ALONGSIDE YOU

39|Realize

Jaxton Kincaids Pov

"You up?" I hear Benjamin's voice from the chair next to me.

 I glance at him and reply, "Yeah." It feels like my whole body aches, and my heart even worse. 

I look around my room, which used to be almost everything I knew. But right now, it feels more like an unfamiliar space. After several months in a coma, almost everything in my life is new; it's as if my old self isn't here anymore.

"Jax, you've been staring blankly into space since you were discharged from the hospital. What's on your mind, buddy?" Benjamin's concern is palpable.

I don't look at him; I force a fake smile and say, "Nothing, everything's fine."

Benjamin doesn't seem convinced. He leans back in his chair and studies my face. "Come on, man. You can't fool me with that act. Something's eating at you."

I sigh, realizing he's not going to let this go. "It's just... It's hard to explain, Ben. Everything's so different now. I mean, I should be grateful to be alive, right? But it's like I woke up in a whole new world. My body, my thoughts... it's all changed."

Benjamin leans forward, his eyes locked on mine. "Jax, I can't imagine what you're going through, but you don't have to face it alone. You know that, right?"

I meet his gaze and finally let my guard down. "It's not just physical, Ben. It's like I'm mourning the person I used to be. I'm grieving for a life I can't have back."

He nods slowly, his expression filled with empathy. "You don't have to go through this grieving process alone. Me, you dad, Allah...were all here for you."

A faint smile tugs at the corner of my lips. "You are like family Ben." 

Benjamin's eyes soften, and he smiles back at me. "You know, family isn't just about blood, Jax. It's about the people who stick by you no matter what."

I nod, feeling a warmth spreading within me. "Yeah, you're right. I'm lucky to have you."

He leans back in his chair, his arms crossed. "Well, you better believe it, because I'm not going anywhere. We're in this together, okay? The highs, the lows, and all those confusing moments in between."

I can't help but chuckle. "You make it sound like a grand adventure."

He winks. "Who said it can't be? Life's full of twists and turns. And you've got a solid crew right here to navigate it with."

As I look around the room, at the familiar walls and the chair Benjamin's sitting in, I realize that this place is becoming familiar not just because of its physicality, but because of the memories being made here. Memories of conversations like this, where honesty and support flow freely.

"I appreciate that, Ben. You've no idea how much."

He holds the serious expression for a moment, and then his face breaks into a mischievous grin. "And just so you know, I've been waiting for the perfect moment to reveal my true ulterior motive."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? And what's that?"

He leans in, his voice taking on a comically sinister tone. "Well, that's until I have used you for your money," he says with an exaggeratedly dramatic flair.

I burst out laughing, unable to contain myself. "Oh come on, Ben. You're going to milk me dry?"

He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with playful mischief. "Absolutely. You've got to pay the 'friendship fee.'"

I shake my head, still laughing. "I should have known there was a catch."

He leans back, still grinning. "All jokes aside, Jax, you're stuck with me. And not just because of your hypothetical riches."