What About Us?

Chapter 28

Angela

I have been sitting next to Jackson since around midnight. It is now nearing 10 in the morning.

I had Jackson's hand pulled into my lap and was gently running my fingers over his knuckles as I dozed. I was just about to fall asleep when I heart the heart monitor beeping faster.

I opened my eyes and looked over at Jackson. His face was all scrunched up, meaning he was having a nightmare.

"It's ok Jackson, it's just a nightmare." I soothed. Everything seemed to calm down and I settled back in my chair.

I was just about to go back to sleep when Jackson bolted upright, which I didn't think was possible given his state, and tore off the oxygen mask.

I slowly sat down on the edge of his bed and took his hand.

"Jack." I whispered

He looked over at me. He studied me for a minute before throwing his arms around me.

"I love you so much." He cried

"I love you too. No more near-death experiences."

"No more. I promise."

"I was so scared when he said you were bugged. I didn't want him to get you." He was really crying now. "A-and Maria. It was her sister! Twin sister! Sh-She's alive right?"

"She's alive. She's here with Teddy."

"He's going to come back. He wants me dead. He's coming back. Our house is bugged. He'll know I'm alive."

"He won't come back. I need you to calm down for me ok."

"He was using you guys to get to me. Everyone was bugged. He knows everything. We can't go home. . ."

"Shh, calm down for me ok." He was sobbing "We're going to be fine. Ok?"

"I love you SO much! I wish I told you that more."

"I love you very much too. I need you to settle down for me ok?"

"Ok." I pulled back, so I could see his face. It was tear streaked and panicked, but it was still Jackson.

I thumbed away his tears and picked up the discarded oxygen mask.

"I need to put this back on you ok?" I asked him

He nodded slowly and I slipped it over his head.

"Lay back down." I said, and he obeyed

"Angel?"

"I'm right here." I took his hand and laced my fingers through his.

<*>

Jackson and I were just settling down to get some rest when Teddy, Charlie, and Jackson's nurse came running in and locked the door.

"What's going on?" I asked

"Some psychopath walked into the hospital armed and started asking for a Jackson." The nurse explained

"It was Jackson's dad. He's back and out for blood!" Teddy exclaimed.

I looked to Charlie for some reassurance or something, but he was just as freaked out. I looked down and saw Jackson starting to freak out again.

"We need to move this bed out of the way of the door. This chair needs to go under the handle to keep him out." The nurse ordered

The 4 of us got everything done and I attempted to calm down Jackson, but the thought of his dad back out to kill him was scaring him.

"It's ok. He can't get in." I soothed

Then there was a pounding at the door.

"Open this door right now. I know your in there Jackson!" He yelled

We sat there silently as he pounded on the door trying to get in. Then things got quiet.

The hospital must have gone on lock down because there were no sounds what so ever. We stood in the corner petrified as Jackson's heart monitor beeped and the rest of us held our breath.

After some time, it seemed like he had left. We all breathed a sigh of relief.

Then the door handle broke.

Jackson's dad came crashing in and aimed his gun at him.

"Just one left and it's got your name written all over it." He said then pulled the trigger.

Time seemed to slow. I could see the bullet moving. It was on a deadly path, straight for Jackson's heart. I threw my hand out in front of it. I wasn't sure why, it's not like I could catch it.

But I did.

Instead of it hitting Jackson the bullet struck my hand.

Holy hell, it hurt!

I fell to my knees, my hand bleeding, and looked up at Mr. Crawford.

"You missed." I said pushing through the pain.

He dropped his gun and lifted his hands over his head while police flooded the room. He gave me a look of disbelief as the cops handcuffed him and took him away.

Once he was gone I screamed because my hand was in severe pain.

I was led out of the room by Jackson's nurse.

<*>

3 days later, my hand was wrapped and in a cast, and I was ready to go. The nurse discharged me, and I walked into Jackson's room where I nurse was preparing him for discharge as well.

When he saw me, his face broke into a huge grin and he waked over and hugged me.

"Thank you." He sobbed

"I am not doing that again!" I exclaimed

"Please don't, never do that again!"

"We're going home." I whispered

"It's bugged!"

"I talked to Mr. Hart and the FBI. They came in and took care of everything. Your dad's friends are in jail and they will be for a long time. Maria is back on her feet and should be leaving soon too."

Right on que, there was a knock at the door and Maria and Teddy walked in.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything." She said quietly

"Anytime."

She gave him a quick hug before joining Teddy again.

"Alright Mr. Jackson, you're free to go." The nurse announced. "Take it easy. You're on bed rest for the next few weeks."

"Got it. And tank you!" He called as we left.

<*>

Outside snow was beginning to fall in large flakes.

Jackson turned to me and kissed me.

It wasn't one of those ridiculously cliché movie kisses. It was one that said, 'we made it.'

When we pulled away he smiled.

"It's Thanksgiving break." He said, "What are you thankful for?"

"This." I said lacing my fingers through his.

"Me too."

"Want to go home, watch movies, and eat junk food?"

"I would love to."