Pain and Love Comes in Many Forms

Chapter Twenty Three

"Ethan! Are you okay?" The loud, amazing heather exclaimed as she ran in. From my state, of puffy eyes, and tear stained cheeks, holding Jack's hand as he slept...... I wasn't fine.

"You should be asking Jack that," I say softly, "he hasn't woke up yet."

"He hasn't?"

"The doctor said the stab was nothing major, he'll recover, but when he fell, he hit his head pretty hard and it might be a little while longer until he wakes up."

Heather sighed, "Are you okay mentally?"

"I don't know. I feel like every time someone gets hurt, it's my fault."

"It's not. These things happen," heather said warmly, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"I know things happen, but everything feels as though it happens because of me."

She let out another sigh, "you'll get like that sometimes. Especially when someone close to you gets hurt. How do you think Jack was when you got into the plane crash?"

"What?"

"He was terrified," she explained, "he blamed himself for not being there with you, blamed himself for not delaying you. Anything. He knows it's not his fault, but he still blamed himself."

That shocked me a bit, and I looked at Jack, who looked so peaceful as he slept. "We're a lot alike. We worry to much and blame ourselves. Our pasts our opposite, but led us here nonetheless."

"That's fate."

"I'm surprised his sister didn't show up, she's in town after all."

Then, speaking of the devil, "is he alright?"

I looked up, seeing Winter, her face fuming with a million emotions, "Yeah. He should be okay."

"What happened?"

I felt agitated, "now you care? I tried calling you yesterday, and you acted as if though seeing his face was a curse!"

Winter flinched, "Why... Ethan."

"Family shouldn't hurt each other, and I didn't want to believe him when we talked about it, but seeing you... I can't believe you."

Heather glanced between Winter and I, knowing full well how close we were, "am I missing something?"

"It's not important. All th-"

"Ugh, my head is killing me." Jack groaned, his eyes slowly opening, seeing my worried face. "Why were you crying?"

"You got stabbed!" I exclaimed.

He laughed dryly, "right."

"How...," I squeezed his hand, "how are you feeling?"

"Better, now that I'm awake and you're here." He pulled up our connected hands, bringing them to his lips, kissing the back of my hand.

"Why are you so cheesy?" Even if he was a dork, I'm glad that he's okay.

He was relieved that I was here to, unlacing our fingers and cupping my face, brushing his thumb under my puffy eyes, "I hate it when you cry."

"I thought you were going to die! Can you blame me?"

"Ahem!" I jolted, looking at Heather and Winter.

I forgot they were there.

"S-sorry. Caught up in the moment." I flushed.

"Well, I can tell when I'm not needed. I'll call you later to check in on you." Heather informed.

"Thanks for visiting!" I exclaimed as she left.

Winter stood there, looking at the ground, unsure of what to say. She ended up not saying anything as she left the room.

"Honestly. Her brother gets stabbed and she doesn't care!" I muttered.

"It's fine. I don't need them, I only need you."

I shook my head, "we always need family. Some families just don't appreciate each other."

"Ethan-"

"Rest, you've been through a lot."

"You going to grab a doctor?"

"Of course! We need to make sure you're okay!"

"I'm fine, honestly."

I sighed, "we don't know that for sure."

"Alright, I understand."

"I'll be right back," I hummed, leaning over and pressing a sweet and gentle kiss to his lips. "Don't get into anymore trouble."

I left the room, looking for the doctor.

I found him not to far away, talking with a patient. The patient left, so I walked over, the doctor smiling at me as he always did.

I never recall his name...

But for some reason, now I can recall it.

Dr. Jiddah. Doctor Ken Jiddah.

"Ah," Ken started, "he wake up?"

"Yup! Just now. Could you check up on him to make sure he's alright."

"Of course."

He left and I stood by the window, looking at the endless rows of cars that sprawled out in front of the building. I could see Heather go down to her car, her hair whipping in her face, bag clutches tightly to her. I saw Ian at the driver seat, who she kissed lovingly, getting in the passenger seat.

Looking at them reminded me that Jack and I could get married someday.

Someday...

With each event we go to, everything that happened, I felt the urge to tie the knot quickly, afraid of losing him.

I saw Winter storm out and rush to her car, sitting in the front seat. It was blurry, being so far away, but she seemed to be having a tantrum before collecting herself and driving off.

Why was all this drama needed?

Why did all these things have to happen?

With a sigh, I turned away from my window of daydreams and headed back to Jack's room. Ken was finishing up his tests, talking to jack about something.

"So, Mr. Queen will be able to leave in the morning, but he can't do any vigorous activity for the next week or so unless he wants to open his wound."

"I'll be fine," Jack assured.

"Okay, Mr. King, I beg you to make sure he listens."

I chuckled, "I'll keep an eye on him. Thank you."

"No problem. I'm assuming you're staying overnight again?"

I nodded, "of course."

"Well," he hummed, "the bed is still there for you to use."

"Thanks."

Ken smiled and left the room.

I went over to jack, sitting next to him, "I'm glad you're okay, you have no idea how terrified I was."

"I can only imagine. But hey, I won't be leaving you anytime soon."

"You can't promise that," I scolded, "We don't know what will happen."

He smiled somberly, pulling me closer, "I will not choose to leave you. I promise you that. I love you too much and I never want to hurt you again." He pulled me into a kiss, my eyes fluttering closed by the sudden intensity.

I pushed away, flushing, "did you literally just ignore him? No vigorous activities!"

"I know, just teasing you a bit."

"Ugh, you're He worst sometimes," I complained, pouting.

"Sorry. But hey, soon we'll be able to relax."

"Soon. We both have to wrap up work though."

"Then we'll be free for two months."

"Yeah..."