In Silver Glass

[giorgiobaby]

Keeps getting better, thanks

 

[Alphus]

Chapter 4​

We All Fall Down​

4.1: One step forward...

Monday soon rolled around like clockwork, as did the days that followed. Andrew didn't push anything much since Jon's birthday, thinking it was a good idea to have gotten that far without hitting any walls and not press his luck. He couldn't have anyway, as summer was in full swing now which kept everyone at the art institute busy as they dealt with applications from students for their various internship programs. It wasn't until late August did things start to slow down that Andrew decided to ask Jon out to lunch.

They headed out to a local deli that had been there for a few years, but was very small and unknown. After getting their selected food, they sat at a booth near the window.

"How'd you know about this place? It's so close and yet I didn't know about it," Jon said.

Shrugging, "I like to know as much about what's around me as possible. I usually come here when I need some place quiet and alone for a while. I never brought anyone with me before though," he said.

"Well, I guess I should say I feel honored," he said, smiling a little.

"I supposed so," Andrew said, chuckling a tad before what seemed like an awkward silence fell between them. "Why did you make me your assistant?" he finally asked.

Jon was surprised at this question. He thought about it a moment, looking over Andrew while he put together a response. "Because you're a quick thinker," he answered shortly.

"What do you mean?" he asked, puzzled.

"You analyze problems and come up with a correct solution quickly. I've only met one person who was able to do that," he said, taking a moment to breathe deeply. "Anyway, I just figured I could use your skills more effectively than having you sit at some boring filing job."

Andrew tried to hide a smile as he heard this. "Well, thanks."

"Now, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course," Andrew said.

Taking the last bite out of his sandwich, he sat back on the chair, biting his lower lip as he pondered one last time before asking, "Why did you want to get close to me?"

Andrew choked on his Sprite. He had wondered in the past if the subject would ever come up, but not quite like this. Clearing his throat, he looked at Jon before letting his eyes drift out into the street. It was a good minute or two before he could finally answer.

"I don't know. Something in my head, I guess?," he said slowly, turning his attention back to Jon. "I don't really know. I never thought about it before, I just wanted to. I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable or anything."

"You didn't," Jon said quickly. "It was just something I was wondering for a while now. Look... I have no problems being friends with you, but I warn you to not to expect anything more. I can't let anyone that close to me again. It's not you... Damn that's cliché," he said sighing. "I appreciate what you've done. I'm just incapable of something like that. I'm sorry."

"It's okay, I understand. Anyway, I think it's time we get back," he added, getting up. They walked back to the institute in silence. For Andrew, it was the longest walk he'd taken in a long while. He felt bad, but wasn't quite sure why as he really wasn't sure what to expect between Jon and himself. As far as he knew, something in him was hurt. Whatever it was puzzled him... and like every puzzle, he had to figure out how to solve it.


4.2: Better than nothing

The next few days were somewhat blurred for Andrew. He became automatic in his actions as he tried to sort out his feelings for Jon, trying to figure out exactly what he wanted. It surprised him to realize he really didn't know what he was looking for, and more importantly, why.

Interactions with Jon didn't change much, outside of being less talkative than usual. Various new projects that were being set up for the fall were beginning to come into motion, and thus kept him busy organizing them and had him spend less time with Jon. In essence, it was a nice break, and when the projects were all progressing well, things between them were back to normal.

It was around the end of September that Jon disappeared one day. It was the first time he was gone without any sort of announcement. Andrew double-checked the schedule, finding nothing.

"Do you know where he is?" Andrew asked Samantha, slightly worried.

"What day is it today?"

"Uh... the 23rd," he said, checking his calendar to be sure.

"Oh," she said, falling silent. "I know where he is. Well, I don't know where he is. I mean, I do, but I don't."

"Can you explain that in english?"

"He disappears. No one knows where he goes. He's just... gone. This is the day they had the funeral," she whispered.

"I didn't know," he said, feeling sad.

"He'll be back tomorrow. Just don't bring it up; I did and he hasn't told me and got a little mad about it," she warned.

He nodded his head and continued on with his day, glancing once in a while to Jon's closed door. It irked him that there was more to the maze than he thought. But what was he to do? Since that day at the deli, he toned down his approach to get closer to Jon. Still he couldn't help but hear a little voice in the back of his mind telling him to beat the fire, but how was unclear how without getting burned.

