Brothers Best Friend (Vinnie Hacker)

Chapter 19

TW: doctors, hospital, rehab yk

Time skips to when we arrive at the hospital.

The medical team rushes out with Jaden's bed, and we trail behind, finding seats on the other side of the room to give the doctors ample space. Tears silently cascade down my cheeks as I watch Jaden's lifeless form amidst the flurry of medical personnel. A comforting hand settles on my shoulder, and I look up to meet Chase's gaze. Rising from my seat, I envelop him in a tight hug, seeking solace in his presence. Silently, I sob into the crook of his neck as he rubs my back reassuringly.

"Hi, Bub, it's okay," he murmurs softly, trying to offer some comfort.

"I should have tried harder," I choke out between sobs.

"No, Riley, it's not your fault," he reassures me, his words like a balm to my distressed soul.

As the doctors continue their efforts, I remain by Jaden's side, clutching his hand tightly. Chase takes his place on the other side, offering his unwavering support. Suddenly, Ryland bursts into the room, his eyes scanning the scene.

"Where's Josh?" I inquire, feeling a pang of concern.

"He couldn't bear to see him like this, so he stayed home with the others," Ryland replies solemnly.

A doctor enters the room, casting a concerned glance over us. "He's either going to wake up today or tomorrow, but if not, he's likely given up," the doctor informs us gravely. I heave a heavy sigh, my heart weighed down by the uncertainty of Jaden's fate.

I lean in closer to Jaden, my voice trembling with emotion. "Hey, Jaden, I know you can't hear me, but please wake up. You're my best friend, and I love you more than anything. Mads is... she's complicated, but I promise to be better at looking after you," I whisper, my words tinged with desperation.

Time skips to the next morning.

Ryland, Chase, and I have spent the night here, and Josh plans to visit later. When Bryce enters the room with breakfast, I greet him with a grateful hug.

"Thanks, Bryce, I'm seriously starving," I exclaim, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.

"How's he doing?" Bryce inquires, concern etched in his features.

"If he doesn't wake up today on his own, they'll declare him dead," Ryland interjects, his voice heavy with emotion.

"Please don't cry, Ryland. I promise he'll fight and survive," I offer, enveloping him in a comforting embrace.

As Bryce takes a seat beside Jaden, he grasps his hand tenderly. "Hey, brother, it's me, Bryce. I love you so much, and I can't lose you. Remember when we all first moved in together, and you were so young? I absolutely adored you," he reminisces, his voice filled with emotion.

"Yeah, I remember that," Jaden responds suddenly, startling us all. Shocked, I shoot up from my chair, causing Jaden to flinch.

"Sorry, can I hug you?" I ask tentatively, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Let's prank Josh?" Ryland suggests, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"How?" Bryce inquires, intrigued by the idea.

"Jaden pretends to be asleep when he arrives, but then tonight, when he's almost asleep, Jaden scares the crap out of him," Ryland proposes.

"We need to go to school, but we'll be back afterward," he adds, and they exit the room.

Jaden's POV:

It didn't work.

I'm still here, trapped in this world.

Why am I still here?

I don't deserve to be.

"Why the tears, buddy?" Chase's voice breaks through my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.

"Why did you guys save me?" I ask, my voice heavy with despair.

"Why are you asking that, Jaden? Should we have just left you to die?" Chase's response is blunt, tinged with frustration.

"Yes, please," I whisper, tears streaming down my cheeks.

"You're going to rehab, buddy. They're coming to pick you up as soon as you're discharged," Chase informs me, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and determination.

"Why am I still alive? Couldn't you have just left me there, Riley? I don't deserve to be here. I should be dead right now," I sob, overwhelmed by guilt and self-loathing.

"Hey, Jaden, I know it's hard, okay? But I would never leave you behind. You're the best person I've ever met, and I'm not sure I could survive without you by my side," Riley's voice cuts through the darkness, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.

As the doctor returns to check on me, I brace myself for what's to come. For now, all I can do is cling to the flickering flame of hope that refuses to be extinguished.

"we are gonna keep you here for 2 days to make sure you're okay" the doctor says and i nod.

as soon as she's out the others continue eating.

 "can i get some food im seriously starving," i say and Chase hands me a waffle.

*time skip 3 hours*

im seriously so bored, Chase and Riley make it a little funnier but im still bored, i have been up and walking 3 times and my body doesn't hurt anymore, Riley gets a message from Ryland

                                                                                         

"Okay they are on their way now so get ready for the prank" she says and we all get ready, Riley is holding my hand and has her head in her other hand.

 Chase has my hand between his hands and his head on the hospital bed. i close my eyes and open my mouth a little, I hear people rushing in the door and i can hear Joshes voice "hey Jaden, im so sorry i wasn't here to protect you, i miss you, please come back" he says and I can feel his warm hand on my arm "you can't get rid of me that easy dumbass" i say and everyone except for Josh laughs "Jaden, omg" he says and hugs me.

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hey guys, yayy new chapter

i thought that we needed some spice so here you have it, im gonna be a nanny for my sisters later so sorry if i can't update more today

remember to vote and comment

<Laura>