A Modern Love Story

Chapter 9 - Breathing

Criticism spot! :)

Jack's POV

I sat in the waiting room for what felt like years, my Mom staying with me the entire time. Race had been texting me, so I let him know what was going on, turning off my phone after that, as I had no more energy. Finally, a doctor walked into the waiting room, asking for me. I didn't hesitate whatsoever, getting up and walking to her, petrified of what she may have to tell me.

"He's okay," she began, immense relief coming over me. "He needed a few stitches, so he was put under anesthetics and will be asleep for a few more hours."

"Can I see him?" I asked, my heart still pounding.

"Yes, but, again, he won't be awake. We are okay with releasing him tomorrow morning, and will provide you with some resources if you'd like to send him anywhere. Will he be coming home with you?" I looked at my Mom, and she smiled kindly.

"Yes, he will." The doctor nodded and quickly wrote that down, then leading us to Crutchie's room.

I sat beside his bed, staying wide awake the entire time so I didn't miss him waking up. My Mom was willing to help me in any way possible, since she had been in my position before. She kept trying to get me to eat, but I still felt so sick to my stomach that I couldn't. It wasn't until two in the morning when Crutchie finally stirred, slowly opening his eyes and looking around.

"Hey," I said quietly, standing up and going closer to his bed. "How're you feeling?"

"Kinda confused," he joked, easing the tension. He then sighed and looked down, glancing to the bandage on his arm. "I'm-"

"Don't apologize," I quickly cut him off, knowing exactly what he was going to say. "And, don't worry. You aren't going back to your Dad's." His face lit up a bit, helping me to worry just a tiny bit less. "I'm so glad you're here," my eyes began to burn with tears, and I made sure to take a few deep breaths so I didn't cry.

"I just... I feel bad," he seemed to find it hard to look at me, twiddling his thumbs together.

"Don't, it's okay. I've been in your position before." He smiled weakly at me, pushing his hair back. "I'll go ask them if you can be discharged since you're up, okay?" He nodded, and I left the room to find my Mom.

My Mom spoke to a few nurses and doctors before they finally allowed Crutchie to leave, and we wasted no time getting out of there. We sat in the back of my Mom's car, leaning against one another. It didn't take us too long to reach my house, and we went directly to my room, both exhausted. 

Thankfully, the hospital had told the school what had happened and gotten him a week off, and we somehow convinced them to let me have it off, too. Even though we were extremely tired, I could tell he wasn't ready to go to sleep, and honestly, neither was I. He kept staring at his bandage, not saying a word.

"You okay?" I asked, moving closer to him. 

"I dunno." He mumbled, glancing at me.

"I think we should talk about what happened. That's what my therapist recommended after my first attempt, she said that if I did end up trying again, I should talk about it as soon as possible." He nodded, taking a deep breath. "I'm not going to be mad at you or anything."

"I just... Everything was so, so bad yesterday." He began, his voice quiet. "I mean, it's usually not great, but I couldn't catch a fucking break. After leaving the counselor's office, and talking to you, I was constantly getting hit by people and yelled at. I guess I did get to calm down after school, but my Dad eventually came to my room and was screaming at me."