Paul nodded. Neck injury really hadn't crossed his mind. It was good that Theo had gotten there first because she was so skilled at this sort of thing, he knew. If he had found Chase first, he would have just grabbed his best friend and ran. "Of course," he replied quietly. He squeezed Chase's hand to reassure the boy (and himself). "Chase, mate, I'm going to head outside. I'll be right out there, don't worry. Theo's going to take great care of you."
He turned to Theo again and whispered, "Thank you." He touched her hair lightly, squeezed Chase's hand one more time, and then stood up, limping his way to the hallway, where he kept his eyes peeled for a teacher or professor or anyone.