Not a Freak to Me

Chapter IX

Y/N slowly approached Jimmy's bed. She pulled back one of the curtains that surrounded his bed and the tears came flooding back. She lowered herself into the chair that was next to the hospital bed and she held his hand.

"J-Jimmy, I don't know if you can hear me right now, but you're gonna be okay. The doctor said you're gonna be okay baby." She forced a smile onto her face but the tears never stopped.

She stared at Jimmy's perfect facial features as he slept. She rested her forehead on the hand she was holding. "I'm so sorry. It's all my fault." She shook her head and shut her eyes hard.

After a minute, she lifted her head back up and sniffed. She got up and climbed into the small bed next to Jimmy. She rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and whispered, "I love you."

A few minutes later a nurse and doctor came in. "Has he woken up yet?" The doctor asked.

Y/N looked up and shook her head, "no. Is that bad? Is he okay?" She sat up worried.

"He should be fine, we just need to monitor him." The nurse commented.

Just then Jimmy let out a few coughs and sat forward a little.

"Jimmy!" Y/N quickly turned to him and cupped each side of his face with her hands.

He looked around slightly confused and then saw Y/N and flashed a weak smile. "Hey you."

"How are you feeling? What do you need?" She asked frantically.

"It hurts but it's bearable. I could use some water though." He replied.

The nurse and doctor temporarily left the room.

Y/N hopped out of the bed, "I'll be right back!" She dashed out of the room and down the hall. She brought back a small cup of water. She came to Jimmy's side and guided the straw to his mouth.

He drank most of it and laid his head back down.

Y/N set the cup on the bedside table and placed the back of her hand on his forehead. "You're warm, I should go get a nurse." She turned quickly but he grabbed her wrist.

"I'm alright, calm down. Sit for a moment." He suggested.

She looked at him surprised and she sat in the nearby chair.

"You've already done so much, take a break." He smiled and set his hand on her knee.

"I-I'm so sorry Jimmy. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I don't know how-

"Hey, don't talk like that. Look, I'm fine. It's alright. You gotta stop worrying." He gave her a sincere look.

"You- you don't know what it was like to just stand there watching, not being able to do anything. I tried, I- I tried Jimmy but I couldn't stop him." Her head fell back down and she started crying again.

"I know, I know baby. But you gotta stop punishing yourself. There was nothing you could do. And I don't regret any of it. He deserved to be put in his place. I'll do anything to protect you, I promise." He smiled.

"But- I can't protect you." She was filled with disappointment.

"Come here." He motioned for her to get into the small bed.

She slowly crawled up to him and he wrapped his arms around her body. "I love you too."

Her head quickly shot up in confusion and shock. "Wh-what? You heard that?"

"I wasn't dead?" He joked and looked at her sarcastically.

"Almost." She laid her head back down, still regretting the whole situation.

"I'm joking, doll. I ain't goin' nowhere."

"Do you really love me?" She stared off into a corner of the room waiting for an answer.

"Of course I do." He squeezed her.

"I thought I lost you." She continued.

"Nah, you can't get rid of me that easily. One silly knife to the stomach? I don't think so." He shook his head.

"What if he purposely didn't kill you, Jimmy?"

"What are you talking about?" He adjusted himself to sit up more interested.

"I don't know. He could've easily gone for your heart or stabbed you more than once. It just seems odd." She looked up to meet his confused face.

He just looked off, somewhere into the room, contemplating.

"Never mind that. It's probably nothing. Don't get all worried about that."

The doctor entered the room again, "since you're awake, are you up for some company?" He asked.

Jimmy looked to Y/N, "company?"

Y/N smiled and kissed his cheek, "yes, company."

Eve peeked her head in the door and they all trickled their way in, filling the room and circling Jimmy's bed.

"Awe you guys, I'm alright. You didn't need to come here." He said humbly.

"When one of our own gets hurt, we have to be there to support them through it." Desiree smiled and took one of his hands in her's and squeezed it.

They all sat around and shared old memories of Jimmy and his acts of kindness.

---time skip---

The sun was starting to go down and the rest of the freaks had said their goodbyes and headed home. The doctors said Jimmy had to stay over night just to watch him. Y/N decided to stay no matter how many times Jimmy told her to go home.

A nurse walked in with a tray of food and set it on Jimmy's lap. Y/N lifted the fork to and from his mouth.

"You know my hands weren't stabbed right?" He looked at her dumbfounded.

"Oh shut up, I've seen you eat. I have to make sure you're taking it slow, chew slowly. You have to swallow just a little bit at a time, okay?" She replied.

"You got it mom." He mocked.

She shoved him a little and giggled.

After he ate, Y/N set the tray aside and snuggled up to him. He lied his head back and closed his eyes. They both fell asleep in the crowded bed but they didn't mind it.