Jack was slightly sitting up in bed when I walked in. He lifted his head when the door closed and I almost cried when he looked at me. "Hey." I said, my voice almost sounded like a squeak.

He smiled a little, "Hey."

There was a chair beside his bed and I sat down. I leaned close to his side with my arms folded under my chin, "I was so worried." My eyes burned with tears that I pushed back.

He brushed his finger over my jaw, tracing the pad of his forefinger over my chin and to the other side, "You can't get rid of my that easy." Even in his current condition, he can still crack jokes.

I wrapped my hand around his hand that lingered near my lips. I brought his knuckles to my lips and I kissed them lightly, "I wouldn't want to get rid of you." I joked back with a small smile, "I'm going to lock you in your room until you have gray hair." I settled my chin on his knuckles.

"As long as you're there to keep my company."

He looked so tired. The dark circles under his eyes stood out against his skin. He smiled lazily at me, but I could tell he was fighting the sleep, "Do you want me to come back tomorrow so you can get some rest?"

"No, I've been wanting to see you since I woke up. It's good to see your face right now." His eyes searched mine, "I didn't mean to make you worry."

"It's not your fault, Jack." I brushed my lips over his knuckles again, "I'm just glad you're okay. It was hard not being able to see you." I didn't want to mention how thinking about him at night made my chest restrict.

He started to push himself further up, but he yelped and dropped back in his spot. I shot up to my feet and held onto his hand as he squeezed it a little too tightly, "Are you okay?" I rushed, the tears threatening to spring out again.

"Yeah." He choked and let go of my hand. He wrapped his arm around himself and groaned. "I'm fine, don't worry...please." He looked at me and his breathing was rapid like he was out of breath.

I leaned towards him and brushed the hair from his forehead. His eyes followed my movements as I brushed my fingers over his temple and down his cheek, "You're burning up."

"They nurse just gave me medication for the fever and the pain before you got here. I don't think it's kicked in yet."

I hovered my face over his and left the smallest kiss on the tip of his nose. I pressed my forehead lightly against his and ran my thumb over the curve of his bottom lip. "I can't lose you." I whispered. "I should've made you spend the night and this wouldn't have happened." A tear slipped without warning.

His hand weaved through the back of my hair as he drew me in closer to his lips, "Shhh." The tips of his lips touched mine, "It's far from your fault, Juliet. It's the person that did this."

"And you know?"

He took in a breath, "Jeremy." He breathed, "The cops should be here soon to take my statement."

"Did they arrest him?"

"They're still looking for him."

I took his face gently in my hands and kissed him, "They'll find him." I muttered against his lips and kissed him again. Our lips molded together like we never lost touch. He curled a finger under my chin and tilted my head up slightly to deepen the kiss.

When I pulled away, I left one small kiss on his cheek and sat back down. I kept my hands wrapped around his because I wasn't ready to let go yet, "There's something I've thought about all weekend." I leaned over the bed again, "I want to get you out of here when you get home and you're feeling better. You need it."

His lips curved into a smirk, "Where did you have in mind?"

"California with my dad."

His eyebrow perked up, "Really? You want me to go with you?"

"Yeah, I think it would be good for you. And we'll be together, so that's also a plus." I grinned, "But that's only if you want to go."

"You had me sold on the we'll be together part."

The heat of my blush crept up my cheeks, "As soon as you're ready, we'll leave. But I want you to heal first and then we'll talk more about it."

"Does your dad know about everything that's happened the past few months?"

I lifted my shoulders and dropped them in a shrug, "If he doesn't, then he doesn't need to know. You're innocent and I love you. That would be everything that he needs to know about you and I."

Jack opened his mouth but the door opening behind me stopped him. His parent's came in followed by a man in a suit and a police officer. I stood up and pushed back the chair. "I'll come see you tomorrow." I glanced behind me at the small group that's came into the room and back to Jack. I kissed his cheek and left.

I sent his parent's a smile before leaving the room.

When I got into the car, I pulled out my phone. I scrolled through my contacts and stopped on Will's name. I hesitated and pressed call. I put the phone up to my ear and waited. I rang and rang until I was about to hang up. Will's voice rang through, "Juliet?" My name came out as a question.

"It's me."

"Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine. Can you meet me?"

"Sure. Where at?"

I rattled off the name of a small café not far from the hospital. We hung up after and I started the car. I pulled out of the hospital and headed for the café. I made the turns necessary and found the little café just around the corner. I parked the car and went inside, the smell of pastries and coffee enveloping me the second the door closes behind me.

I walked up to the counter and ordered a couple of coffees for us. I have a serious coffee problem, clearly. I didn't get my coffee this morning because I've been on edge all day.

I also bought a muffin and sat down at one of the tables located against the window. I picked at my muffin and took a few sips of coffee before Will finally arrived. He sent me a giant smile and took the seat across from me. He was surprised to see the coffee already in his spot, "Sorry, it might be cold." I apologized.

He waved a hand, dismissing my statement, "It's okay." He put it to his lips and took a drink. He sat it down and clasped his hands over the tabletop, "What did you need to talk about?"

"A few things, actually. Do you have time?"

