Is This Smart? (Under editing and revising)

Chapter 1

~Four months earlier. We are all recovering in a hospital in Washington.~

Maggie and I have shared a hospital room with each other for the past two weeks. For me, it's been a long two weeks for multiple reasons. One, because I really just want to go to my home And, two, hospitals kinda freak me out. But, we are nearly completely recovered and have gotten permission to wash up, get ready, and go down the hall six doors to visit Ann and Jennifer.

Maggie gets up, showers, dress's in normal clothes, instead of the flimsy gowns we've been wearing for so many days that I've lost count, and she heads to Jennifer and Ann's room down the hall, two doors away from ours.

I, on the other hand, take my time. It's been at least three weeks since it done anything with my hair. So, I rummage through my bags, which Damile had brought for all of us, when he had first dropped us off here. I pull out my hair brush and some scissor. Then, I walk into the bathroom and stare at the stranger in the mirror. Placing the scissors and brush near the sink, I hop into a steamy shower. I soak my hair and wash it, using a crazy amount of soap. I get out and put on a clean outfit. Next, I tackle the mess on top of my head. I slowly and gently brush it out until it's laying somewhat flat. But, even then, there are still huge clumps knotted together. I pick up the scissors and cut off all my hair from the chin down. Eventually, it look almost normal again, except for the length, which will grow back. I pull out my makeup bag and apply everything. I now have dark circles under my eyes and a few stress wrinkles. Nothing that my makeup won't fix. When I'm completely finished and I've packed up the thing that I used, I head down the hallway to meet up with the others.

When I first enter Ann's room, I see Jennifer sitting on the side of her bed and Maggie standing near her. Jennifer literally hasn't moved from that position since we arrived here. Ann hasn't woken up since we got here either. The nurses and doctors have her hooked up to so many machines. Heart monitors, ventilators, a feeding tube: you name it. Honestly, I don't enjoy coming in here and seeing Ann like this. It scares me. What happens if--

Just then, Maggie turns to me, "Hey." She says in an unexcited monotone voice, as I quickly wipe away the tears that have been building up in my eyes as I thought about Ann not ever waking up.

I walk over and stand next to Jennifer. When I look at her face, it is pale and her eyes look grayish and clouded over, "Hey. You okay?" I ask nudging her in the shoulder.

Instantly, she nods, "I'm fine." She says through gritted teeth.

Honestly, I admit, "Jennifer Claire, you don't look fine." I keep staring at her as she just keeps glancing up at Ann's heart monitor while gripping tightly to the rail of the bed where Ann is laying. I open my mouth to speak again when the door swings open again.

A beautiful nurse enters and asks with an overly cheerful smile, "How's our patient doing today?"

"Her name is Ann, and besides, she's asleep so, she can't answer you, just in case you didn't know." Jennifer snaps. I'm completely and utterly surprised. Jenn has never in her life snapped at anyone before. Well, not that I know of. Especially not someone trying to help her friend. But, the nurse just blinks in shock a few times and replies with, "Has she moved at all?"

"No, she hasn't budged." Jennifer says starkly.

Just then, the tall, red headed doctor enters and, when he lays his bright blue eyes on Jennifer, he says in a somewhat cheerful tone, "Ah, I see that you are still here, Miss Jennifer. I believe it's time for the other doctors and nurses to fix you up; cleanliness comes first around here, after all."

"I'm staying here until Ann wakes up." Jenn says stubbornly, she seems almost like her normal self, with the stubbornness, I mean.

Kindly, the doctor informs her, "Jennifer, that could b-- that could possibly be awhile."

As stubborn as ever, Jennifer just blankly states, "I know. And, I'm willing to wait here with her as long as it takes. Nothing you say will change my mind. "

Then, Maggie gently pipes in, placing her hands on Jennifer's shoulders, "Jenn, you can't stay here forever. Stop neglecting your own needs. You are definitely not okay and you know it! Quit being stubborn for once and actually listen to us!!"

Jennifer just shakes her head and grips her hands tighter on the railing while Maggie continues, "Look, we are all scared and worried. But, sometimes, we need to focus on--"

She doesn't get to finish. Jenn lets go of the railing and her hands are fly in the air.

I shrink back against a wall: I've never seen Jennifer like this. She looks completely insane with worry. Her eyes are still clouded over but a fire has lit in them. Her hair is as unkempt as mine was just minutes ago. I look away, close my eyes and I hear Jennifer shout at Maggie, louder than I have ever heard her speak before, "I'd do the same for you!"

I don't turn back because I'm afraid of what I'll see. All I can hear is a small voice, "What are you guys bickering about now?"

I know that voice anywhere, Ann. The sound is weak, faint and full of sarcasm. It's definitely Ann. My suspicion is supported when Jennifer shrieks, "Ann! You're awake! How are you feeling?" Then, she rushes back over to Ann's side and squeezes her hand so tightly that Ann's finger tips are turning whiter than they already are.

Ann replies, with her normal amount of sarcasm, "Well, I'm still in the hospital, aren't I?"

I turn around when I hear the normal Jennifer voice my exact thoughts, "Well, your sarcasm has returned, so you must be feeling better."

After that, I decide to go stand next to Ann. Before anyone can speak, I slip into a spot next to Ann. Then, she questions again, "So, what were you guys all arguing about?"

"Don't worry about it. We're just glad you're awake." I say smartly while I pat her head awkwardly.

"Yeah, me too." Maggie copies me.

Jennifer finishes with, "Me three."

We all burst into laughter and the doctor asks Jennifer, "So, are you ready now, Jennifer?"

With a look at us she nods, "Yeah, I'm ready; just watch over Ann for me, will you?"

"Will do." The doctor promises with a toothy grin.

While Jennifer is following the doctor out of the room, she turns back, pointing at Ann, "See you later, twin." She smiles and walks through the door, which the doctor is holding open.

"Bye." Ann calls after her.

Maggie and I say a quick goodbye to Ann and shuffle out after Jennifer. Once we are in a hallway, Jennifer turns and stops us, "Hey--uh--about what I said back in there-well, just forget about it. I wasn't myself. I don't know who was in there."

"We understand." I tell her.

She looks completely surprised, "You do? But, I was so rude and mean to you guys. Quite frankly, I scared myself and I had no idea I was capable of that at all."

Maggie agrees with me, "We get it. You were hurting; sometimes when we've bottled so many feelings inside we can't hold them any longer. And, like what you did, you boiled over. Trust me, I've felt like that. Many time."

I add on, "All of us have, so don't worry about it. No worries, right?" I conclude with a half wink.

With a breathy laugh, Jennifer continues, hesitantly, "So... do you guys forgive me?"

Maggie and I exclaim together, "Of course!"

Satisfied, Jennifer says, "Well, good. Hug?" She holds out her arms.

Maggie suggests exactly what I'm thinking, "Ummm, how about we wait until after you're clean?"

"Oh." Jennifer says, "That would be wise."

We all laugh as nurse shows up to escort Jenn and instructs us to return to our room.