Sure enough, the next day Jon was back and life continued on as if nothing happened. Keeping himself in check, Andrew made sure not to bring up the subject, but that didn't stop him from trying to find signs. Empty-handed, he continued the now-monotonous work to help finished everything for the fall.


4.3: ... three steps back

Weeks rolled by, and the hallways, offices, and studios found themselves filled with new students and interns that filling out designated positions and were happily completed them. While a small number were returning from the previous year, a larger group were new to the institute and were often found confused and asking people for directions, causing mix-ups once in a while. One humorous occasion was when the Life Art class received a couple of alien statues. The result became one confused teacher who had stepped out for an hour and came back to the room with paintings full of E.T.-like creatures.

Winter was approaching, and slowly the institute began to be covered in various holiday decorations, starting with a single floating star that appeared overnight in the main building, thanks to Jon's work after everyone had left the day before. Just after Thanksgiving had passed, decorations exploded what seemingly was the blink of an eye. With as many artisans in the building as there were, it was no surprise everyone brought pieces from home, or created them there and moved them into the hallway. It was a true collaborative effort.

The biggest party event, known as the P.O.T.Y. (Party of the Year), occurred in December and was attended by a few hundred people every year. It was so popular, in fact, that a specific building was built just to host it, though it was used for a few other events throughout the year. Jon was always in charge of it, and this was no exception. There were a number of volunteers running around pinning things to walls, setting up tables and chairs, and finished up with anything else that had to be done when Samantha and Andrew arrived.

"Like it so far?" Jon asked, looking at Samantha and Andrew.

"I think you outdid yourself this year," Samantha said.

"You say that every year."

"I do not," she snapped back.

"I like it. What's left?" Andrew asked, looking around and the plethora of lights, colors, and ornaments that covered nearly every space on the walls and ceiling.

"I just need to add that to the stage," Jon said, indicating to a large gold, silver, red, and blue star that was leaning against the stage. "Why don't you guys stand over there and let me know if it's centered when I hang it up?"

Jon made his way over and picked up the star while the other two moved into position. Despite the size, the star was remarkably light. Lifting it into an indoor boom lift, he climbed in and began his ascent to the twelve feet to the ceiling of the stage. Once there, he inched the machine forward a bit, and then looked down.

"Am I there?" he called down.

"A little more to the left," Andrew shouted.

Reaching over on the edge of the basket, he looked back down. "Now?"

"About an inch or so and you got it," Samantha said.

He wasn't able to easily reach over as he thought he might've been able to, but figuring he was close enough, he reached over just a tad further. Fumbling with the beam that ran across the ceiling, he just managed to tie one end of the star closest to him to it. The second string was going to be a little hard to reach so it could be tied evenly, but he figured he could still do it. Reaching over a little more he managed to secure the second string before he lost his balance and fell.

He looked around, surprised at how long it was taking for him to land on the ground. Everything around him seemed so slow now, even the shouts from Andrew and Samantha, as well as others he couldn't recognize, sounded so far away and muffled. Looking at them, he saw they were walking to him... or was it running? He glanced forward, which normally would've been up, to see the star so perfectly suspended from where he tied it. He smiled to himself, thinking he did a good job on it. What a wonderful party it will be this year, he thought.

Then everything went black and silent.

===--{[_____]}--===​

Sorry for the long wait in then next follow up. I had an idea, but how to get from point A to my point B took some time to work through. I'm a little unhappy with how 4.1 turned out, and 4.2 was more of a bridge than anything. However, 4.3 really sets the tone for what will happen next... and it's definitely going to be an interesting turn in events.

 

[Craiger]

Alphus,

I think you transitioned very well. Going from point A to point B seemed to glide through for me. This is quite an intriguing story and I look forward to the next chapter.

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Alphus,
I agree with Craiger. There was a feeling of awkwardness, but that is the natural awkwardness of the relationship between Andrew and Jon -- is there a potential for one beyond work, or isn't there? ? ? !
Now, to have Jon fall 12' from a boom - in an awkward motion - no telling what physical damage he's just done to himself, while his mind still focuses on what was happening before the fall. This could be a major stay in the hospital and at home getting better - and needing a lot of caregiver support.

