto the prongs. Why were we poking each other in class? It was so wrong. I swallowed convulsively, my stomach heaving at the thought of being poked.
"And then apply it to the card," he finished, holding up the dripping red card for us to see. Mike's eyes were watery. I closed my own eyes, trying to hear through the ringing in my ears.
"The Red Cross is having a blood drive in Fort Angles next weekend, so I thought you should all know your blood type." He sounded proud of himself, though this lesson had nothing to do with what we had been studying earlier. He probably just thought of it ten minutes ago. "Those of you who aren't eighteen yet will need a parent's permission—I have slip-documents at my desk."
He continued through the room with his water drops. I put my cheek against the cool black tabletop and tried to hold onto my consciousness. All around me I could hear squeals, complaints, and giggles as my classmates skewered their fingers. I didn't squeal, complain, giggle, or skewer myself. It was struggle enough just to sit here with my head against the table and breathe slowly in and out through my mouth.
"Bella, are you all right?" Mr. Banner asked. His voice was close to my head, and it sounded alarmed.
"I already know my blood type, Mr. Ban... ner." I said in a weak voice. I was afraid to raise my head.
"Are you feeling faint?"
"Yes, sir," I muttered.
"Can someone take Bella to the nurse, please?" he called out, for everyone to hear. I could imagine the frenzy that would ensue as each individual in the room fought for the chance to accompany me to the nurse. It would be almost too much to bear. I began to wish I was unconscious.

96

Chapter 5

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