"I'm all yours."

It was a little weird still having him here and being able to actually talk to him. But I was enjoying having him around. Like I said, we're on the road. We're driving slowly, but we're moving forward, "I decided about California and I would like to come stay with you before the summer ends."

His smile grew. I didn't think that was even possible, "That's fantastic. You're going to love it there, I promise."

"I don't want to get your hopes up." I said truthfully, "I don't want to move to California. All of my family is here. I'm not going to give that up and I'm sorry. But I really do want to spend more time with you and find out more about your life. I also would like to know more about my mom. I think it would be good for us."

His smile faltered a little, "I understand, I do. I know I shouldn't have asked and I'm sorry. But I want you to know that I'm not leaving again. That is a promise that I'll carry as long as I live. I'll do whatever I can for you, Juliet. I've always wanted what's best for you. Georgia is what's best."

I didn't know I was crying until I felt the tear drop on my hand. I swiped away the tears that followed and nodded, "I can also visit when I get breaks from school. I really want to have you back in my life."

I don't regret being stubborn about letting him back in my life. I was upset and just angry that he left me to begin with. And on top of that, he thought it was a good idea to just show up like he never left. I never expected to see him again as long as I lived.

I'm ready to start making amends because I really do want him back in my life. I think having my dad back in my life will help me in many ways. Maybe I could learn something new about my mom every time we spoke or even something new about him. I'm open to forgiveness.

I watched my dad's eyes water, but no tears spilled over, "That's all I wanted to hear." He exhaled like he had been holding in his breath. "I'll do anything to have you back in my life."

More tears spilled down my cheeks and I didn't bother wiping them away. I stood up and so did he. I wrapped my arms around his waist and gave him the first hug since I was three. His arms wrapped around my shoulders as he held me close. The warmth and the familiarity of his hug were overwhelming. Even the smell of his cologne triggered the memories of the hugs we shared before this one.

We stood there for what felt like forever. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head and squeezed me gently, "Thank you for giving me another chance even though I know I don't deserve it."

I took a step back and sat back and looked up at him, "You do. I'm glad we can do this again."

We sat back down and everything felt a little lighter.

As the night went on, I talked to him about Jack. I started from the beginning and ended with my hospital visit. And just like for my grandparent's, I left out a few specific details. Things that really need to stay between Jack and I. I told him that Jack would hopefully be coming to California with me if he were up to it. But Jack healing is my priority before he can even think about going anywhere.

My dad was on board. He did know about Jack's situation due to the recent news that was playing on every local news station and possibly further than just local. He didn't have a problem with it, but he said he would be getting the father talk whenever he sees him again.

Oh, the fun.

Said no one ever.

We parted on a good note and a quick hug. I told him to call me if he wants to make plans this week to have lunch or something before he leaves the following week. I'm going to try and devote time to helping Jack while his parent's are at work.

I sound clingy.

But Jeremy is still out there and he could come back. I don't want to risk him coming back and finishing what he started.

When I got home, James's car was back in the driveway. I walked inside and up the stairs to my room. I called for James as I walked by his room and into mine. I heard his door open and his footsteps following into my room, "Nothing's broken downstairs."

I turned on my heel and faced him, "I could've told you that?" It came out as a question and not a statement.

"I'm guessing it went well then...with telling your grandparents about Jack."

"It went as expected, I guess."

"As long as there wasn't blood, I think that's pretty good." He sat in my desk chair and started spinning like a child, "How'd it go at the hospital?" He stopped his spinning and looked at me.

"Great. He'll be home in a few days." I sat on the foot of my bed, an exhausted sigh falling from my lips, "I went to meet my dad afterwards."

James leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, "Still don't see any blood."

I stifled a laugh, "It went well also. I told him I'll come to California before the summer ends."

James looked a little sad, "That's a good idea."

"When do you leave to go home?"

"A few days." A smirk slowly slid on his lips, "Why? Are you going to miss me?"

"Duh!" I laughed a little more, "But seriously, you've been amazing this summer. You better stay in contact or you'll have me knocking on your door at two in the morning every Sunday."

He put his hands up in defense, "Yes, Master."

I rolled my eyes, "Dork."

I would really miss James when he leaves. He better stay in contact or I'm going to keep my word and show up on his doorstep every weekend.

Three more days have come and gone when I finally got the phone call from Marie. Jack is coming home today. I'm probably going to wait until tomorrow to actually see him so he can get situated and actually get some rest outside of the hospital.

James was leaving today to go home and I will admit, I'm dreading it. It's going to be quite boring without him here. I do have Lindy, but there's something about James that just feels comforting.

I was helping James load his bags in his car when a car pulled into the driveway next door. Jack Sr. got out of the car just as James closed the trunk of his car.

Jack Sr. walked to the passenger side where Jack was and just about that time, Marie came outside and helped. She opened the door and Jack slowly stepped out. He wrapped an arm around himself as he started walking. He looked in my direction and sent me a nod and a smallish smile. I returned it before his parent's took him inside.

I turned back to James and followed him to the driver's side of the car. He opened the door but didn't get in yet. He faced me, a smile tugging on his lips, "I'm gonna miss you, too, by the way."