Your style is one of step by step, slowly I turned, . . . not Fast and Furious. It's holding us, drawing us. What happens next will be tres interesante,, n,est pas? (sorry if I butchered the french.)

 

[Alphus]

Chapter 5​

Goodbye to Another One​

5.1: Seven minutes in heaven

Such a beautiful warm sensation hit his face. It was dark all around except for a long tunnel of light. He floated towards it, careless. His mind was blank, and any memories seemed nonexistent. Closer now he drifted towards that white light.

Jon was almost engulfed completely in it when a familiar, yet strange voice whispered in his ear.

"Not this time either," it said.

Suddenly Jon fell again, away from the light and towards a direction he assumed was down. Soon the light was gone and he was plunged into darkness, but he felt nothing. Was he standing? Hovering? He couldn't tell, but he guessed he stopped moving.

"Who's there?" he asked.

"I'm surprised you can't remember," replied the disembodied voice, clearer now but still muffled and distorted.

"Where am I?"

"You are here."

"Where's 'here'?" Jon asked, growing impatient.

"You described this place to me once. Think; it'll come to you."

Jon thought a little before getting an idea. It seemed improbable, as he didn't remember going to bed, but it was the only logical answer he could come up with at the moment. He closed his eyes as he pictured an image in his head, and then opening them to look up. Far above him, a star burst into light out of nowhere, and light permeated into the the space around it and beyond. Down on the ground surrounding him revealed a large field of long, soft grass. As he turned to look around, hills formed in the distance as trees burst up from the earth and grew to sizes only accomplished by decades of work. A low rumble came from the distance and grew louder as a small trench was magically formed, filling in with water to create a large river that ran by him and continued on through the horizon. Finally, the field in the distance burst into color as flowers of all kind bloomed, topped with a cool breeze which made everything dance and sway.

It was perfection.

Jon looked out in front of him, amazed at what just happened, but not surprised as this had happened before. He rarely dreamed when he slept, usually only seeing a dark, black space. Rarely, he would dream, converting dark to light, and creating worlds of limitless possibilities; he had told Martin about this process once. This was one particular place he liked to visit.

"I told you," said the voice, clear as day and sounded as if it was close.

Jon turned around, only to stop and stare in shock. There, smiling and dressed in dark jeans, white shirt, a few bracelets, and a shark tooth necklace was Martin, looking as good as he ever did.

"How?" Jon whispered, breathing unsteadily, gasping for breath at the same time.

"At first glance, I'd say magic," Martin said, looking around. "Seeing this place for myself really outdoes how you described it."

"Am I dead?"

Martin took a deep breath, becoming more serious in composure. "Not yet," he said, looking up as if to see something that Jon couldn't. "But you're not living either. You haven't for a while, even before this."

"What happened?" Jon asked.

"You don't remember?"

Jon shook his head, unable to recall anything at the moment. His mind was blank, only consumed by what was currently around him.

"Might be better, for now, that you can't," he said as his voice trailed off.

"Is this real?"

"Depends on your idea of reality. Everything we see, touch, taste, smell, and interact with comes down to nothing more than electrical pulses in your head. Here, you can do the same thing. What you have to decide is whether what you see here is truly real, or an alternate reality from your imagination," Martin explained.

Jon reached out and touched Martin's chest, feeling his heart beat and his chest move with each breath. "It has to be real..."

Martin sighed, "But deep inside you know it's not."

"I know," he whispered, pulling his hand away and to his side once more.

"How have you been doing?" he said, changing the subject.

"Not well," Jon said, looking at Martin. "I missed you. I haven't been able to go a day without hurting, without crying, without being able to think of you and not break down. I don't feel much of anything any more. Even when I feel sad about what happened, at the same time I feel nothing."

"I know how you feel. I'm proud you pulled yourself together... but it's not working for you, Jon. It's not how you pictured you should I ever not be there."

"I'm fine."

"No... no you're not. I know you better than anyone, and I know you're stronger than this. Jon, you have to let go. I'm not asking you to let go completely, but you need to let go and live again," Martin said, stepping closer.

"It works. I still do my job, I help with our institute--"

"But you don't live. You're going day to day on a repetitive schedule, doing the same things. Your spark has died, the driving force that made us do new and adventurous things has left," Martin said, cutting Jon off. "You may not want to admit it, but you know you can't continue to live like that. There's already someone who can help you with that if only you'd let them."

