Chapter 6
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I'm sorry about the extremely long delay…it's been a really crazy school year. I hope you enjoy chapter 6!
The group of people that stormed into Jack's hospital room turned out to be his parents, Sean, Rachel, Angela, Cory and Topanga. He noted miserably, that they looked very unhappy with him.
"Sweetheart, when you're released, I'm going to personally throttle you! I can't believe that you would let yourself get this rundown…" Jack's mother ranted.
Jack, of course never heard the rest of what his mother was saying as he searched the room for his best friend. Eric was no where in sight.
"Your mother and I are very disappointed in you," said another voice that sounded suspiciously like his step dad.
"Your parents are right, Jack. You had all of us so worried about you," said Rachel.
"Yeah, if you were feeling overwhelmed you should have said something to one of us." Topanga chimed in.
"We would have been there for you, just as you would have been there for us." Angela said solemnly.
"We're always here for you," said Shawn.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was that bad," Jack said in a hoarse voice. The room began to look less hostile as they noted how weak and vulnerable he sounded. All at once his mother and Rachel were at his side in tears, embracing him. He winced at how sore this felt but accepted it as due punishment for worrying them.
"Dr. Peterson said that they will be releasing you tomorrow afternoon. Me and Dad will come back to bring you home until your better sweetie." Jack's mother said, as she pushed some of his disarrayed hair from his face.
"Thanks Mom, and everyone," Jack said peering around the room for Eric once more.
After some small talk, and Rachel forcing Jack to drink fluids every few minutes the group decided to return home and let their sick friend get some rest.
Eventually Rachel was alone with Jack and was about to say good night when he decided it was safe to inquire about Eric's whereabouts.
"Rachel, have you seen Eric?" Jack asked as the red head was leaving.
Rachel looked momentarily confused as she tried to remember the last time she had seen Eric during her chaotic day.
"Well…he came to the hospital with us. I'm actually not sure where he is right now though. Do you want me to find him?" She asked.
"No, that's fine. I was just wondering," Jack said.
"Oh, ok then. Sleep well. I'll come see you tomorrow." Rachel leaned over and kissed Jack on his forehead. For the first time since he had gotten sick Jack was relieved that his face was already flushed from a fever, because Rachel's touch had made the room temperature raise a good 20 degrees.
"Goodnight," he mumbled embarrassed, staring down at his bed sheets.
"Goodnight Jack," she saidsmiling,and closed the door gentlybehind her.
Jack let out a sigh as he laid his head onto the pillow and instantly fell into a deep sleep.
TBC