Jack POV

The whole week after the accident basically consisted of painkillers, going to school sometimes, if I felt like it, and leaving when I was feeling not well enough anymore. At home, I mostly watched TV; it is unbelievable what crap is on all day.

Except for Wednesday. On Wednesday I had to go to the police station and describe the accident in all its horrid details. I tried so hard not to cry, but I failed miserably.

I also learned that quite a batch of people were mad at me. The bus driver was in shock and three passengers inside the bus had fallen down and gotten injured to some extent. I was told I had to face trial if these people would want money.

I did my best not to have a mental breakdown right there, and managed to keep my panic contained to some point. I let it out when I was home, crying until I had no more tears left. I googled it, and the internet said I could go to jail or have to pay a lot of money. I had another panic attack.

My mum and I registered the accident with our insurance company, including the fact that one of the front-shield swishers had been broken by me as well.

I cried myself to another night’s sleep of paralyzing nightmares.

I texted Alex the next day, asking if he wanted to come over and watch some films together. I could almost feel the excitement in his reply, telling me he would come in a few minutes and bring DVDs and popcorn. I prepared lots of chocolate and plopped down on the couch.

He let himself in and walked to me, smiling because he saw me, and carefully bent down to hug me lightly.

“Sooo, Jay, I have brought along a selection of the finest movies about the polar regions, featuring lots of baby animals, or a love film. Your choice.”

I couldn’t help but smile when he told me about the polar-region-films, he knew how much I loved those. I opted for the one of them and Alex sat down awkwardly, leaving some space between us.

“How’s Randy by the way?” he asked, trying to sound happy but I noticed he wasn’t. Weird.

“He’s being a dick and doesn’t seem to care at all,” I replied. I thought I could see Alex’s face light up but I wasn’t sure. He just nodded and pressed play. We watched the film in silence and I very obviously laid my hand out into the space between us and I know I’m still in a relationship with Randy but fuck it; he doesn’t seem to care anyways. However, Alex didn’t touch it but I could see him glance at it every once in a while.

After the film, we sat there for a while and talked. I was getting tired though, so I said I was going to go to bed. But before I left, Alex wanted to know a few things.

“Jack, how did it happen?” he asked a bit shyly.

“I… well I was tired and I waled out behind a tram and then it hit me,” I replied, the memories once again flooding my mind. It always seemed surreal and I had this really sharp image of the grey sky before my eyes and I couldn’t believe it had happened.

Alex snapped me out of my trance and asked if he could hug me. I nodded and he gave me the most feathery, light hug ever, careful not to hurt me in any way. He smelled fantastic, a bit like smoky wood, a bit like aftershave and a bit like chocolate. I took a deep breath but it hurt my ribs so I recoiled at the pain. Alex broke the hug.

“Bye Jack. Just text or call if you need anything,” he offered.

“Bye Alex, thanks for coming over. We need to do this again,” I replied. He broke into a smile and left. I really wanted to have something like today again.

I checked my phone. Nothing from Randy but what else had I expected? Maybe it was time to talk to him.

Notes

Wow guys I managed to update this again! Like wow it took me so long, sorry! I don't know if I will manage to update soon again, it's kinda hard to write this, but I will try. :)

Please tell me what you think, there's almost nothing worse than silent readers.

-Laura