It was 6am when Cassie woke up. It took her a couple of minutes to remember where she was. She was on the couch in Gabrielle's apartment. That thought woke her up fully. She quickly went into Gabrielle's bedroom and found it empty. In fact it didn't look like anyone had used it last night so she knew that Gabrielle had not returned home. She thought for a few minutes on what she could do now and decided against calling her parents yet. She did not want to worry them if she didn't have to. She decided that she was going to go try to find her first. She would start at the closest hospital and then work her way across the city. So she left a note for Sandy on the counter in the kitchen and headed out.
When she arrived at the first hospital it was only 6:20am. She went to the front desk and decided to ask if Jack had been here.
"Hello, I was wondering if Jack Brinkmen had been in this hospital?"
"Had been?"
"Well people are saying he passed away last night. My sister went to be with him and I haven't been able to reach her since she left. So I was wondering if she had been here."
"Well, let me check. Jack Brinkmen,.. Here he is, room 312. That's in critical care. I guess who ever told you he died was wrong."
"OH, that's good news. Thank you. Do you suppose I can head up and check his room and maybe the waiting room to see if she stayed here last night? Please?"
"Well visiting hours don't start for 35 minutes, but I guess it will be OK. Just follow the signs to the elevators and then get out on the third floor. The CCU will be on your left."
"Thank you very much."
Cassie followed the path as directed and pretty quickly found her way to room 312. She took a deep breath and quietly walked in. She noticed that Jack was in the bed and she could see his chest rise and fall, meaning he was very much alive. She also found her missing sister. She was sitting in a chair with her back to the door. She was leaned over the side and had her head down on the bed. She was about to say something when Jack opened his eyes and looked at her. He slowly shook his head and then nodded to Gabrielle as if saying, hush, she is still sleep.
Cassie nodded that she understood. She quietly made her way around the other side of the bed up to Jack. She gently leaned down and gave him a soft hug. While she was there she whispered quietly to him.
"Jack, I was so worried about you when I heard what happened. Not frantic like Gabrielle, but I was still worried about you. I am sorry for coming this early but no one could find Gabrielle. We were all worried about her when the news broke about you. I am so glad that they were wrong and your alive."
"Thank you Cassie. That means a lot... Wait, what? What do you mean 'glad they were wrong and I'm alive'?"
"Jack, it's all over social media. Everyone thinks you died last night."
"Everyone thinks I'm dead? Huh, I wonder how they got that idea. I mean it was close for a while..."
He turned to look at Gabrielle's face, so innocent in sleep. A little smile formed on his lips.
"But I have so much to live for. I am not ready to let that go. Sorry Cassie, the world is not getting rid of me that easily. There is to much left that I want to do."
"I am glad to hear that Jack, but... you and Gabrielle? What about Jaycee? What about..."
"A lot of things happened last night Cassie. Not all of it was good, but it was necessary. I know how much I hurt Jaycee. I also know what happened between Gabrielle and Luke. But after what happened to me, I had to be honest. I couldn't not tell Gabrielle how I really feel. I am just lucky that it's not a one way street."
