DCF: Crimson Spirits

Chapter 1: Back Troubles?

PROLOGUE

Standing outside of my very familiar home in this moment, I don't know what to think. Never in my whole time at that hellhole of a place, the Determination Attentive Institute for Ridiculed Youth, would I have ever seen myself back in the real world's loving grasp, yet here I stand, free once again, It almost feels strange; the wind in my hair, the warmth from the sun on my face. It feels like a dream, a simply impossible dream.

But it isn't, and thank God, it isn't. I feel a slight grip taking my hand, and I can't help but smile.

"Welcome home, my lovely," I hear someone whisper into my ear. "Welcome home."

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"CJ, wake up," someone said from the driver seat of the car. My eyes opened halfway, and I was greeted by the smiling face of my friend, Tyler. Well, friend was an understatement. He was... my best friend, my crush (do people even call them that anymore?), my... everything.

"I told you to call me Christie, not CJ.." I mumbled sleepily, my heavy eyes refusing to open fully, "I hate what the J stands for..."

I hadn't even realized the fact I was getting tired, let alone I had dozed off. It felt like we had been in that car for hours. Though, rightfully so, we probably were. I took a quick look at my watch, and the time read 12:49 am. Dang, I've been out for a while. Why did the hospital have to be so far away? My back hurts so bad.

Me, being the bright and logical person I am, made the great decision to fall asleep near a painfully sharp edge on our apartment wall. Great job, genius, Great job. If you weren't so stupid and sat on the couch like a normal person, we would still be home right now.

"We're here," He said, giggling a little under his breath and disregarding my sloppy comment. Lord, that laugh could melt an iceberg. And that smile... Ugh, why does he make me feel like this? Before I knew it, he was at my door, holding out his hand. "Come on, you sleepy goof." he teased, "let's go find out what's wrong with you." He adjusted his glasses, pushing them up the ridge of his nose before sticking his tongue out at me playfully.

I stuck my tongue out at him in response and took his hand. "Yes, sir." I teased back, giggling at him.

Considering the time of night it was, we had a pretty difficult time making our way through the darkened parking lot. We slowly, but surely, made our way to the entrance of the hospital. Oh, how I hate it here. Last time I was here...

"Hey..." I heard Tyler say, snapping me out of my thoughts, "It's gonna be ok. You're gonna be ok. I know it."

We went up to the receptionist desk to check in. The receptionist gave a worried look, but I didn't pay much attention to it at the time, what with her being the receptionist at, well, a hospital. I sat down in a nearby chair while Tyler continued speaking to the receptionist. He took his glasses off and cleaned the lenses with his shirt, which he wouldn't do often. Usually, he would only clean his glasses when A, they were too dirty to see out of, or B, he was really anxious.

I was very thankful he was with me, though. I don't know how I would've been able to do this alone. I was probably in that chair for 10 minutes, if not more. The longer it took, the more anxious I became. What if it was serious? What if I had to get surgery or something crazy like that?

"Christina Brooks" a nurse called from a nearby doorway, "please come with me." Her voice was so firm and sudden it scared me at first. She sounded so... serious? Was it really this serious? I hope not.

I felt Tyler take my hand in his. "I'm right here with you," he reassured, gripping my hand. "Come on. Let's go."

The nurse quickly led the two of us to a room. In it stood two machines, as well as a doctor. I was confused at first. There's already a doctor here? Why? They haven't even figured out the problem yet... Have they?

I could tell that Tyler was pretty confused as well, because he looked at me with a tone of concern in his eyes. I sat on the bed, fairly tense. Though, to be fair, that should be understandable at a time like this. Tyler kept holding my hand, so tight, in fact, I thought I might lose blood circulation. He wasn't for much longer though, because as soon as the doctor laid his eyes on me, he quickly prepared me to do tests and alike. I could tell at that moment, Tyler began to get more worried, despite how hard he was trying to hide it.

The doctor told me to lay down, and I did. He started hooking me up to machines, looking just as serious as the nurse from before. I was still so confused; why were they acting so serious when they haven't even done anything yet? At that moment, I felt another sharp pain come from my upper spine, though it was much, much worse than before. My body forced itself back up as I screamed out from the pain. It felt like pain from the depths of hell. Tyler tried to get over to me, but the nurse wouldn't let him, which just made me more scared and angry.

"Miss, please!" the nurse exclaimed as she held me down to the bed. Why was she holding me down? Why did this hurt so bad?! "You must remain calm. We don't know how movement like this could affect your current state."

' "Remain calm?!" I found myself scream, "Remain calm when it hurts so bad?! How am I supposed t-"

I found myself not able to speak anymore. Something had taken over my body. Did they drug me? Why would they...

"Like that," the doctor said, slowly pulling a needle out from my shoulder. He kept his hand on my shoulder, which was probably a wise choice, because if he hadn't, I might have fell over. I felt weaker by the second, trying to fight off the drugs to no avail.

"Christina!" Tyler stuttered with panic from the side of my bed, trying to get through the nurse and doctor. I could barely manage to focus on him. He looked so scared, terrified even. I felt a weak smile play it's way onto my face, though I didn't know why. Maybe it was an attempt to reassure him? Maybe to put the thought in his mind that I was going to be ok, when in reality, I didn't even know what was going to happen to me.

"Good girl..." I heard the doctor softly say, "Now please, lay down. Rest. The anesthesia will be in your system for a few hours. You must sleep." I found myself obeying him, as my body slowly sunk back down to the bed. I looked over at Tyler one more time, seeing tears constantly streaming down his face. I felt him take my hand again, his hand shaking like a leaf. I once again let out a weak smile. "I'll be okay..." I choked out, the volume of my voice vanishing more by the moment. Just as I was about to go under, I heard his shaky voice tremble the words, "I love you."