Chapter 39

Tyler’s POV. 

Andrea asked me to leave her ward, and I obeyed. I had no choice; I knew my words hurt her, and I didn't even pay attention to the slap because it was nothing compared to what I was feeling at that moment. I left the room, and tears rolled down my eyes. I tried to control myself because of my manly nature; I was so broken and I didn't know what to do about it. I got into the car and got off at Jackson’s hospital. I got there, and I met his mother sitting outside his ward. She was crying. I stood afar and sighted her. I didn't know if I should move forward or backwards. With each step I took, it felt like my feet were magnetic to the ground. I went closer to Jackson’s mother and she looked up to me. I didn't contact her so I wonder who did, but again, I remember asking Ami to do so last night before she retired to bed.

She looked at me with anger in her eyes. She was so angry and upset that she looked at me for a few seconds before saying a word to me.

“Where is that bastard that shot my son?

Her voice was thick and firm; she was so upset and at that point, she would do anything to make her son conscious again.

“It was a mistake, man. 

I spoke with so much calmness; my voice was barely above a whisper, but she got exasperated. She wasn't having it at all; she wasn't going to keep calm.

“A mistake? You call it a mistake? I will make sure that individual rots in jail; he will never see the light of a new day if anything happens to my son. Where were you? Why didn't you bring him sooner? He is your best friend; you should have brought him in sooner.

She broke down into another round of tears and she almost collapsed to the ground. I had to hold her up in midair to prevent her from falling. “ Please stop crying; Ma. Jackson will be fine; he will be alright. The doctors are doing all they can to make sure he makes it through.

“He is my only one. How will I live if anything happens to him? I cannot bear it; it will break me into a million pieces. I was trying so hard to hold myself but it was impossible. I broke down. 

I left her and went into Jackson’s ward. The operation was successful but he was still unconscious. I felt guilty; he was in this state because of me. He warned me not to go confront Tom but I didn't listen. I was overshadowed by my quest for revenge.

I sat by Jackson's bedside, holding his hand, and felt the weight of my guilt pressing down on me. I had been so consumed by my desire for revenge that I had put Jackson's life in danger. What if he never woke up? What if I had caused him permanent damage? I felt like a horrible person, and I didn't know if I could ever forgive myself.

I looked down at Jackson's peaceful face, and I prayed for him to wake up. I knew that I couldn't change what had happened, but I could try to make amends. I vowed to be a better friend to him.

The only sound coming out of the room was the sound from the ECG machine. The steady beeping of the ECG machine was a constant reminder of the fragility of life. It was a reminder of how easily things can go wrong and how quickly things can change. As I sat there, I realized that nothing is guaranteed in life, and we should never take anything for granted. I thought about all the things I had taken for granted, and I made a silent promise to myself to appreciate the simple things in life.

I held his hands and tears rolled down my eyes. I expected him to press on my hand like Andrea did but it didn't happen. He was lying still on the bed. I was so scared as I looked at him—the fear of the unknown.

“Jackson, I know you can hear me, buddy. Please wake up. I am sorry I didn't listen to you. I'm sorry for this. I promise to be a better version of myself and to try to control my anger. I know you warned me about going to Tom’s place but I was overshadowed by my quest for revenge. This is very complicated. Andrea is doing fine but she hates me now; she doesn't even want to see me. She asked me to leave her ward today. I feel like my world is crashing down without you by my side. I need you to wake up and talk to me. I need you to tell me that everything is going to be alright. Please, I cannot lose you to the cold hands of death.

I held on to his hand tightly and I cried a little. After what felt like hours, I heard a groan from Jackson. I held my breath, hoping that he was waking up. I sat there, frozen with fear. I was terrified of what would happen next. Would he wake up? Would he be the same person he was before? What would I do if he didn't wake up? My mind was racing with questions, and I felt like I was losing control. I tried to take deep breaths, but I couldn't seem to catch my breath.

Suddenly, I felt a squeeze on my hand. I looked up, and I saw that Jackson was squeezing my hand. He opened his eyes and looked at me. He didn't say anything, but the look in his eyes told me that he was going to be okay. I let out a sigh of relief, and I felt like I could breathe again. I smiled at him, and I could see the relief on his face. He was still weak, but he was awake.