You've Got it Bad

Eighteen

Jade's POV

It had been almost a week since Perrie was admitted to the hospital, and I was completely drained from running back and forth between work and sitting with her. In that time, I finally had the chance to formally meet Perrie's mother, who explained what had happened to her.

Apparently, a jogger had found her unresponsive in her car, parked in the middle of a street in some random neighborhood that night. The details gnawed at me. What was she doing there? How the hell had she gotten tangled up with Jimmy?

Her injuries were horrifying: two black eyes, a busted nose, a broken arm, and bruised ribs. But the worst part was the swelling in her head from Jimmy's beating. The doctors had placed her in a medically induced coma to reduce the pressure on her brain.

It was sickening. I'd been in this exact position because of him, but it hurt more seeing Perrie here.

When I introduced myself to her mom, I kept it simple. I told her I was Perrie's friend and the person she'd been staying with. There was no way I was diving into the deeper conversation about me and Perrie without her present.

Still, over the past few days, her mom and I had grown close. She was so easy to talk to, so warm and caring—just like her daughter. It was clear where Perrie got it from.

She kept me laughing with tons of embarrassing photos and stories of Perrie, and I feel like it also kept her mind off things. I feel like I've learned so much more about Perrie than she would have ever told me.

I woke up extra early today because I was off, and planned to spend all day at the hospital with Perrie.

Sitting there in the quiet, just in her presence has motivated me to do more art, so I bring my sketchbook with me and just draw the entire time. I find it to be incredibly relaxing.

For the most part, Perrie's face has gone back to normal, except for the cut under her eye, so it doesn't hurt as much to look at her. Her bones are still healing though. Now she just looks like a sleeping beauty.

I really wish she'd wake up, though. I miss her so much it hurts. I hate that she doesn't know how I feel about her right now. I hate that I wasn't confident enough to tell her that day.

After I showered and ate breakfast, I was gathering my things to head out, when my phone rang.

I hoped it was someone calling to tell me Perrie was up and looking for me, so I ran over to the counter where it was. I sighed when I saw the caller ID said Jimmy.

"Hello." I said dryly.

"I'm in a good mood today so you have 15 minutes." He said.

"What—"

"Hi, mommy!" My heart swelled when I heard my baby boy's little voice, and I stopped in my tracks and started to cry.

"Hi, baby. I miss you so much! How are you?" I asked.

"Gooood. I need new toys, mommy." He sang.

I giggled. "Why do you need new toys, baby boy?"

"Cause I gave the nice wady my super hewoes. Now I need newwww super hewoes." He replied.

I furrowed my brows. "What lady?"

"I dunno. She gave me chocolate." He giggled.

I was confused, but decided not to waste time pressing the issue. "Okay, I'll buy you new ones."

"Wite now?" He sounded so excited.

"We'll see." I smiled.

We continued chatting about him, I laughed at a few of his new jokes. 15 minutes passed by so quickly and it was as if Jimmy had a timer set. I heard his voice in the background.