A Whole New World

Chapter Four

"So yeah, the appointment was yesterday. It was really just a checkpoint kind of meeting, to make sure I was in good shape to go through with the procedure. And I am." I bit into my cheeseburger. 

We were eating lunch outside in the courtyard like we did everyday. There were a couple picnic tables around and my friends and I had managed to claim one. It was under a tree too so that was pretty cool.

I had just finished telling them about my decision to go through with mission 'Get Jessie To See'. This was one of the few moments when it felt like they were literally all looking at me.

"So... what exactly is the...procedure?" Jude finally asked.

"So basically, Dr. Hepburn and her team have created a replacement of the optic nerve with nanotechnology that works using electric nodes. The nerve and nodes are built so that some electric impulses from other parts of the brain are redirected to the nerve fibers in the eyes, which then passed through the new optic nerve and to the occipital lobe... allowing the person to see.*" Colby spat out the information before I even had a chance to say anything.

I raised an eyebrow, and I guess the rest of the group was judging him too because the next thing he said was "What. I've been doing some research."

I shook my head and laughed. "But yeah, basically what Colby said."

"Are you nervous?" Rolo asked. "Because I could always hook you up if you need something."

"No Rolo. I'm good." I assured him, "I mean, I am nervous. But I think it's going to be fine."

"Oh I'm so happy for you!" Lotus squealed, which was a really weird thing for her to do. It was more Jude's territory. I didn't have time to question how weird it was because before I knew it, she was reaching across the table and gripping me in a deadly hug.

"Thanks Lotus" I managed to say back. Satisfied, she let go and sat back down.

"Oh gosh that was weird." Rolo commented.

"Yeah even for me." Jude added.

"Oh shut up. You guys are just jealous because Jessie is my favorite." She said back.

"Oh okay!" Jude screamed, going decibels above the normal human range.

"I see how it is. I SEE just how it is." Rolo said repeatedly.

Even Colby added in a "You hurt me Lotus. You hurt me so bad."

Lotus just laughed while I grinned widely.

When everyone had settled down and the guys had formed a new truce with Lotus, I put my hands together and said:

"It's this Saturday. The procedure. Dr. Hepburn's not going to be here for long so we wanted to do it soon before she had to go back to Toronto." I smiled. "And I want you guys to come. I want you to be the first faces I see.... after my mom that is. So will you... come?"

"UH MOST DEFINITELY!" Jude replied quickly.

"Dude, did you even have to ask?" Rolo added.

"I can't freaking wait." Lotus followed.

The only person that wasn't saying anything was Colby. I turned to him. He was sitting right next to me as usual. "Colby?"

He took my hand. I gripped his back. He was one of the few people allowed to do that.

"Of course we'll be there."

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*Not a real procedure as far as I'm aware.