Jackson's story

Chapter 13

"We all must suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret and disappointment."

I was embarrassed to hand back the clipboard to the male front desk worker. It was basically empty. I didn't really know anything about Bella except for her name, age, and gender. I guessed the year she was born in, since I didn't know her exact birth date. I regret fighting and arguing with her, most of the time, instead of just asking questions and getting to know her. I would always shut her down when she asked me something, except about her father or mother. I was just filled with so much regret, I hoped and prayed she would be okay.

I sat there, in the waiting room, for what felt like hours, mentally debating when to turn in the clipboard. Joseph wasn't much company, since he was probably still processing what had happened. Occasionally, the pain in my chest and ribs would shot up again, and would get worse every time. Each time it did, Joseph asked if he should get a doctor, and each time I replied no. I had to wait here and suffer through the pain, I imagined Bella had it worse. I knew I probably should have checked in, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

"Jackson," Joseph called out, as the still unfamiliar pain returned, "Jackson, you have to get yourself checked in, please."

I clutched the area carefully, "n-no, I'm fine."

"Jackson, you can't punish yourself like this," he commented.

"I-I'm not." I lied, it was obvious I was, and I realized it too.

"Look, I'll make you a deal," Joseph whispered.

I just looked  at him, "what?"

"Look, you get yourself checked out, an-and I won't tell the police or doctors anything if they ask."

I gave him a glare, as the pressure was lifted off of my chest, "look, I'll think about it." I really wished they wouldn't ask any questions.

"Fine, but you should at least get that paperwork turned in."

I looked at the papers carefully, "I think I will."

I got up carefully, not wanting the pain to return again. I walked to the desk counter, and the same male looked up from his computer at me.

"Uh, here's the clipboard back for Bella Co- Daniels I mean, Bella Daniels," I corrected myself.

"Oh, I'll take that," he chirped. He seemed so happy about everything.

"Sorry it's pretty much empty, I don't know that much about her, her parents died, and I took her in and all, and..." I trailed off.

"I'm so sorry to hear about that, and don't worry about the paperwork, I can get her to fill it out."

"If she makes it," I mumbled.

"Did you say something to me?" he asked, not hearing what I had just mumbled.

"Oh, uh, thank you."

"You're welcome," the attendant smiled.

I turned back, to head where I was sitting, and then the pain hit again, only this time it was unbearable. I cried out, as I fell to the floor, clutching my chest. The pain felt like needles had made their way inside of my body and were pinching and stabbing at me as I was breathing. I watched Joseph run over to me, and could barely make out the words "nurse, someone, I need help ov-"

The world was spinning, and I still haven't gotten used to the feeling, despite it happening so many times. I felt strong hands lift me off of the cold, hard, tile floor, and move me onto a comfortable stretcher. I was rushed down the hall, and heard a voice call out, "Bella Daniels' family?" The sound disappeared, and I started to struggle, wanting to get off of the rolling bed.

"Bella! BELLA!" I yelled, as I started to sit up, I was struck down by another stabbing pain, "That's my daughter, my daughter. Bel-" I groaned.

"We're going to have to restrain him if he keeps it up," a voice mumbled to another doctor.

"No, he's in pain, we might have to sedate him, but for now, Ellie, can you get some him on some Tramadol now?"

The stretcher was stopped, and I was moved onto a bed. Before I could process what was going on, I was injected with a needle. It was really uncomfortable, but I couldn't move, or else they were going to restrain me. I heard the familiar beeping of my heart, and passed out slowly. The nurse must have given me something strong.

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"Bella Daniels?" I heard, as I turned to where Jackson was just laying, to the doctor.

I raised my hand, "that's me, er, I'm her friend who came in with her."

"Oh, well I have good news, you can see her now, the nurses have her stabilized. Right this way."

I followed him and while we were walking there, he started to ask me questions, like how I met her, and stuff. Then he asked me, how everything happened, and how I was alright.

"Uh, well, her dad was driving us, and he lost control of his car, and um..." I didn't really give him too much information. I kept my promise, though, Jackson was all Bella and I had, an ratting him out would put him in trouble, and neither one of us could have that.

"She's right in here," he told me as he opened the door.

I saw Bella laying in bed, she was resting. She looked like an angel, peaceful, and I am glad she had made it through. She was a strong girl. I took a step closer toward her bed, and she fluttered her eyes open. I winced, and she smiled.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to wake you up."

"You're fine, I've been sleeping enough already," she laughed.

"Yeah, how are you feeling?" I asked.

"Well, I'm in a hospital bed, so- hey, where's Jackson?"

"Uh, he-um, he's in a hospital bed too, Bella, I'm sorry, I couldn't follow him back. He was complaining of chest pain,an-"

"What?"

"Bella, he's going to be fine. The nurses and doctors are taking care of him now." I explained, and she looked to be in shock.

"This is all my fault."

"Bella, no, yo-you"

"No, it is, I was the on-"

"Shush! Jackson was the one who was driving, okay?"

"Bu-"

"Bella. Listen to me, he was the one driving, remember." I hinted, who knows who might be listening.

"I actually don't remember much, so..." she caught on, "I mean I basically almost died. If he hadn't had carried me in here when he did, I would have died from internal bleeding, or that's what the doc said anyway."

I sat on the bed, by her feet, and took her hand in mine, "I'm glad you're alive, Bella," I smiled looking into her bright, blue eyes. My heart fluttered inside, as she smiled back at me.

"Me too," she whispered, "me too."

A/N: So Bella is alive and well, sorta, but what about Jackson!!!??????!?!!! Is switching POVs weird????