"I'm fine!" Jon shouted.

The ground shook for a moment, and a loud boom echoed from every direction, causing Jon to look around in fear.

"What was that?"

"It's time," Martin said calmly.

"Time for what?"

"For you to go back."

No, not yet," Jon said, panicking as another rumble, louder this time, thundered through.

"You'll be fine," Martin said, hugging Jon tightly and kissing his neck.

"No, Martin... I don't want to lose you again," he said, starting to cry.

"You won't. We'll be together again one day, I promise. And I'm sorry," he said, as everything around them began to grow dark and burst into flames.

"For what?" he said, shutting his eyes and holding on to Martin as tight as he could.

"This," he said in barely a whisper.

* * *​

"CEAR"

"We got a pulse! Weak, but it's there!"

"Finally. Get him into the OR now. We don't have time for x-rays!"

"We got another bleed!"

"Pressurize it and keep it there until we can get into the OR."

Jon opened his eyes. Pain shot all over his body, and he wanted to scream but he couldn't. He tried to breath, found it difficult. He couldn't move, but he could see at least half a dozen people buzzing around him.

"Jon, we're taking you to the operating room. You were injured badly in your fall. Do you understand? Blink twice if you understand," said a nurse above him.

Jon heard her, but couldn't move and just stared up at her.

"Doctor, he's not responding. I think he's in shock."

"I'm here!" Jon shouted... but no one heard him. Did he even say it out loud?

He tried to speak, but no words came out again. He looked around, before closing his eyes and slipping into darkness once more.


5.2: Who hit the "Reset" button?

Jon slowly opened his eyes slowly, feeling a tinge of pain from the bright light outside. He felt pain, but it seemed to be suppressed. Glancing at his body, he could tell both of his legs were in a cast, as was his right arm and left wrist. He tried to move his head only to realize he was in a head brace.

"You're awake!" he heard Samantha squeal from the right, and a moment later was by his side. She was about to hug him, when she stopped and put her hands on the side of the stretcher.

"Right... bad idea," she said.

"Where... where's Martin?" he asked.

"What?"

"Car crash... Martin... where is he?"

A surprised, and then saddened look came across her face.

"Sam, they only had Snickers and--," Andrew said as he walked into the room and finding her next to Jon. "You're awake! How are you?"

Jon strained his memory, but couldn't remember anything and just shook his head slightly. "I don't know who you are. New boyfriend?" he asked, looking at Samantha. "What happened to Darryl?"

Andrew looked at Samantha, who shook her head.

"I'll be right back," she said and walked out of the room. A minute later, she came back in accompanied with a doctor.

"Hello, Mr. Arken, I'm Dr. Whitman. Or do you prefer Jon?"

"Jon is fine," he wheezed.

After checking his eyes with a flashlight, he looked at Jon carefully. "Do you know where you are?"

"Hospital," he answered.

"Good. Do you know the date?" Dr. Whitman asked.

"Uh... Um... September 18th, I think," he said, coughing.

"Okay, and the year?"

"2006. Where's Martin?" he demanded once more.

"Oh God," Samantha said, turning her back and walking to look out the window.

"I will get that information for you. Can I see you two for a moment?" Dr. Whitman said, and the three of them walked out of the room.

As soon as they were out of hearing range, Dr. Whitman looked at Andrew and Samantha. "What significance does September 18, 2006 have that would cause him to remember that date?"

Fighting back tears, Samantha blurted out, "That was the day of his car crash. He thinks it just happened."

"He doesn't know me," Andrew whispered as he leaned back on the wall of the hallway. Since the accident, he realized he had more than just small feelings for Jon... they were deep. And he realized just how much he cared for him, and thus worked shifts with Samantha to be with Jon at every moment possible. Now all of that was gone.

"Then who is Martin?" Do. Whitman asked, glancing at Andrew as if perhaps there was a name crossed in Jon's head.

"His old boyfriend... he died three days after the accident."

Dr. Whitman sighed. "I see... this is the first time he's woken out of his coma. The amnesia could be temporary, but we won't know for sure until we're sure the swelling on his brain is back down and he is able to remember things. I suggest not telling him anything. He's fragile at this point, and any stress could hurt his already small chances of recovery."

