Fracted (Book #2)

Chapter 33: Options

"Jess, I've missed you." Jackson said.
"Why? You sure you're not mad at me? Because I was so stubborn?"
The whole thing seemed unreal. It felt like being controlled like a marionette puppet. I didn't feel mad at all. My emotions were played correctly. I don't know how to explain it--it just felt good. Isn't this the right thing? In only one sentence, I've felt things. Things no words can ever describe. He's the only family I have left.
I miss him too. I always did, didn't I? I didn't want to wake up again.

Unfortunately, I did wake up. Serious pain flooded amd drowned my upper body. My eyes felt watery. My lip, my cheeks, my nose, my jaw--so painful. Can I at least survive a day without getting bruised (not because of training)? Well all that happens to my life depends on me now. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna be a solo.
"I'm sorry," The girl sat next to me on the bed. "How're you feeling?" She was gently bandaging my knuckles. I think she'd be a better doctor than me. I could barely feel the pain on my hand.
I ran my teeth against my lower lip piercing. "Okay."
"I'm so sorry about the ring. I didn't have much of a choice."
"Stop apologizing." I whispered to her softly. "And plus, it was for my own good. Also, I have someone to apologize to."
"What happened, Jess?"
"What do you mean? You were right there the whole time last night."
"No, like...something changed about you. Almost everyday you're changing moods. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just in the middle of a psychotic episode right now. But I'll be okay, I promised you that."
"I'm satisfied by that."
"I better go apologize to Jason--Where are we anyway? I better memorize the place or else I get lost."
I sit up, my stomach is sore like I did a thousand sit-ups. My arms hurt when I stretch them, and my legs too. I rolled my head a couple times, I could feel every bone stretch out and snap.
"We're in North Brother Island, just like Hunter said. Currently, there's a hundred ten of 'em in this island, until now. And by the way, Jason's just next door on the right with Patrick."
I look around the walls made of giant rocks crafted with cement. Dust fly off from the ceiling. I clutched the inhaler that Eiffel clasped around in my hand.
"I gotta go." I said.
"Hold on, I'm coming with you. I just want him beating you up just to get even."
"Is he mad?"
"I'm not sure. You messed his face up so bad, I could barely tell if he's frowning or not."
I tried frowning myself, but the bandages on my face stuck my skin together.
"Jason?" I peeked through the doorless door frame when Eiffel called his name. He turns from his bed, revealing his horrid disfigured face. What happened to his stunning face? Did I seriously do this to him? I'm a monster--a fact I could never accept.
"Jason," I called. "Hey, man."
"Jess, hi." He said. I'm unsure if he's mad or happy to see me.
I sat next to him on the bed. He pats my back weakly.
"Look," I sounded guilty. "I'm very sorry."
"It was a'ight. And hey, I should be the one sorry--I pushed you to the point where you're close to being depressed. And I'm asking for your forgiveness."
I didn't say a word, I just wrapped my left arm around his slouched back. It's good to find all the pieces and getting them back together.
"So," Patrick said, "you two recovered quick."
"Yeah, we did," I reply.

Half of our population assembled in the center of the island. They called it, the Roof. Ironically, there is no roof. I suppose Roof means the sector is our safe haven. But no roof can top our safety in Capricorn Academy.
It was similar to a campsite, like a reality show set. Cement and piles of rubble surround us. Beyond the center was just loose grass and weeds. The trees that worked as a shadow for us looked like monstrous hands about to grab us. For an abandoned island, it sure is gloomy and chilly out here. But an empty vat of toxic stood in the middle, the fire inside radiated heat throughout the site.
Eiffel, Jason, Patrick, and I sat on a tree log.
Hunter spoke confidently, "Attention, everyone! My dad will be furious if he found out these four kids are committing crimes on our boat. So--"
"Look who's talkin'." Patrick mumbled. "He knows we're older, right?"
"Shush it, 'Trick," Jason said. "You don't want this to happen to your face, do you?" He pointed to his swollen left eye.
"No, sir." He chuckled as if he's not afraid to get shot on the foot.
"they have to be tested." Hunter continued.
"Tested?" Eiffel said loudly.
"Or punished."
Eiffel gripped my hand when she heard the second option.
"The first one!" I yelled. "I request for the first one."
Hunter glares at me like a predator.
"I didn't say you can pick one. We will pick for you.
The people around mumbled indistinctly. Scattered conversations fill the site. Everyone quiets down when an oblivious man walks towards the center. Hunter's dad, I guess.