My dad drives faster and faster. Main Street flies by in an instant. Every thing happened so suddenly, there was no time to think. There still was never enough time. And he certainly wouldn't allow me to think. I knew that was an irrational thought, but it was the only thing on my mind. As we drive faster and faster, flashes of Jackie appear in my mind. His face terrified and his body trembling. He was still so innocent. In that moment I couldn't think of nothing else but to save him. He had my back, and it was time I had his.
I turn to look at my father, he was no longer a man but a monster. His face contorted with the evil grin, showing his rottting teeth. His yellowish skin tight against his frame, sickly looking. I look back at the road. Can't believe I was stupid enough to believe that I was going to be happy. I should've been more prepared. I turned soft and weak at their house. I needed to be stronger.
CRASH BOOM
We're tumbling, down the road and into the that damn river. I wish I never saw that water again. The impact flew me out of my seat and into the windshield. The glass cracked as I feel my head fill with pain. I feel the warmth of my blood running down and into the water. It too late. Water floods up to my shoulder as the truck gets pulled into the water. Submerging us. The universe never letting us part.
But then I realize my seatbelt wasn't on me and the window was open. As I was about to take my final breath I climb out the window. Leaving that monster behind. He happened to put on his seatbelt.
Right before I make my great escape I feel A force drag me down again. His gnarled hand is wrapped around my ankle, like a snake. His eyes are wide with fear and are red from who knows what. But his grip loosens as I see his final breath bubble into the water. I shake him off and swim towards the surface.
I emerge gasping and rushed by the current. It drags me farther down the river with a hatful movement. Not caring as get cut and bruised by rocks. Then in my struggle I see a shallow spot. Part-swimming, part-getting rushed by the river I make it there finally crawling onto dryland. The chilled air hitting me with a shock. My wet clothes weighing me down feeling heavy. Finally I made it and I'm alive. Before I can process a man rushes up to me.
"Hello are you injured? Can you hear me" he says.
He scans my bodies for any visible and gently puts me in a sitting position. Checking me neck and eyes. Then two more men run over with a stretcher and carefully put me on it. I try to ask what's happening but words failed me. The man tells me to stay awake and talk with them, but before I can agree the world goes dark. The coldness elapsing me and everything blank.I wake up to warmth. It reminds me of sitting on the couch with Maddie. Her warm soft hands holding mine close, as we sit in a comforting silence. I open my eyes to look around. White walls surround me and the scent of medicine fills my nose. I turn my head to see Jackie. His head down and body slumped. I try to sit up by my body refuses. He then notices me. His eyes wide fully showing his pupil a light red rimming them. Evidence from crying.
" Joseph!" He cries out with joy. He wraps his small arms around me and a tight hug. I want to flinch but the warmth is comforting. I pat his back slightly slowly regaining strength. He then pulls away as if remembering something. "I need to tell a nurse one second!" He runs at an alarming rate almost slipping before reaching the door. I hear a sneakers hit the floor as they grow distant. Where am I?
By now I can fully sit up. I scanned my surroundings. A simple plain room with white walls and white tile, my bed raised high above the ground. Next to me is a Monitor that makes a slight beeping noise. I was in a hospital. Turn to my left soft sunlight pours it through the the light blinds. On the on there side is a small table with books and flowers. Once again I hear hurried footsteps. A nurse and my foster parents walk in, and tailing behind is Jack.The nurse calmly walks over to me, the others less so. The nurse does check ups on me asking questions and writing down notes. My foster family looking worried as they crowd around my bed.
"So, how is he?" Jack finally asks.
"He's fine. A small concussion and some bruises but he'll live." The nurse said ready to walk out. She turns to us before leaving.
" Don't overwhelm him, he just woke up. Be gentle" putting more emphasis on the gentle part.
She closed the door and goes on to the next patient. They all turned to me with one emotion in common, happiness.
My Foster father looked relieved and happy. My Foster mother was still over joyed but worried and on the verge of crying. Jack hug me more gently this time telling me, I have your back, with a mumbled of a sorry or two. They no longer feel like a foster family but a real one. A smile crept on my face as they all voice their concerns and opinions.
"Thank you" was all I could say words couldn't express how the moment felt, and how much it meant.For the next several days I had many people visit me. Some more unexpected than most. One was a priest from the church I met when I was going to visit Jupiter. The Library and also was there, alone. My I loved teachers also visited me, but that's as obvious as Jack coming in every day. Slowly I got better and the days went on, milking the cows and eating breakfast. The peaceful every day life I've never known but I have come to love.
One day my foster parent sat me down, their face serious but happy. I was confused beyond belief.
"We're adopting you!" They said with The most joyous expression and the tightest hug. Tears of happiness escaped my eyes, but I no longer cared. It was one of the best things to happen to me. They would become my real family and would be with them for ever. But one thing still clung to my mind dragging me down. Jupiter. That was a fight that needed to be won.
I am happy to say after a long battle that she finally mine. They decided to adopt her and raise her as my daughter. Then the first day of her coming home soon came. Her loveliness cannot be described. Her sweet complexion with a radiant smile.
"This is your dad Joseph" she waddled up to me her small arms embracing me.
"Dad!" She said in a cheerful tone.
"Yes Jupiter, dad is here now." I bury my head into a small shoulder hiding my tears of joy.
She was finally with me. My daughter Jupiter.THE END AND A HAPPY ONE AT THAT!
YOU ARE READING
Orbiting Jupiter (good ending)
FanficMe and my friends got really upset over the ending of the book Orbiting Jupiter by Gary Schmidt. I by no means own this story but wanted a good and happy ending for my friends. So here's a one shot for all those who need a little more fluff in thei...