"So what do we do?" Andrew asked, staring at a space on the floor.

"Well, other patients who suffer massive trauma like this tend to slip in and out of consciousness, and even memory. If he asks, give him a simple answer, but don't tell him anything that would distress him at this point. Get him to focus on recovering first. I have to communicate with his other doctors about this so we can begin to look at his progress further and see how he's recovering. If there's nothing else, I must go."

Samantha nodded, and as he left, they went back to his room. Sure enough, Jon had fallen back to sleep... whether it was just sleep, or another coma, they were unsure.

"Do you think he'll remember anything?" Andrew asked.

"I don't know. They don't think he'll even be able to walk again," she answered. "I can't see him go through that news again." She burst into tears and pulled herself into Andrew's chest.

"And I'm not even a memory," he sighed, putting his arms around her.

They stood like that for the longest time in silence, before breaking their embrace and looked at Jon. A few nurses came in to change his medications and fluids, and they were visited by a couple of doctors and a psychologist to share information and decide what the next steps would be.

After all was said and done, they left the room and went their different ways to be alone and think. Neither of them wanted to start over. Andrew was nothing more than a stranger while Samantha mulled over the idea of standing by while Jon went through months of suffering all over again, more so than ever since there were years now between the original accident and now.

Sometimes, it seemed, starting over wasn't the best thing to do.

 

[King08]

Wow. Even though starting over may be bad sometimes it may take a new beginning. Out of the darkness comes the light. Great chapter.

 

[Craiger]

Awesome chapter, Alphus. I liked your take on his state of consciousness and meeting Martin again. Always listen to that inner voice. Hopefully his recovery will be quick and his memory be clear. Next.....

Craiger

 

[harry113]

Wonderful writing. Thank you Alphus.
Poor Andrew, to not even be a memory.
Please continue
Harry

 

[DonQuixote]

Alphus,
I agree with the others. You have a wonderful style. This story is extremely poignant. The memory lapse due to the accident isn't all that unexpected, really.

I think the good Lord sent Martin to him in this hour of need to inject a much needed message into his inner memory, and it will surface with a little time and healing.

It will pop into his semi-consciousness, niggling at the outer edges of his memory and mind, almost to the point of driving him crazy, until he recognizes it, accepts AND embraces its message, lets go of his overwhelming grief over Martin, and lets his friends, and particularly Andrew, into his life.

No matter how much Martin meant to him, and how painful the letting go of the memory, life is for the living, and it's NOT Jon's time to leave this mortal coil. He still has much to experience and much to give to us.

Thanks for your efforts. We look forward to reading even more.

 

[Alphus]

Just a general FYI:

I lost my job and since then have been busy putting other things in motion I had not intended to this early. I leave for an important trip tomorrow and won't be back until June. When I get back, I plan on working on this story full-force again. The time out has given me a few intersting ideas to play with, and I'll toss them out as soon as I get back.

I'm sorry for the sudden stop in story-telling. I hate leaving the audience hanging.

 

[Craiger]

Alphus,

Sorry to hear about you losing your job. I hope the trip is eventful for you and I look forward to your return and the continuation of the story. Don't worry about us, take care of yourself and we will be here when you get back.

Craiger

 

[DonQuixote]

Alphus,
Been there, done that.
Good luck to you in your efforts.

We'll certainly kep while you get your cash flow/sanity/peace of mind situation resolved.

Take Care.

 

[Kyliehotpants]

sorry for your job loss
I just came to read your beautifully written & so touching story
it starts like a major film/script to me
Hope you'll get back to it one day

 

[Alphus]

Chapter 6​

Trial & Error​

6.1: Amazingly Annoying

Jon stopped, looking around. "Where is it?"

The path in front of him split two ways and he could almost bet that no matter which road he took, he always ended up in the same place. How long has he been walking through this labyrinth? It was dark, cold, and he felt hunger in him that he never felt before. Was he going to die here, alone and lost?

Again he choose the path opposite to what he picked before, going through the twists, stairs, and turns that have become so damned familiar at this point. He knew there was a way out... just where? He couldn't even remember how he got in here, but he was sure there was a way out. After countless minutes of running through halls, he came stopped and looked around. The path in front of him split two ways.

