SECOND CHANCE/ Rhea Ripley x Male OC

Farewell Old Friend

                                                                             Recap

It had been three agonizing weeks since Jay had slipped into a coma. What started as a night of anger and confusion spiraled into something far more dangerous. In a fit of rage, Damien, had taken over, and the confrontation with Alexa had led to a blackout—a terrifying moment where Jay's chest tightened, and the world faded to black. 

During those weeks, the people closest to Jay—Rhea, Liv, Aleister, Shotzi, and the rest of his friends—had kept a constant vigil by his side. Each day was filled with fear, hope, and prayers that he would wake up and return to the life he had built. But when the moment finally came, it wasn't the joyous reunion they had all imagined.

                                                                        Waking Up

The dimly lit hospital room was quiet, save for the steady beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional rustle of sheets as Rhea shifted in her chair beside Jay's bed. She had been by his side every day, her eyes often red and swollen from crying, but she never left him. The room was filled with the scent of flowers and get-well cards, a stark contrast to the sterile smell of antiseptic that permeated the air.

Suddenly, Jay's fingers twitched, and his eyelids began to flutter. Rhea, half-asleep, instantly perked up, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope. She leaned closer, watching in disbelief as his eyes slowly opened, squinting against the dim light.

Rhea: (softly, her voice trembling) Jay...? Oh my God, you're awake!

Before she could say anything else, the door swung open, and a team of doctors rushed in, alerted by the sudden change in his vitals. The lead physician, Dr. Reynolds, approached the bed, his expression a mix of professional concern and cautious optimism.

Dr. Reynolds: (gently) Mr. Carter, can you hear me? Do you know where you are?

Jay's eyes darted around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings—the machines, the sterile walls, the medical staff moving around him. His gaze finally landed on Rhea, who was staring at him with a look of pure relief and love. But instead of recognition, his face twisted in confusion. He tried to speak, his voice coming out hoarse and weak.

Jay: (weakly) Who... who are you?

Rhea's heart shattered at the question, but she forced a smile, trying to stay strong for him. Before she could respond, Dr. Reynolds stepped in, recognizing the signs of disorientation.

Dr. Reynolds: (calmly) Mr. Carter, you're in the hospital. You've been in a coma for the past three weeks. It's normal to feel confused. We're here to help you, okay?

Jay: (frowning, his voice shaky) I don't... I don't remember anything. Who are all these people? Who is she?

He gestured weakly toward Rhea, who was fighting back tears, her heart breaking all over again. Dr. Reynolds exchanged a glance with his colleagues, then turned his attention back to Jay.

Dr. Reynolds: (nodding) That's okay. Memory loss can happen after a coma. We're going to ask you some simple questions, just to see where you're at, alright?

Jay nodded slightly, his confusion deepening but his trust in the doctor overriding his fear. A nurse stepped forward, checking his vitals as Dr. Reynolds began the assessment.

Dr. Reynolds: (calmly) Can you tell me your full name?

Jay: (pausing, trying to think) Jay... Jay Damien Carter, I-I think.