Keep the Change, You Filthy Animal

Chapter 23

Jack.

-

I've said before that I was NOT a fan of hospitals. But after waking up and pushing through the haze of the anesthetic, I felt happier than ever to be there. I was ALIVE. Nothing else had any importance for the next few minutes.

But then I heard a voice say my name. And it wasn't Alex.

"Mom," I said quickly. "I'm so sorry I know I messed up please don't take Alex away I'll do anything I swear –"

"Jack," she cut me off. "You're muttering. I don't understand anything."

Then I realized that my whole body still felt really numb. I struggled to focus my eyes on her and clearly formulated two words. "I'm. Sorry."

Except, she didn't look angry at all. She looked sad, worried. Which I guess was pretty normal since she'd just found out her son was shot. "Oh, Jack." Suddenly she caught me in a bone crushing hug, which I tried to pull away from before remembering that I couldn't move. But then, it was a nice hug. I missed that. I tried to push away the thought of our fight and just let myself feel small again.

A long moment passed, and then she pulled away, leaving me helpless. "Your father is on his way," she said. "I'll let him know you're okay."

She got up, ready to leave the room, but I called after her – as comprehensibly as I could. "Wait, what about the money?"

She turned around with an apologetic smile, then fished for something in her purse. An envelope. THE envelope. Placing it on the edge of the bed, she said, "Your friend brought it for me. You can keep it."

"But –"

"You proved yourself, Jack. I know how you got it. I can't say I... approve, but you did what I asked. I want to be fair with you."

"What about dad?"

"He'll understand." She smiled again, and I let relief wash over me. The bed was suddenly much more comfortable.

The door burst open then, and I saw Rian barge in from the corner of my eye. "Oh, hey Mrs. Barakat." He sounded embarrassed.

"I was just leaving." The smile was still in her voice. I heard the door close, but then almost immediately open again.

"JACK!" It was Alex. He was wearing a hoodie even though it was uncomfortably hot inside. I understood why when I noticed he still had the same shirt underneath – ugh, how could he stand it? I couldn't even THINK of blood without feeling sick.

Zack followed, waving shyly at me. I tried to wave back, but only managed to lift my hand about an inch. "I think they overdid the anesthetic," I said.

"WHAT?" Alex yelled, cupping his ear. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU."

"I said –"

"HUH? SPEAK UP!"

"Knock it off!" Rian laughed, slapping Alex's shoulder with the back of his hand. Everyone was smiling, the wave had passed. I had never felt more peaceful.

Just then, the door opened yet again to reveal an angry-looking nurse, who told us to shut it. After she slammed the door, we all burst out laughing. Yep, everything was back to normal again.

Alex.

-

I couldn't believe it. Assholeski was dead, Jack's parents had backed off, and we were both somehow still alive and ready to enjoy our own big stack of money! It was more than I'd ever had for myself.