"Where is it?" has asked.


6.2: Drowning Myself to Get Away

Andrew sat at the back of the bar, alone as he before, staring blankly at a half-empty bottle of beer lost in thought, absentmindedly listening to an amateur pianist singing "Hundred" by a band he could not recall, and smiled slightly as he applied it to his situation. It had been two weeks since he left the hospital; he hadn't returned and instead spent those hours here, amongst strangers where no one cared about the world or each other any more than he did.

Samantha called him a few days ago to tell him Jon still could not remember anything between being half-awake and being in a coma but that he was healing. It seemed to him that Jon had a permanent relapse and would not simply remember everything as he has hoped.

So how did he end up here? Andrew was never one to drink much, but like a fire on a cold night, he took an odd comfort to it. After his first day here listening to music that actually wasn't bad and enjoying a small drink, he came back again. He didn't drink to the point he was stupid but just enough to feel something different, or nothing at all; he wasn't sure which it was. However, it was slowly consuming him. He stopped going to work this week and spent time here, secretly hoping something would change but it would never come.

"You're still here?" said a voice to his left.

Andrew turned his head to look at who spoke to him and saw the bartender taking a seat next to him. He glanced at his watch and noticed it was almost midnight--way later than he had ever stayed.

"I didn't even notice," he said said, slurring his speech a bit. "Who are you?"

"Brian. What's on your mind that has you coming here so often?" he asked.

"What makes you say that?"

Brian looked around at the different people in the room. "Most of these people I see once in a while, usually here for a break from the normal and just wanting to relax. A few," he said, indicating to an old woman by the stage and a man who looked to be in his fifties staring up at the ceiling, "Stay because they're running from something. You look far too young to be running from anything this early in the game."

Andrew laughed uncontrollably for a moment for no real reason. "It's because I'm stupid. I let someone in when I shouldn't have."

"Bad breakup with someone?"

"Not like that... No, he," Andrew paused to see if Brian would say anything about homosexuality, but instead found him to be intently listening so he continued, "He had some trouble moving on after his boyfriend died. A recent accident occurred and now he has amnesia and doesn't remember me at all. I don't even know why I care to the point I do. Anyway, don't you have to work or something?"

"I finished my shift. I was about to leave when I saw you were still here and was just wondering if you were okay," Brian said.

"I should get home," Andrew said, trying to get up but clearly not capable of even doing that right and slumped back into the chair. "I guess I should wait it out."

"Come home with me. I'll drop you back off in the morning," Brian suggested.

"No, I can't be a bother. I'll be fine," he said.

"They're going to be closing soon, where will you go then?"

Andrew thought about it and agreed. He got up with the help of Brian and walked to Brian's car. A few minutes later they were at Brian's apartment.

"Nice place," Andrew said looking around at the nice furniture and decorations.

"Yeah, well, I get a lot of tips," Brian said jokingly. "Anyway, bedroom's this way," he said leading Andrew.

"Where's your bathroom?"

"Right across the hall," he said, pointing to the door opposite to the bedroom.

When Andrew came back, he saw Brian was only wearing dark blue boxer briefs. He never even thought until now how attractive he looked. Brian was muscular, but not too much, and had a toned stomach. In the dim light given off from the lamp on the nightstand he could also see the subtle lines of a six pack. He was also packing a rather large bit of equipment as well. Andrew wasn't small, but he felt like it was in comparison.

"Do you mind? I can't really sleep well in anything else but I could always put a shirt on or something if you want," Brian asked.

"No, it's fine," Andrew said as he broke away his stare and took off his shoes and pants. As he tried to take off his long-sleeve shirt, he released he became a little disoriented and trapped in the shirt. "Eh... could you help me?"

"Sure," Brian said, laughing a little as Andrew's predicament.

Andrew felt Brian's hands brush against his sides slightly as he reached for the shirt to help pull it off. After getting his arms out, he helped it get it off his head. As the shirt came off, his eyes met Brian's, who was now standing close enough that if he leaned even a little in, their bodies would be touching. They stood for a moment looking at each other, and Andrew could feel an odd tension between them.

"It's late," Brian said, breaking eye contact and backing away to sit on the bed while Andrew did the same. As he lay down, he made sure Andrew was in bed before turning out the light. "G'night."

