Chapter 9

Ask Jake arrived at the hospital parking lot; his heart was pounding more than ever.

What if she doesn't make it? He thought terribly, what would I do?

All of the brotherly senses Jake ever had for Sam were heavily pushing on his shoulders.

It also made him feel somewhat awkward with himself crying so hard for her. He never cried. Now, it seemed as though he couldn't stop.

He wiped his eyes. What am I, he thought, a love sick puppy? My feelings don't matter right now; her health is way more important at the moment.

He turned his engine off and got out of his car, and then he carefully attempted to pull Sam's unconscious body out of the car. The blood draining from her shoulder stained the front passenger's seat, but that was the least of Jake's worries. He just wanted Sam to be okay.

He couldn't even imagine what would've happened if he hadn't decided to go to Riverbend to see if Sam needed help with anything.

While he was walking, holding Sam tightly as if he'd never let go, he physically kicked himself for not being there sooner. If he was, this all wouldn't have happened to her.

He felt as though he was the one to blame.

It was his entire fault.

The thought of it wanted him to cry more; but he was just about to enter the building. No crying, even if he felt as though he'd die if he didn't.

In only a matter of an hour, Sam was in a hospital bed, all bandaged up, and still unconscious. Jake was instructed from his mother, and Wyatt, to stay there with her. He didn't argue. It was the least he could do for her.

Even though she couldn't hear him, his hand was on a part of her arm where there was no damage, and he spoke quietly to her.

"I'm so sorry," he told her, barely a whisper, "this shouldn't have happened. If only I was there sooner, if only—"

He stopped, for he began to cry again. He remembered her first accident with the Phantom, her head hitting the ground, her body not moving..

He blamed himself then, too.

"You're so stupid," he choked to himself, "you were supposed to protect her!"

He wrapped his free hand into a fist (the other was bandaged due to the bobcat also injuring him), and hit his knee repeatedly.

Somehow, the pain felt good. He felt as though he needed it.

He hung his head in dismay.

For a long while, there was silence, besides the heart machine (I forgot what it was called :) beeping, letting the person in the room know that the patient was still alive.

He kept his head hanging until he heard Sam move.

He shot his head up, and looked at the lifeless body.

She slowly began to open her eyes.

She looked at Jake, and tears began to stream down her face.

"Jake," she managed to croak out, and attempted to move her arms.

He jumped up, and leaned over to hug her.

For Sam, nothing felt better. She was okay. She didn't die like she thought she did.

"It's okay," Jake cried out in a whisper in Sam's ear, "you're alright."

When Jake pulled away, Sam right away saw his red, hot face; tears falling from his eyes.

Seeing Jake cry made her cry, too.

He hugged her again, now tighter.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered, "it's all my fault. I should've been there sooner."

She looked at him, and seemed somewhat upset that he'd blame himself.

She touched his cheek with her right hand.

"Jake—" she began to say, but the doctor came in.

"Excuse me," the doctor said, looking at his clip board, "Mr. Ely?"

"Y-yes," Jake said, still choked up over Sam awaking, "I'm Jake."

"If you'll excuse me, I need to take Miss Samantha Forster into the surgery room for stitches on her shoulder."

Jake began to tense up; not ready to leave Sam's side yet.

"Can I come in the surgery room?" he asked questionably, but he knew the answer would be no.

The doctor shook his head, "I'm afraid not. I'm sorry."

Jake took one last look at Sam, who looked straight back.

"It's okay," she whispered, "I'll be fine. Thank you, Jake."

He wanted to say something, but couldn't.

The doctor was already wheeling the girl away.

As he watched the two disappear, the more he wanted to run to them and refuse to leave.

But he knew he couldn't.

He'd just have to wait.

All he could do was hope for the best during the surgery.

He closed his eyes, and hoped she'd be back soon.

Sorry guys, once again, little short. :[ but anyway, I hope you liked it, and please share your ideas! I'd love to hear them. 8D