Three Days After The Accident – It Might Not Happen

'It is cold outside again, or at least it looks it. I haven't moved since they brought you in. I answered all their questions, but now they won't tell me anything, because I am not your real family. They don't understand that we are so much more than that. We might not share blood or have the same last name, but it's you who has always been there for me when everyone else, my mam included turned their backs on me. You gave me a home. A second chance. I will always be grateful for that. I want you to know I am trying to sort things with Jackson. It was our stupid argument that started all this. I hope he can forgive me. I hope you can too. I do love him you were right all along. Please wake up. I need you. You promised me you wouldn't leave. You can't die Paddy. You just can't.'

"Aaron. He felt a comforting hand rest on his shoulder. What are you doing?"

Jackson's warm voice eased the tension that was building in his shoulders and he visibly relaxed as he enveloped him in his strong, tender arms.

"I'm writing that letter thingy as David suggested."

Jackson was actually impressed. Aaron had been referred to counseling after the crash, as he started with nightmares and flashbacks which resulted in him having night time accidents. But Jackson had also spoken to David so he was aware of Paddy's critical condition.

"You are? How's it going?"

"I don't know. I have a draft. I really don't want to be writing this I mean he could wake up."

He tried to remain optimistic.

"He could, but you do realise that is a long shot. Aaron left his make shift desk and returned to his seat by Paddy's side. Aaron. Look at me. Jackson crouched next to him as you would a child and interlaced their fingers. I really think you should finish that letter."

"Bbbbb…but he might wake up."

Aaron insisted. Jackson held him tightly as he buried his head in his chest and cried uncontrollably.

"It's time to go. Jackson rubbed his back soothingly. Visiting time is over."

"I need to be here."

Aaron sniveled and wiped his eyes.

"The doctor will call you if anything changes. What you need is food and a change of clothes."

"I don't."

Aaron replied stubbornly.

"You do. Jackson reasoned. You need to look after yourself for your own sake as well as Paddy's. We'll come back tomorrow afternoon 'cos Marlon's coming in the morning. The doctor wants to speak with him 'cos he's registered as Paddy's next of kin."

"He's not his family he's mine. I should be talking to them."

"Marlon is older and he has known Paddy longer. Plus they'll need him to make some tough decisions you are not ready to make."

"I can answer questions I'm not soft."

"I never said you were. Jackson could sense Aaron's frustration bubbling at the surface, but he didn't move away, he didn't even release his hand. The doctor is going to tell him that if Paddy hasn't woken up tomorrow then there is little chance he will and it is only the machine keeping him alive."

"They can't turn it off."

"They have to eventually, so Marlon will have to agree to that and then call his family and friends to say their goodbyes."

"But he could wake up."

"Aaron. Jackson tilted his chin, so he was looking directly into his tear filled eyes. Hun, he isn't going to wake up and even if he does he will be seriously brain damaged."

"You don't know that."

"I do."

"How? You're a bloody builder not a doctor."

"I know because I spoke to Marlon earlier and that nurse on reception that obviously fancies him gave him the heads up."

"So it is true then?"

Jackson had never seen him so defeated. The Aaron he knew. The lad he had fallen in love with, whilst being scarily unpredictable was a fighter.

"Yeah it is."

"In that case I am staying. If it is my last night with him I want it to be on our own. There are so many things I need to tell him."

"I'll clear it with the nurse, but promise me you will at least eat."

"I will."

Jackson wrapped his arms around him and kissed the top of his head.

"I'll see you in the morning. Give me your keys. I'll get you some clean clothes. You'll be okay?"

He tried to sound certain rather than concerned, but it didn't really work.

"I'll be fine."

Aaron tried to reassure him.

"Try and finish that letter. It might help."

"I'll try. Jay?"

"Yeah?"

"I…thanks. As Jackson turned to leave the room Aaron summoned all of his courage and managed to say the three little words he had been so scared of up till now. I love you."

"I know. I love you too."

Jackson whispered. He turned to say goodbye and in that brief moment, when their eyes connected they both knew that whatever happened, no matter how difficult they would face it together.