It's been three days since I've seen Jackson. I've had many tests conducted and grown tired of my parents constantly reverting from doctor mode to parent mode. Nathan has visited me a few times and I do appreciate that. He and I don't really speak too much about Jackson. Though he has filled me in on his unfortunate loss at presidency to Daley and reliving news of him and Taylor calling it off. Don't get me wrong, as long as he's happy, so am I, but Taylor was... Interesting to say the least.

These white walls are driving me insane. I'm tired of it all. I'm grateful to still be here, but there are so many gaps and the lack of answers or understanding is driving me nuts. I don't feel comfortable to really explain myself to my parents without them going all doctor on me. Nathan has been and will be one of my best friends, but even though I can't remember, I still feel this distant vibe amongst us. We can still talk and tease but it just doesn't feel the same.

The only person who I wouldn't mind talking to is Jackson. I still don't know how we met or what I did to keep him around. He said my clumsiness did help... How embarrassing! I hope I didn't trip in front of him. Oh god... What if I did?

"Man, Mel. You've always been the queen of expressing your emotions as you think but I don't think I've ever seen you so mortified." I turn to the door to see Nathan holding a football and the teasing glint was crystal clear.

I stuck my tongue out in response and motioned for him to sit down. I watched as his Afro bobbed gently as he sat down and fiddled with the stationary items near my desk.

"So what brings you to my humble abode?" I tease.

"Well, football practice was cancelled and I figured since I was in the neighbourhood to say hello to my dork of a friend!" He replied.

I let out a sigh of indignation and pouted in response.

"Nice to know what you think of me!"

We laughed for a few minutes at each other. It was moments like this where it felt like we were little kids again. It's the kind of attitude and vibe that came naturally to us. It kinda makes me wonder how one person can cause such a stark difference between us.

"Uh oh... I know that face. It's 'Melissa's deep in thought till she has a deep realization' face".

I looked at him and smiled lightly unsure of what to say.

"Lemme guess, it has to do with a certain 5 feet eleven guy with blue eyes and dark hair?" He said knowingly. No animosity, just honesty.

"He hasn't shown up Nathan. It's been three days and I know he said he would see me later but I really thought when he left that he would have shown up the next day." I scowl slightly at my behaviour. "God, Nathan, I'm acting so hung up and I can't even remember him. You have no idea how badly I want to understand everything. I just want to see why things are happening the way it is."

I look at Nathan and notice how attentive he is. Football gone, fiddling over.

"Mel, I'm no doctor so I can't give you the "doctor answer" - "

I laugh at him using his fingers to make quotations at that line. "I'm glad you aren't because I'm tired of the medical perspective of matters that people keep churning at me left right and center"

"Well good, than has this to say, deep down you know him. You may have this selective amnesia gig, but you still know him. If it weren't for the fact you were here, it'd almost be like nothing changed. You're still defensive and protective of him. I'll never understand it, but what I can admit is I was... A bit judgmental." I raise a brow at that.

"Fine, I was out of line, but the things I heard from family who saw him at places and the stuff at school painted a picture I didn't like. We argued about it before and it wasn't until you were admitted where I realized he really does care about you."

He placed his hand on mine comfortingly. This whole experience has done a number on me.

I sigh in frustration and stare at the door while Nathan rubs my hand soothingly. It stays like that for a good five minutes. In a way, I'm glad Nathan is here. I definitely don't feel as worried about where we stand. It's kinda funny, we bury whatever hatchet made with the topic that fuelled it all.

There was a knock on the door, which disrupted our moment. I felt butterflies dance in my stomach as I looked over. It disappeared as quickly as it came when I saw my parents. They came in and said a quick hello to Nathan. I could see him giving me a knowing look subtly when my parents took a look at my clipboard.

My dad was first to speak up after writing a few things down. "Good news, Dear! You will be discharged shortly. It should have been done earlier but we were caught up in a few meetings. We have a few patients coming in, so Nathan since you're here would it be possible for you to drop off Melissa?"

I looked over and was elated when he said it wasn't a problem.

My mom had a bag of clothes and motioned for the guys to leave so she could help me get changed.

"Mom, I think I can get dressed fine on my own" I whine softly.

"I'm a mother first, Melissa Anne." She said sternly.

I took the shirt from her hand and carefully put it on. My head was still sensitive to motion, which resulted in painful headaches if I wasn't careful.

"So I haven't seen Jackson stop by in a while."

I inwardly rolled my eyes. Just when I start to forget, someone has to remind me.

"He's probably busy, mom. Besides he said it could have been a couple days."

"And are you okay with that?"

I bit my tongue. It's not like me to get snappy towards my parents. But her choice in questioning a touchy subject was getting to me.