"Good night," Andrew said, laying on his side and giving Brian his back. What just happened? He wasn't sure, but it wasn't long before sleep soon took over.

Sometime in the night movement in the bed woke him up just as he felt Brian's arm wrap around him and hug him close. At first he thought he should move away, but then he realized how nice to felt to just sleep with someone else. He hadn't done that in a long time. So instead of fighting it, Andrew gave in and let himself fall back to sleep, content that at least for now he didn't have to be alone.


6.3: Ever Hopeful

"Shouldn't you go home and rest?"

"I'm fine," Samantha said, smiling. "Really, I want to be here."

"Alright, alright. I just had to ask, I'm not going to rush you."

"Thanks," Samantha said, turning from the nurse back to Jon's sleeping body. "I just wish there was a way to make him remember."

"These things take time," the nurse said. "I'm sure he'll be fine. I've seen worse happen to people and the come back better than ever."

"I hope you're right," she said as the nurse left.

Samantha had been visiting every day for the past two weeks after work. Even though she was handling several new responsibilities, this was her biggest priority. The times Jon was awake made her uncomfortable though. He still didn't remember anything recent, and lying to him about what was going on made her feel sick but she knew this was important. He was slowly healing, which was a good thing, but the damage to his mental state was still unknown and until he could spend a full day without knocking out it wouldn't be known if he could actually move forward easily. It seemed every time he would wake up, he'd be back again wondering what happened after the car accident. It was a terrible cycle to keep going through.

She also knew Andrew wasn't taking the situation well. She hadn't seen him for a number of days now and wondered what he was up to. She didn't blame him for disappearing. She loved Jon as a brother and this was killing her; anything more and she would probably have needed to get away as well. If there was anything different happening, she'd let him know but for now she figured he needed the space.

After saying goodbye to Jon and kissing his forehead, she left to go out on a date with her boyfriend. She knew she had to, as he was feeling a bit neglected, but understanding. She still had things going on and knew the world wouldn't stop for her.

"How is he?" Grant asked while they ate.

"Nothing different. His body's healing but his mind seems stuck. I'm not sure if he'll ever return," she sighed.

"So you're going to keep waiting by him every day?"

"For now," she said, wondering why he was implying. "Why?"

"No reason," he said, looking down at his plate and taking another mouthful his Chicken Parmesan. "I know it's important to you. Just the past two weeks I've seen very little of you, but nothing's changed."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm trying not to say anything except maybe take a break. You're not sleeping or eating well when you should be. You took more than your fair of work at the institute to cover you job and his and you need to take time out to relax," he explained.

"Look, I'm fine okay?" she snapped back.

"I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just looking out for you."

"I can do it. I don't need you to tell me what to do."

"Fine. Whatever," he said.

The rest of dinner was spent in silence and he dropped her off home. She felt stupid later that night after clearing her head and knew he was right. After a long conversation on the phone she made up her mind that she wouldn't go to the hospital the next day but would spend the afternoon shopping and give herself a break. Just before she turned in for the night, she called Andrew but the phone went straight to voicemail. She left a message to call her back and laid in bed, having trouble sleeping as she often did lately, but soon succumbed to it.

 

[harry113]

Thanks Alphus. Great chapter, but so sad.
Poor Andrew & Samantha .... What a terrible situation. I do so hope Jon can recover. More please
Harry

 

[DonQuixote]

Alphus,
A welcome installment but, yes, a sad one.

It's been awhile - need to refresh my memory, which has been compromised by having the flu last week and the continuing drip drip drip this week.

Will Jon recover from his amnesia - and find his way out of the maze?

Will Andrew and Brian become intimate?
What will that mean when Jon comes out of it, and is looking for Andrew, who befriended him when Jon had his armour up?

And poor, poor Amanda. A true friend and stawart legion for Jon.

I look forward to your next, hopefully less distant installment!

Thanks for sharing what little spare time you have with us.

 

[Craiger]

Welcome back, Alphus. I hope things are going well for you now.

It is good to read the new installments of the story. The effects of Jon's accident and subsequent amnesia seem to be taking a toll on everyone. Even us...lol Look forward to more.

Craiger

 

[gaytxn09]

Great update! I knew I had missed this story! Thanks.