24: Fresh Start

Chapter 10: Eyes Wide Open

Providence Hospital, Washington DC

There was a soft beeping noise. It had a constant pulse, never changing. The beeping was soothing and kept him at peace. However, that’s all he ever heard. All he ever saw was darkness. He couldn’t speak or smell. It was a strange feeling. Then the beeping started to become annoying as he realized his new prison of darkness. The beeping was hurting him now. He wanted it to stop.

Then Jack opened his eyes. It was bright and he could feel the white lights burn his retinas. He blinked several times, trying to get his eyes to adjust to the lights hanging on the ceiling and the lamp sitting on the table to his right. He slowly turned his head, side to side, as he adjusted to the white room. It was a strange feeling. Jack tried to speak, but his mouth was dry, his lips were cracked, and his throat was sour.

“Where, where am I?” Jack muttered to himself, not expecting anyone to hear him.

“Oh, you’re finally awake,” a nurse responded as she walked in.

“How long have I been out?”

“Only for a few days.”

“What happened?”

“Traffic accident. You were hit by a drunk behind the wheel of a semi-truck.”

“I see. What’s the verdict?”

“You came out just fine. You just got a few scratches and bruises besides a small concussion that obvious put you out for the past few days. Anyways, you’ll be out of here in no time.”

“That’s good.” Jack said as he sat up. He looked to his right and saw the heart monitor that had been annoying him so while he was in his deep slumber. A small smile crossed his face as he lent forward to pick up a small cup of water. He placed the lip of the cup against his own and slowly drank the sweet nectar of life. It was cool and refreshing. He then took a deep breath as he took a better look at his room. It was plain and white, a small television attached the wall, a few chairs in the corner, and then he saw a bunch of balloons with “Get Well Soon” printed all over them on his left.

Then he noticed the nurse was gone. He then looked to the tray in front of him, filled with food. They had given him something awful, expecting him to eat it. There were three plates: one plate had a small piece of poorly cooked chicken; another had some potato with barbeque sauce; and lastly one with vegetables. However, there was a small case of pudding, which he was looking forward to.

The door opened when he was half way done with his chicken. When Jack looked up, a great feeling of warmth and joy filled him. Audrey had just walked through the door. She was wearing a green blouse and a black skirt. She was absolutely stunning. Audrey moved slowly towards him.

“How… how are you?” she asked softly as she approached his bed.

“I’m doing fine,” Jack smiled. “How about you?”

“I’m doing good, I guess,” Audrey whispered as she sat down beside Jack. “Jack… I was so worried…”

“Audrey, it’s okay,” Jack said confidently. Audrey couldn’t help herself, she stood up and kissed Jack passionately. And Jack didn’t stop her, he placed his hands on her hips, pulling her closer. Audrey smiled while she was still kissing him. “Why are you smiling?”

“I’m just so happy,” she whispered sweetly as she sat back down.

“What have you been up to?”

“Nothing,” Audrey responded. “My father gave me the rest of the week off, I’ve stopped by everyday now.”

“Well, I’m happy you did.”

“Me too.” Audrey paused and saw the pudding on his tray. She bit the bottom of her lip and then her eyes shifted to Jack. Audrey was pleading and Jack knew what she wanted.

“Okay, fine.” Jack said. Audrey took the pudding and opened it. She giggled as she licked the top of the chocolate and took the spoon from his tray. Jack couldn’t help but smile at her. Even though Audrey was a beautiful, grown woman, she was still a cute, charming girl.

Then the door opened again and Secretary Heller walked in. Audrey didn’t bother and continued to eat her pudding. Jack tried to sit up straight, but Heller used his hand to motion him to not move.

“How are you, Jack?” Heller asked as he stood at the foot of the bed.

“I’m fine, sir.” Jack responded.

“You going to come out of this one okay?”

“Of course, sir. A minor concussion, nothing serious.”

“Okay, good. I really don’t want to ask this…”

“Dad, don’t,” Audrey interrupted him.

“Audrey, I need his help on this one,” his father protested.

“What is it, sir?” Jack asked.

“I’m going to Iraq in a week and I’ll need your help.”

“Why me, sir?”

“Well, you’re familiar with the culture and I could really use your help on this one.”

“Dad, he just woke up. You can’t ask him to do something like this.”

“No, it’s okay. I’ll do it, sir.”

“Okay, good. I’ll call you later about the details.” Secretary Heller nodded and left the room. Audrey then turned her head and gave Jack that look. He knew what that look was, he’d gotten it many times while at the office when he did something either stupid or something she didn’t agree with.

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Audrey muttered, a tone of anger could be heard in her voice.

“I’ll be okay Audrey. I promise.” Jack reassured her. Audrey smiled faintly and placed her hands on his. She leaned forward and placed her forehead on the side of his bed. Then Jack moved his right hand and caressed the lower back of her head. “I promise.”

To be continued...