Crash And Burn

CHAPTER ONE

It hurts. Everything hurts. Sounds. Breaking glass. Bending metal. Words, screaming, crying. I can't make sense out of it. Pain, everywhere. I just want it to go away, the noise, the smells, the pain. Please, go away.

* * *

I could feel strong hands wrapped firmly about mine. My head throbbed, my whole body sore. I slowly opened my eyes, squinting at the light. It took a few moments for my eyes to focus. I found I was looking at a boy with black hair and glasses, and the most brilliant green eyes. He seemed vaguely familiar, but I couldn't remember where from.

I took a long look around, taking in my surroundings. It looked as if I were in a hospital, but why? I searched my memory, finding it blank. I couldn't even remember my name.

"Ginny? Oh my God, Ginny, you're awake." The boy holding my hand let go to get up and run out into the hall. "She's awake! Nurse!" he called out. Then he came back and took my hand again. "Thank God. They didn't know if you would ever wake. Its been a week Ginny, you've been asleep for a week." Ginny? Was that me? It must be. Why can't I remember? And who is this boy holding on to me so desperately?

I opened my mouth to speak, finding my mouth dry and swollen, making it impossible for speech. The boy shook his head. " No, don't talk, just rest. I was so scared for you. But you're alright." He seemed to be reassuring himself. I tried to struggle into a sitting position, but the boy pushed me back down with one hand. I was so weak.

A nurse shuffled into the room, throwing me a reassuring smile, which really didn't help. She was carrying a tray with juice and two cups. She checked a monitor by my bed, and the needles in my wrists, which I had just noticed. "So how are you feeling?" She smiled at me.

"Sore," was all I could manage to get out.

"That's normal, dear. Here, drink as much of this as you can, it should help you're throat." She handed me a glass of the juice, then poured another and handed it to the boy. "Well, I'll give you guys some time alone." At that she left, closing the door softly behind her.

After several sips of the juice, my throat started feeling much better. "So, who are you?" I asked him. His eyes widened then narrowed in a mix of surprise, alarm, and confusion.

"What? It's me, Harry. Don't you remember? Boyfriend of two years?"

"I have a boyfriend? I can't remember anything. Jeez, what happened to me?"

"Car accident. I got out with only a broken finger and a fractured ankle. You, on the other hand have been in a coma for a week. As for Ron and Fred, oh Ginny, I'm so sorry, they didn't make it." He tightened his grip on my hand for a second to show sympathy for a sadness I just didn't feel.

"Who? I'm sorry they died, but I'm afraid I don't know them. Why do you keep saying Ginny? Is that my name? Oh, I don't know, I'm so confused."

"Oh, Ginny, They were your brothers!" A tear leaked out from his eye.

I started to feel dizzy. Suddenly I couldn't concentrate on 'Harry's' face anymore. I was feeling so tired. I let my eyes start to drift closed. I vaguely noticed the machine next to me start to beep strangely. I could no longer feel the boys death grip on my hand.

"Ginny? Ginny?! GINNY, NO! NO YOU CAN"T LEAVE ME! WHAT WILL I do without." I could hear no longer.