"I'm fine." I say shortly trying to keep the frustration away from my tone.

Surprisingly she didn't question me much more. She helped me off the bed as I tried to keep my head in one position. I felt relief when she gave me a pill to minimize the headaches.

"The headaches won't last too long, dear. Give or take a week."

I grabbed my bag and let my mom escort me out. I saw my dad and Nathan near the elevator and finally realized I was leaving this hospital.

"Alright Melissa, when you get home do not do anything vigorous and drink lots of water." I nodded slightly and was annoyed at how professional he was acting.

"Okay, Mr. Wu, the elevator is here." Nathan spoke up, to the rescue.

My mom gave me a quick peck on the cheek and dad squeezed my shoulder lightly.

Nathan and I got into the elevator quickly with relief to get out of there.

"Thanks for agreeing to take me home, Nate."

"Wow haven't heard you call me Nate since we were kids!" He put an arm around my shoulder and guided me to the exit.

I couldn't stop myself from taking a large breath and basking in the fresh air.

"Yep, you've lost it, Mel!" I pushed Nathan and skipped slightly to his car.

"If you were in there, getting tested a billion times and had your parents go all doctor on you, you'd be kissing the ground!" I replied.

We got into his car and I sat inside content for the first time in what seemed like ages. I felt more and more at ease as we drove passed the hospital.

"So you planning on calling Jackson since you're out?" Nathan asked casually.

"I'm not really sure. I mean, what if he doesn't really care and is using this as a free pass? I don't want to seem needy." I let out my fears quietly to him.

"You are not needy, Melissa. Far from, actually. You are one of the only people who I've ever met who's always putting others before themselves. Always trying to be the peace-maker. I'm actually kinda glad Jackson came into your life. He was the reason for one of our first real disagreements and you were not going to budge. You stood your ground, Mel."

Nathan and I shared a brief look and I could see how honest he was. "Nathan, before the accident, where did we stand? Were we okay?"

"We weren't exactly on the best terms. You were upset with how I talked about Jackson and I was upset you were defending him. I was kinda feeling threatened."

I squinted at the thought. Threatened? Nathan?

"I know, I know. Shocker. It's just we've been best friends since we were little. We've always had each others back and seeing you get close to someone else, especially someone who had quite the... Reputation. I was just gobsmacked."

We pulled up to my driveway and got out. I made my way over to him and hugged him tightly. I felt him hug back with every fiber in him. It was definitely long overdue and I definitely feel like we were going to be okay.

I pulled back and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. He teasingly wiped his cheek and spoke up. "Ah! I got Smellie Mellie cooties!"

I mock shoved him. "Hey! You were to never repeat that name! You're lucky I'm feeling generous and giving you a warning! You wouldn't want a repeat of pink poodle, would you?" I tease evilly and held a lock of his most prized possession!

He stood straight and flinched when I touched his hair. "Touché Mel!"

I walked up to my porch and unlocked the door. I turned to Nathan and asked if he was coming inside.

"I wish I could but I actually need to head back home. Mom needs my help with a few things. She threatened to call your house if I don't get back within 10 minutes."

I laugh as he looked at the clock once more and realized how close he would be making it.

"Alright, well tell her I said hello and hope to see you all soon." He nodded and ran back to his car. I watched him pull out before I finally went inside.

It felt amazing to be back home. I plopped down on my couch and closed my eyes relishing the silence.

I opened my eyes when I heard a knock on the door. It couldn't have been more than two minutes. I rolled my eyes figuring that Nathan needed something and got up.

I unlocked the door and spoke. "What did you - "

I felt like the air got knocked out of me. In front of me stood Jackson wearing a denim blue button up shirt and black pants. I even blinked a few times unsure if I was imagining things.

He looked like he had a million thoughts running through his head, nevertheless he smiled lightly and spoke. "Hey, would you mind if I come in?"

Erm... Hello to the amazing folks who still take time to check up on this story and this fanbase. I would like to sincerely apologize for my lack of updates. I love this story and writing for the base but school has taken quite the toll on me. :( I was in Paris for a week and missing that beautiful place dearly. Add it to your lists people!

I kinda wanted this chapter to be a bit different, not really sure if I like it but I just wanted to post something badly because I had a sweet reviewer sodon10 who really motivated me to update. So I'm sorry if you didn't like it, but bear with me as I work to publish something better. I promise the next chapter will be more Jackson and Melissa based and longer! I'm not sure when I'll update next but I hope it'll be within this month.

Please leave any thoughts or criticisms in a review. I do get more motivated to write when I see a review! ;) Also any opinions on whether or not the next chapter should be in Jackson's POV or continue with Melissa? Half and half?

-TheOnceAnonymous14