Author's Note: If it's a little confusing, in this story, Spinner told Jimmy the truth WHILE he was in the hospital, which explains chapter 1. Okay…

Chapter 3: In my shoes

I was seriously happy to see Hazel again. Hazel…she's beautiful, kind, smart…everything I've ever wanted or needed in a girl. It's as if nobody can understand me but her. Then there's Paige. She's a great friend to have, but she has so much drama in her life, I'm surprised if she has the time to make small talk. Then there's Craig, my partner in crime. I haven't realized how much of a good friend he is until now. I haven't realized a ton of things until now. I guess there are pros to come with this as well.

"Hey!" Hazel walked over to me and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled as Craig pulled up a chair beside me and Paige sat beside him.

"Hey you guys. What's going on?" I asked as I looked over at Kari, who turned her attention towards the television.

"Nothing, just the same old stuff. But of course, it couldn't be the same without you." Paige chimed in as Craig nodded in agreement.

"Of course not, because I make the school what it is." I said with a wide smile.

"Well, we don't wanna leave you now, but we have midterms and everything. We have to go." Craig and Paige stood up as Hazel and I frowned.

"Aww, do I have to?" Hazel said as she kissed my cheek. God, I love this girl.

"It'll be okay…I'll still be here, promise." I said, and with another kiss on the cheek, they were gone.

I looked back towards Kari, and she was faking sleep. I could tell because her eyes were squeezed shut. I laughed as she opened her eyes and smiled at me. Damn, her smile is beautiful. No, I can't do that to Hazel. I can't think like that…I just can't.

"What? I was just trying to be invisible." Kari said silently as she looked out of the window, which was painted with pinks and reds--the sun was setting.

"I'm sorry for not introducing you…they've been wanting to see me since the shooting." I CANNOT believe I just let that slip out of my mouth. Her mouth widened in surprise for a second, but then she closed it.

"I'm sorry Jimmy…I saw that on the news. You didn't deserve it." Ladies, don't hate me for this, but if I could walk, I'd go over there and kiss her. It was as if she knew what I was going through, and she sort of did.

"It's okay…I'll move on." I said reassuringly, trying not to get her to worry about me, but I couldn't fool her.

"No you won't. Some crazy person, who was deceived by your best friend, has shot you. My best friend used alcohol to wallow in her despairing life, I got into a car with her, unknowing she was drunk, and we crashed into a tree. You almost died, and you will never walk again. I almost died, and for right now, I cannot walk. Don't try to tell me that you're going to move on, because you're not and neither will I." She was right. I knew we would never get over it.