Chapter 22
"Dad, can you tell Jen to come in now?"
"Sure, Jack, of course."
"Thanks, Dad, and thanks for coming. I know you had a really important business meeting today."
"No meeting is more important than you and your sister. I was so scared when Mrs. Ryan called, and I thank God you both are alright. I'm going to go home and get you some clothes and a few other things you might need, I'll send Jen in now."
"Thanks," I call as he turns to leave.
What a day this has been? My side is sore, but the painkillers are helping significantly. I still can't believe Jen practically carried me out of the school. I chuckle to myself, then I hear a tap at the door.
"Come on in."
Jen runs straight to me and carefully wraps me in a hug. She is closely followed by Dawson, Andie, and Joey.
Jen climbs in bed with me after everyone else has hugged me. I wrap my arm around her.
"Wait, where's Pacey?" I ask realizing he's not there.
"Ugh...um...he was shot," Dawson explains.
"What? Caulfield shot Pacey?" I'm confused.
"Yea, it's a long story, that you'll hear, but right now let's not focus on what happened today. Let's focus on the fact that we're alive," Jen says hugging me a little tighter.
We sit in silence for a long time. Then I notice my sister and Dawson. I can't help but laugh to myself. They are sitting on the couch by the window, Dawson's arm is around Andie and she is curled up against him. I have never seen those two so friendly. Andie is smiling, I haven't seen that smile from her in a long time.
"I'm going to go see if there's any news on Pacey," Joey says, getting up and reaching for the door knob. She turns back to us.
"Jack, I'm so glad you're okay." Then she's gone.
I feel the painkillers beginning to make me groggy, I can feel Jen's breathing getting deeper and I imagine she's tired too. I hold her a little tighter and let sleep claim me.