Spy School: NYC

Gratitude

George Washington University Hospital

Washington D.C

March 9th, 1000

The last 48 hours have been the worst time in my life.

I've been tortured the past week, but none of that compared to what I've experienced.

My parents gone.

All my fault.

Why did I become a spy.

They would still be alive if I hadn't.

I've gone through extensive health procedures to keep me alive.

I basically died on the way into the hospital.

They had to use the defibrillator on me.

All my friends thought I died.

Would it be wrong for me to wish I had?

Erica has been with me the entire time so far.

Holding my hand.

All my friends have been staying in the hospital, even though they have school to attend, but they didn't care.

Thats true friends right there.

Erica I can tell has been hurting the most, she has eyebags and tear stains on her face.

We have barely even talked, just enjoyed each others company.

I've been notified of people who are coming to see me today though.

To come thank me for my service and sacrifice for this country and countless others.

Catherine told me the M16 has welcomed me to come to Britain and to get hospitality from them whenever I want. Apparently the Prime Minister made me a letter himself I have yet to read.

But two highly ranking men in our country are coming to visit me.

The CIA Director himself, and the President himself.

Amazing right?

Except I don't care, I barely wanna talk to anyone.

I know I have to and should but still.

I've been staring at the wall the past two hours while my friends stay outside the room, waiting turns to come in.

Erica has been in here with me, holding my hand.

I took my gaze off the wall and looked to her.

"Hey Erica" I said groggily.

"Hey Ben" She replied on the verge of tears.

"I'm glad I get to see you again" I said with a attempted smile.

That was the breaking point for her.

She started balling her eyes out, and laying gently on my chest.

It hurt a lot because apparently I have a lot of broken ribs, including a broken arm, leg, collarbone, and four broken fingers.

I rubbed her back soothing her with my voice.

Eventually she calmed down and Catherine came in to talk to me.

"Benjamin, I'm so sorry" She told me on the verge of tears it seems too.

I nodded. I didn't even wanna think about it.

"I'm here for you whenever, your my future son in law after all" She gave a half smile and let Mike come in next.

"Hey bro" He said trying to hide the fact he's been crying.

I gave him a fake smile, and then he continued "Thought I said no more missions for Spring Break".

I half grinned at him "That was the plan at least, glad to see you again bro" We fist bumped then Zoe came in.

She still had tears rolling down her chees, "Hey smokescreen" she said with tons of sadness.

"Hey Zoe" I said back, trying to seem okay for her sake.

"I'm glad your still here" She told me with a smile.

"Me too" I said half heartedly.

I was like that for basically everyone until Cyrus came in.

With the President and CIA director.

"Benjamin, these two men would like to speak with you" Cyrus announced gesturing towards them two.

I nodded, and then Cyrus left and closed the door.

"How are you Benjamin?" The President asked me.

"Doing my best, I have about 15 broken bones" I told them honestly.

They both grimaced "We are here to sincerely apologize and thank you for you risking your own family for millions of Americans, and the leaders of the free world, lots of countries' leaders owe you great thanks, including me" The President stated.

I nodded, and he held out his hand for me to shake it, and I did.

"You will be a great agent Ripley, until we meet again" He patted my chest, and then left me with the CIA Director.

"Benjamin" The Director said.

"Yes sir?" I answered.

"What you have gone through and put up with, and sacrificed for your country is more than most agents ever, even Cyrus hasn't had to before, I am here to thank you myself for your service of this country and our agency, and we are wondering if you want us to plan a big funeral and ceremony in your parents honor, it's what we wanna do for you" He stated.

I nodded "Yes sir".

We shook hands and then he walked out.

Then came in Cyrus.

"Benjamin" He stuck out his hand for me to shake.

And I did with pride, "What you have sacrificed for this country, will have my respect forever, not even I've had to do this sorta thing, you are a great agent, and you have an amazing future in this job" He told me.

I nodded "Thank you sir".

He nodded back and left me to my silence.

I should be feeling happy.

But for some reason.

I don't.

Another long chapter!
Hope you all enjoyed this one too!
This one gets pretty emotional too!

Until next time!

-CR