A/N Once again I want to thank all my readers and reviewers. I appreciate all your feedback.

Disclaimer: Nope don't own them people!

What's it like to get shot?

What's it like to get shot?

Can you believe that a friend asked me that once? Okay… so we were playing a stupid truth or dare drinking game and we were all pretty wasted, but still. How do you ask that question? I remember laughing. Yeah, I laughed… it must have been the liquor that made it sound funny. But then everything sounded funny that night.

I was stupid enough to pick truth, when it was my turn. I remember being afraid that if I picked dare, they'd want me to approach the hot guy at the bar. I'm a little shy. Have I mentioned that? Sure I go out, but I don't meet guys in bars or coffee houses and just click with them. Okay… you don't have to remind me. I did once and… well… I digress. I was talking about my friend and her question.

So, I went for truth. How do you tell the truth about something you've never experienced? I told her that just because I was an FBI agent didn't make me an expert on being shot. I told her I had no idea what it was like and if she really wanted to know, she should find a cop to date. Okay so just because someone is a cop doesn't mean they know what it's like to get shot on the job. Did I mention that I was drunk at the time?

I reminded my friend that I was a computer analyst… the computer analyst. There is no one better than I. Maybe I shouldn't brag about that. It was my skills and wanting to help that got me into the FBI and into trouble in the first place. Still, I am the best, why should I deny it or sugar-coat it for anyone. False modesty is not my style!

Anyway, I told her I didn't know what it was like to get shot in real life. That was the truth at the time, but then it all changed in an instant. I wish I didn't know what it felt like to have a small missile made from steel penetrate my flesh. I would give all that I am to remain ignorant of the flash of pain, and the burning of metal on skin. It was a brief pain, shock sets in fast. I didn't know how fast until that night. Shock is a strange thing. I remember falling to the steps, but not the blood leaving my body. I remember the brightness of everything around me, as if I'd stepped into the middle of the sun gone super nova. There wasn't any pain, and I couldn't feel the coolness of the evening breeze on my skin. I didn't feel the stone of the steps under my body or the hands lifting me to the ambulance.

It was like floating on air, and light, and I didn't care for just the briefest moment where I was, or what was happening to me. They say I died on the operating table for just the tiniest minute. I don't remember any bright lights, or someone telling me that it wasn't my time. In case you're wondering, yes… your life does flash before your eyes, even if you don't know why.

Then when I was awake, there was only confusion, and pain, and the faces of all my friends. They were all so sad, even though they tried so hard to hide it from me. I didn't want them to be sad. I'd been on the receiving end of a bullet and came out the other side. I was alive. I was alive!

So… that's what it was like to get shot. Do you know…? I discovered something that I never thought I would believe in my life. Ignorance really is bliss, when it comes to certain experiences. If my friend ever asks me that question again, I'll tell her that I don't remember. Perhaps if I try really hard, I'll forget and then I won't have to lie. Do you think that's possible?