I stood on my toes and wrapped my arms around his neck, "We'll hang out again soon."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

His arms tightened around my waist for a moment. I turned my head slightly to catch his cheek under my lips. I left a small kiss and took a step back, "I'll see you soon. Thank you for everything this summer."

"Thank you too. If I wasn't here, I probably would've gotten in plenty of trouble." He laughed.

"There's still plenty of time."

"I think I'll just stay out of that for awhile." He leaned into me and kissed my cheek, "I'll see you around, Juliet."

James got into his car and closed the door. I sent him a wave as he drove out of the driveway and in a new direction. I really was going to miss him. I miss him already.

I walked back inside and my shoulders slumped. I made my way up the stairs and my phone was ringing on my bed. I picked it up, seeing Jack's name on the screen. I smiled and answered it, "How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Could be better." I heard him sigh, "It's good to hear your voice."

"It's good to hear your voice, too." I dropped down on my bed, "I'm going to come see you tomorrow."

"I don't think I can wait that long." He playfully whined. "I don't think I would be the greatest company right now."

"I'm sorry." I mumbled and lay back on my pillows, "I told my dad you'll be coming to California with me and he's okay with it. But warning, he's probably going to interrogate you." That was the wrong word to use...

But Jack laughed, "It's okay, I'm prepared."

I haven't told him about my grandparents yet. I don't want to unload too much on him at once. I think mentioning my dad was enough for him to handle in that moment.

"Do you want to read tonight?" He asked to break the silence.

"Are you up for that?"

"I will be. I'm waiting for the meds to kick in so I can sleep."

I hate to hear about him in pain. I wish there was something I could do to make him feel better, "Does it hurt that bad?"

"It's like an aching and burning pain right now. It was worse before."

"That doesn't make me feel better."

"I'm getting better." I heard him suck in a deep breath, "Hearing your voice made me feel better."

"So cheesy." I giggled

He laughed again, "It's true though. You always make me feel better."

"Those meds they have you on are making you loopy, Jack."

"I love your voice." He sighed with contentment, "I love you."

I don't think I could ever get used to him saying that, "I love you."

"I'm gonna go before I fall asleep on you. I'll call you when I wake up."

"Sleep well, Jack."

We exchanged our byes and hung up. I'm still worried about him. I wish I could see him now but his sleep is definitely more important than me right now. I'm just glad he's home and in his own bed and he's going to be okay.

I walked back downstairs for dinner. My grandparents have been asking about Jack's progress every day, which made me feel like this dinner they have planned will go along with no problems. They know how I feel about him and I think that should be enough.

I gave them the news I had today and they seemed to be satisfied. That was until I was about to get up from the table and her voice stopped me, "Juliet." Her voice was smooth. It's the voice she usually got when I was about to get a lecture.

I sat back down.

"Now that Jack is out of the hospital, we need to set some rules. Not sure if you'll even follow them since you broke the first one."

I snorted, "Thanks, Grandma."

She sent a teasing smile, "I don't want you alone with Jack."

"Why? It's not like we can do anything anyway."

"Juliet!"

I covered my mouth to keep from laughing, "I'm sorry, Grandma." I mumbled through my hand, "I won't be alone with Jack. Our relationship isn't that...developed." I lied.

She raised a brow in my direction, "I want to take your word for it."

"You can. Nothing is going to happen, okay?"

She hesitated but nodded, "I trust you."

Her words made my smile fall, but I pushed it back, "Thank you."

When our little talk ended, I helped her clean up like I do every night. When my grandpa went to bed, we stayed up and watched a movie. This is usually when James comes in handy because we can agree on a movie. My grandma and I have different tastes when it comes to movies. But it was nice to finally spend time with her. I haven't really spent time with her since I got out of school.

At two in the morning, my phone came to life next to me. Jack's smiling picture and name came on my screen and I answered it quickly. Before I could even get a word out, he was talking, "Can you come over? I can't sleep and I'm about to lose what's left of my mind."

"You know I can't." I answered sadly. "Are you in pain?"

"A lot." He said hastily. "It's going away slowly."

I wanted to say sorry again, but I bit my tongue, "What if I read this time?"

"Would you?"

"Yes, but I get to choose." I kept my tone teasing. "It's going to be the sappiest book on my shelf."

His light laughter carried through the phone, "Just this once."

I was totally kidding, but he didn't have to know that. I picked one of my fantasy retellings and climbed under the blankets. It's Cinder by Marissa Meyer. It's about a girl that's part cyborg, he should enjoy it. Even though Jack is more of a classic and mystery kind of person.

I read for what felt like hours, but was only one. I heard Jack's soft breathing on the other side of the phone. The pleading in his tone earlier almost made me crack. I've never heard Jack that way before. He sounded like he was on the verge of tears and I couldn't do anything.

But he's asleep now.

And soon I was too.

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There will be one more chapter after this and an epilogue. :( It's going to be so hard to let this story go, but my new one will be up soon when this one is over. I've had some of my friends on here read the first chapter just to make sure my new story is worth posting, lol.

Don't forget to vote and comment! :)

Love you guys!