Never The End

Chapter 40 - Back

I opened my eyes slowly. I thought I was hearing things. The screaming coming from my throat slowed to a halt as the image that met me soothed the pain. I laughed as I saw Jason's limp hand held out towards me. I smiled at him and grabbed his hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Jason?!? Jason, are you ok?" I wrapped both arms around Jason and pulled him close to my chest.

His weak heartbeat pounded in my head. The body I held in my arms was shaking so violently, the vibrations were passing on to me. He ran his hands through my greasy hair. Our eyes met. "You're even more beautiful than I remember." He smiled as I leant down to kiss him gently.

"I thought I'd lost you. Don't even scare me like that again ok?"

A small laugh escaped from his chest, causing him to splutter and gasp for air. I rubbed his back slowly to re-circulate the air. "Shhh, it's ok. Just breathe."

Slowly, the coughing stopped and he rested back against my chest. I crossed my legs to provide a more stable platform for him to lean against. Jason closed his eyes in pain.

"Are you ok?"

He nodded but didn't speak. His eyes were still closed. I could see he was in agony but he denied it when I asked him. His face was squeezed tightly and his fists bunched together. I tried rocking him like he'd rocked me but he slammed him hands to the floor. "Stop! Sorry, please. It's making my dizzy." He struggled to speak but I understood what he wanted.

"Sorry, sorry." I sat still as a rock, trying not to move an inch just in case it made him worse. The breaths coming from his mouth became raspy as he fought against the searing pain. I felt so hopeless, seeing him there; holding him in my arms but not being able to help him. I needed to protect him but I knew that I was just as vulnerable as he was.

"I love you Olivia. You do know that don't you?"