New Beginnings

X

Nick's POV

When I was just about to walk inside, I took one look and realized that I went to the pub that Jessica works at. My heart ached at the thought of her, but I pushed it aside. I didn't want to feel the pain anymore, so I was going to drink until it went away. I place my hand on the door handle when I hear someone shouting my name. I look around and notice Kate running up to me.

"For fuck's sake," I mutter to myself. As she walks up to me, I say to her "What do you not understand about 'leave me the fuck alone'? I don't want to talk to you."

"Look, I get that. If anything I deserve it, but just hear me out, okay? Just let me tell what I came to your place to talk to you about, and then you can freely tell me to 'fuck off'."

Sighing, I realized I wasn't going to be rid of her until she got what she wanted. "Fine, you have 1 minute."

"Before I get to the point, I want to say... I'm sorry, because, when you hear this, you're going to hate me. Like, really hate me."

"Just spit it out, Kate."

"Aaron was at Jessica's house because of me. Now, before you say anything I-"

"Stop talking! Are you fucking kidding me?! You're the reason he raped her and beat her into a fucking coma?!"

"Nick, I had no idea that's what his intentions were. I just thought I'd distract her from you so they could get back together, and I could try to patch things up with you. I had no idea that he was fucking insane!"

"I can't fucking believe this right now!"

"Nick, please you have to-"

"No, Kate, I don't have to do anything for you. I want nothing to do with you. I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to see you, I don't want to hear from you. Got it!"

Standing there in complete silence, I see Kate begin to tear up and it only pisses me off more. "Quit the act, and wipe your fucking tears. If you're looking for sympathy or attention... trust me, you will not get it from me." With that said, I change my plans and head back home.

                                                                               ************

The moment I get home, I immediately head to my room. I throw myself on my bed but, as soon as I do, my phone starts ringing. I answer it, saying "What!"

"Hey, Nick, it's Maeve. I hope I haven't caught you at a bad time."

"No, sorry, today's just been... it's been."

"Well, I have some updates on Jess, I have good news and bad news."

"I'll take the good news first."

"She's awake."

My breath practically leaves my body as soon as she says that. "She's... She's awake?"

"Yes, but-"

"No, I'll meet you at the hospital. We can talk more later."

"Nick, wai-"

Before she could finish what she was saying, I hung up. Whatever it is, it can wait until I get there. I need to get there as soon as possible. 

Driving as fast as possible without getting pulled over or in an accident, I finally reached the hospital and ran inside. I immediately ran straight to her room but, as I reached the door, I was stopped by Maeve.

"Nick, wait, there's something you need-"

"Maeve, whatever it is - it can wait. I need to see her. Hear her."

Without another word, I walk into the room.

Jessica's POV

One moment, I'm talking to a doctor and then, the next, two people I've never met before walk in.

"Um, who are you guys?"

The guy just stands there, shell-shocked. "What's going on right now?"

"Look, I need you both to leave this room immediately." Doctor Redford, as I've come to know 30 minutes ago, says. Escorting them both out, he shuts the door behind them and walks back over; clipboard in hand.

"Okay, Ms. Hendrikson-"

"I'm sorry, why do you keep calling me that name? That's not my name."

"Okay, well, from what I have here in your records your name is written down as Jessica Hendrikson. Is that not your name?"

"Um, no? It was my mom's name. Well, Hendrikson was actually her maiden name."

"Okay, well before I continue with the questions, let me just check your vitals. If you could follow this light for a moment?"

Doctor Redford shines a light in my eyes and, while slightly squinting, I follow it with my eyes as best as possible. He checks my heart rate, blood pressure, and he analyzes cuts and bruises on my face and arms. 

"Alright, everything seems fine as of right now, but I do have a few questions. First one being what is your birthday?"

"May 21st, 1997."

"Okay. What is today's date?"

"June 3rd, 2012."

"Mhmm," He begins scribbling down a note and then continues on to the next question.

"Alright, what is the last thing you remember?"

"I remember heading home from school, but I can see that I'm not home - obviously. I don't remember anything after that point."

"I see, and, finally, what is your name?"

"Emily McAllister."