Dedication Takes a Lifetime but Dreams Only Last for a Night

Alex POV:

The pain in my chest was awful. I didn't tell Jack because I didn't want him to worry and feel guilty but it hurt like hell. Breathing, talking, moving, everything hurt my ribs. I couldn't sleep at all. I felt so safe in Jacks arms but sleep wouldn't come.

I started to review the days events. Jack stood up for himself. I was so proud of him. I knew how he dreaded that day and yet he managed to make his parents accept us. Now we could actually be together. I was so happy.

They actually said I was a blessing. Me. My dad had called me a curse so many times that it surprised and touched me so much someone thought I was a blessing. Me, a blessing. I could just imagine my dad laughing at that.

Jack scared me so much when he said he wanted to cut. He looked so weak and scared, like he frightened himself. I couldn't let him end up like Tom. The visions whirled through my head. Jack with wrists bleeding out, pale and cold, his coffin lowered to the ground, his name no more than a whisper in the wind, a memory from a childhood long forgotten.

No! I just couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't cut again. I can help him. Right?

My mind kept doubting itself. What if I couldn't? What if I failed him like I failed Tom? What if he hurt himself because I couldn't help him enough?

The night was pure torment. My head pounded, my hand pained, my ribs burned, and I couldn't stop worrying about Jack.

When then nurse entered I hadn't slept one bit. She had to check me and she couldn't, as Jack was adorably holding on to me so tight so I woke him up. After shaking and saying his name numerous times while while the nurse looked impatient Jack finally woke up.

Since it was 7 he decided to go home, take a shower change clothes and then go to school.
He promised he'd be back after school as he kissed me quickly and left.

The nurse checked the usual then said "Dr Merrick wants to talk to your parents or guardian about your state and the future of your treatment. Is there one available?"

"Um no. Can't he just talk to me. It's my body." I said. I didn't want to bother Jacks parents and its not like I can ask mine to come.

She sighed and said "Well he said its quite urgent so fine. I'll tell him. He'll be here at about 12."

Great five hours of nothing but white walls and extreme boredom. Fun.

I started the homework Jack brought over and after about an hour of struggling I finally understood some of my Calculus homework when a nurse entered with breakfast or what you're supposed to call slimy eggs, bacon, and moist pancakes.

I tried to choke down some of it, unsuccessfully. Not only was it disgusting, somehow swallowing hurt my ribs some more. Just breathing was painful. It felt like millions of needles were poking me whenever I moved.

I tried to fall asleep and failed. The hospital was the most boring place ever without Jack. Jack can make anywhere fun. Talking to him, laughing together, joking. I could talk to him forever and never get bored. But right now, alone I felt myself going insane. I was so damn bored.

There were some books on the shelve next to my bed and to my happiness I found 1984, a amazing book. I immersed myself in it until Dr Merrick entered the room with a serious expression.

"Alexander?" He asked in his serous voice.

"Its Alex." I corrected.

"Very well, Alex. How are we feeling today?"

"Not so great. I've been feeling pain in my ribs."

"Hmm. Let's see." He checked it for a few minutes as I winced at the pain.

"Very interesting. Very interesting indeed." He muttered. What was so interesting about my ribs?!

"Can you explain to me what happened?"

"Very well. I'm supposed to speak to a guardian but oh well. You arrived with a slightly broken rib bone that was close to hurting your internal organs. We conducted a surgery that fixed the problem but it appears the bone isn't quite healed. If we don't fix it soon it can cause many problems."

Hurting my internal organs? Problems? I wanted to choke Blake. But I knew I did it for Jack. That made me feel better, although I was still really annoyed at Blake.

"Well what do we do now?" I asked.

"We shall try to enter special medicine to help bone growth. If it doesn't help, we shall have to conduct another surgery." Great.

"When will I be able to go?" I asked, sick of the hospital already.

"If your body takes well to the new treatment, a week or less, if not it a few weeks. Oh and I checked your arm as well and in a day or so you can remove the cast."

Yes! I could finally play. I missed it so much. I knew playing would make my stay slightly better already.

But a week or more. I hated the hospital so much. Those dull boring white walls, quiet, horrible food, everything. I couldn't believe it, but I actually missed going to school. I missed talking to people, and not lying down all day.

Well only 3 more hours until Jack comes. Again great.