~Jacob~

I sat up and looked around. The same room as yesterday with the same stupid beeps. I'm bout ready to hop out this bitch. I hate hospitals, I hate doctors, I hate nurses (especially if they ugly) and I hate the bullshit they try to give me! I sighed and slid my legs out of bed. I looked at the floor, wondering if Autumn was okay. I still couldn't believe that she was dating my dude.. But it's alright. The door opened but I kept my eyes on the floor.

Nurse: Alright, Jacob. Ready to take your medicine?

Jacob: I ain't takin' it.

Nurse: You have to, Jacob.

Jacob: And if I don't?

Nurse: You'll be in pain.

I shrugged.

Jacob: So? Like I said, I ain't takin' that bullshit.

Mom: Jacob O'Neal Latimore!

I looked up and saw my mom standing next to the nurse. I try not to cuss around her because I don't like getting slapped.. I put my head back down.

Jacob: I'm sorry Ma, but I ain't doin' it. Unless you can put the medicine in the air I breathe, I ain't takin' it. I can't do this anymore.

Ma looked at the nurse and the door closed.

Mom: Jacob, I know that you hate it here, but you gotta take your pills, baby.

I looked up at her. Her hands made their way to my face and I sat up. I tried to stand, but my mom caught me before I could fall.

Mom: Oh baby..

Jacob: What's wrong with my legs, Ma?

Mom: They just need to be strengthened with therapy.

I sighed and tried to get up, but my mom wouldn't let me. Instead, she put me back into the bed, herself.

Jacob: When am I gonna go home, Ma?

She ran her fingers through my hair.

Mom: I don't know, baby.. I don't know..

She handed me a cup of water and held the pills in her hand. I didn't wanna do it, but I didn't wanna argue with her anymore, so I took them. That made her smile.

Mom: I Love You, Jacob.

Jacob: I Love You too, Ma.

I closed my eyes and all I could see were flashes of the past..

~Flashback~

I came to see her almost everyday. Most of the time, I just sat there thinking about what to say. Even though she couldn't talk or move and probably couldn't hear me, I still had words to say.

"Autumn, I know this is my fault. I know that you hate me and you have every right to, but please.. Please stay alive. I don't know what else to do.. If you die, I'll blame myself even more than I already do.."

I took her hand and held onto it. Still warm.. I thought.

"I promise you that when you wake up, I'll be there every step of the way. I'll change for the better and I won't break your heart this time.."

My phone rang and Helen's name flashed across the screen. I sighed and let it go. Then it rang again. I answered it, annoyed that people wouldn't leave me alone.

"What?" "How's she holding up?" I sighed. "I don't know, Trev. She's been like this for weeks." "Jacob, she's alive. That's one thing to be glad about. The next thing is harder to do." "And what's that?" I questioned. "You just have to keep the faith, believe that she's gonna come back just as she was and everything will be okay." "It's not that easy.." "I know.. Nobody said that it would be. Now open up this door." I looked up at Autumn's door and saw Trevor standing there. Once I opened the door, we shook hands.
"Aye man." He said. "Glad you could make it." "Me too. Let me see her.." He said as he approached her bed. I watched him go from confident to blank, just like he did at Mark's funeral. "Aye man.. You okay?" He didn't answer me. His eyes were fixed on Autumn. "Trevor." He looked over at me and then glanced back at Autumn. "Yeah, man, wassup?" "You iight?" "Yeah, yeah. I'm okay." I nodded. "You sure?" He gave me a look and then laughed a little. "Yeah, man. Of course I'm fine! But listen, um.. I'm bout to head out. You know I got somethin' to do." We did our handshake as I lead him to the door. "Iight, momma's boy. I'll see you." "Alright man." He said before he left the room. I know why he left and so did he. Even if he did have something to do that day, a part of him was reminded of Mark. Mark's death left a mark on his life..

~Reality~

I opened my eyes and looked around. It was dark outside and my mother was gone.. Damn.. I slept that long? I swear, each time I take these pills it takes less and less time for me to fall asleep.. I decided to ask a doctor for the truth as to why I'm still here. I pressed the red button and then slipped my legs out of bed. I stared at the floor and before I knew it, then door opened.

Nurse: What do you need Mr. Latimore?

Jacob: Can I talk to my doctor?

She nodded and left. The door opened again and the doctor approached me.

Doctor: What seems to be the problem Mr. Latimore?

I looked up at him and gave it to him straight.

Jacob: Why the hell am I still here?

Doctor: Well, the car accident you were in caused some major damage to your body and minor damage to your brain.

Jacob: What damage?

Doctor: If you don't take pain medicine every twelve hours, you'll experience excruciating pain.

I looked back down at the floor confused. How the hell did one car accident cause all of that?

Jacob: Listen man-..

I said as I lifted my hand and tried to stand up but I fell. The Doctor caught me before I hit the floor.

Doctor: Are you alright, Mr. Latimore?

I kept my eyes on my legs. Why wouldn't they work?

Doctor: Mr. Latimore?

I finally looked up at him.

Doctor: Are you alright?

Jacob: What's wrong my with my legs?

Doctor: They need therapy in order to strengthen.

Jacob: If I need it so bad, why haven't I started yet?

Doctor: We've been trying to work things out with your mother's insurance company.

Jacob: The hell is wrong with the insurance company?

He tried to lift me up but I pushed him away.

Doctor: Jacob..

Jacob: Nah, man. I wanna know everything that's going on!

Doctor: We can't tell you everything right now.

Jacob: Why not?

Doctor: Because you'll just forget it by tomorrow.

I looked at the Doctor.

Jacob: What are you saying?

Doctor: The way you got hit in the accident put you in critical condition and part of it effects of it altered your memory. The medicine you take makes thighs better and worst.

Jacob: How?

Doctor: It takes the pain away from you body, but it also makes you forget things by the next day. How much of your memory do you lose or how fast? We don't know. But we're working to find a way to reverse it.

Jacob: So I'm just another guinea pig..

He was about to respond but I just held up my hand and shook my head.

Jacob: Just tell me the truth. Yes or no?

He was silent for a few seconds and I sighed in annoyance.

Jacob: That's what I thought.

He tried to pick me up again and I wouldn't let him.

Jacob: No. I'll be damned if I let another nigga pick me up like I'm some lil kid. If there's one thing I promise you is that I don't need your medicine and I will be out of this hellhole very soon.

I turned my body and began to pull myself back onto the bed. I failed and after a while, I had to stop trying and let him do it for me. I swear, I'm gonna be out of here soon and I will have my memory and my girl back.