Chapter 5 - Jack

On a drive home, I was thinking about what I said to Alex. I was confused a little, but mostly I was surprised, it's all crazy. I never expected him to be this fun or intriguing. He is also a very good listener and kind of unintentionally made me tell him about myself and open up. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't sorry at all, but it usually takes me longer to do it. There is just something about Alex and I can't quite put my finger on it. He was always nice to me, but now that he found himself and managed to change for better, he is just charming. I can't believe I said it, but yes, charming.

He told me all about it and I can't believe he doesn't have any other friends, except Zack. I remember when I met him, it was the freshman year and jocks were being classic jocks – assholes. They pushed Alex and he fell, dropping all his books on the floor. I helped him and I will never forget his eyes, that look. It was so sad, begging to be accepted. Now that look is gone, he isn't sad anymore and he doesn't care if people like him, because he likes himself.
I took off my jacket and tossed it on the chair, then I went to take a shower, before I went to bed. I was actually thinking about texting Alex but I put my cell phone away and tried to get some sleep. I ended up texting Good night:). I also called Ashlee because she kept texting me and I told her I need some space right now and that I'll see her at school. Why couldn't she be more like Alex? Just listen, without trying to play the role of my mom. I already have a mother, I don't need another one. I then finally drifted to sleep.

Jack! Jack come quick! I woke up. I though I was dreaming, but I heard mom's voice again.
''Jack!'' I quickly ran downstairs and saw mom leaning over dad, checking his pulse.
''What's the matter?'' I asked.
''I don't know Jacky, he's not breathing.'' She was sobbing. I quickly started reviving him, hoping for the best. After a couple of seconds of trying, he woke up. Thank god. I got really scared that this is it, this is the end.
''Oh my god, Andy, are you alright?'' Mom started hugging him, then we both pulled him up and drove him to the hospital. I was driving. They took him in and mom went with him. I had to get some coffee. It's not like I was surprised anyways, this has happened before. I was a bit shocked though, because I never had to actually give him CPR.
After I got my hands on coffee, I pulled out my cell and browsed through my phone book. My finger stopped on Alex. I hesitated, but eventually I ended up calling him. It was like 1am. It was ringing and just when I wanted to hang up, I heard his calming voice.
''Yeah?'' He mumbled.
''Alex? Did I wake you? I'm so sorry, I just have to talk to somebody.''
''Jack? No, no, it's alright, is everything okay?'' I woke him up, I could tell by his mumbly voice, but it was nice of him anyways.
''No, I'm at the hospital... it's my dad.''
''Oh my god, what happened?''
''He drank too much, I don't know, I gave him CPR, it looks like he had a stroke. I'm still waiting to hear what the doctors say.''
''Oh shit. I'm sure he'll be alright. You saved his life Jacky. Are you alright?''
''Yeah, I'll manage I guess. My mom is completely stressed though.''
''Do you want me to come down?'' He said. So nice of him to offer, but as much as I wanted him to come, I didn't want to bother him.
''It's okay, you don't have to. I just needed to talk to someone.''
''You sure, it's not a problem.''
''Yeah, go to sleep, I'll see you tomorrow.''
''Alright, don't worry, I'm sure your dad will be okay, hold on. And if you need anything, please call, okay?''
''Thanks Alex, and sorry for waking you up, good night.''
''No big deal, good night Jacky.''
I hung up. It's gonna be alright Jacky. This sentence echoed in my head. I really hope he's right.

After waiting for another 40 minutes, the doctor came to see me and mom, told us dad had a mild stroke but he's going to be fine. He specifically said no more alcohol and recommended us a great rehabilitation clinic.

''Congratulations, you saved your dad's life. If you found him a minute later, he probably wouldn't have made it.'' The doctor said to me. But I felt far from heroic. I felt like shit. Taking care of my father for four years because of his drunken escapades, watching him turn into this person I no longer knew. I hated him for that. But mom was full of hope. We would finally check him into rehab and help him get his life back on track.

It's gonna be alright Jacky.
And it was alright, Alex was right. Maybe I should stop being so pessimistic about life.

Notes

Here it is, a new chapter, feedback is very welcome :)

Enjoy!

[credit for the title goes to: The Neighbourhood]