If Only..(Part 1 And Part 2 Included)(Under Edit)

Chapter 13 - Astray

Suddenly, from a realm of complete void, I woke up with a grave burning sensation near my hairline at the left side of my temple, which streamed down right to my back and my left hand, which was testing my strength, in each passing time. Gradually, various sounds of hustle and bustle started to hit my ear drums and it started getting clearer, as I was coming back to my senses. But, I did not carry any strength to widen my eyelids. I realized a continuous beeping sound of a heart monitor, near my ears, frustrating the hell out of me. But, ultimately, I gathered my strength and opened my eyes, to see blurred pictures of a white ceiling coming down to white walls, various other figures, holding shadows on the walls. My vision gradually started getting clearer, and I found myself, lying on the bed tied up to various hospital equipment. I jolted in my place, as I realized I was in a hospital. I looked around to find a woman dressed in blue, standing near my bed. When she realized me staring at her, as ran out of the door, maybe to inform someone, that I woke up. Everything seemed unexplained to me. I was clueless in the initial seconds, and then, everything started to wonder back into my mind. Every happenings, every emotions, every actions. All his words, started to ring into my ears, and the views started to flood my eyes. Well yeah, it was just a bullet wound, which is probably not as deep as the wound deep inside me. Just then, I felt someone push the door open. I did not care to learn, who it was. If it is Jackson Claros, I don't want to see his face. I am still not ready to see the either colour of the face, I was habituated with. I don't know whether, I am safe or not. Maybe, I am not free. Maybe, I am under their captive. And, maybe, I am alive, just for that purpose. But, neither of them mattered to me. A rush of thoughts, was running through my mind when, the man walked up and stood near me. I understood it was no one, but Jake. It was Jake, again.

Jacob spoke out in a worried voice, "Maddie! How did this happen?"

"I am sorry." he continued after a brief pause,  "I wasn't there, when you needed me. I don't know, what I would have done, if anything would have gone wrong. Had I not been there on time. I don't even want to dream about the consequences, if I never reached you. I could have never forgave myself, if anything happened to you. (sigh)You are a warrior, Maddie. You can't give up. You cannot lose. You have to fight back. Don't let them break you, Maddie. You have to fight back. You have to tell them whom they messed up with. You can't let them break you. I promise you, I will never leave you alone. Never ever. This is the last time, to handle this alone. I promise, Maddie."

I could hear him, speak to me, but I failed to understand his words. I could simplify none. Nothing entered my ears. Nothing did my brain process. Probably, I chose not to. Suddenly, I felt a hand brushing through my hair, a fatherly feeling of warmth, which I always felt. I failed to hold back my tear and it streamed through my cheeks. Did he succeed in breaking me to that extend? But, the question is, a person already broken, can't be further broken, right? Maybe, I am not broken, afterall. Maybe, it is just a wake up call, not a failure. Maybe, this is what I needed to clear my path to my objective. I can't cry. I can't give up. If everything is just as I assume, that this is the time I wake up. And, maybe I know what I need to do, now.

"Can you do me a favor?"

Jacob straightened his backbone, "Tell me!"

"Can you arrange for a photo artist, tomorrow?"

Jacob frowned, waiting for an explanation.

"I still remember the shooter", I added.

"It's alright. Give yourself some time."

"I can't loose this chance."

"Our force, is already in search."

" Your force can't give you, what I can. He was Jackson Claros."