Chapter 23

I slowly open my eyes and realize I fell asleep in Jack's room on the couch. Andie is curled up with her head on my shoulder and my arm is still wrapped around her. It's strange how right this feels. I never really thought of Andie as more than just a really good friend, but after everything we've been through today, it just feels different.

Her eyes flutter open and I smile at her. She immediately returns my smile.

"I can't believe we fell asleep," I chuckle.

Andie sits up and stretches, "What time is it?"

"6:30," I say glancing at my watch.

Jack and Jen are still snuggled together on Jack's hospital bed. There's a soft tap at the door. Andie gets up to answer it. It's Sheriff Witter.

"How's Jack doing?" he asks.

"Much better, he's resting now." Andie replies.

"Good, I'm glad he's gonna be alright."

"How's Pacey?" I ask getting up and following Andie and Sheriff Witter out into the hallway.

"He'll be just fine. The bullet hit him in the shoulder. They were able to remove the bullet and patch him up, other than having his arm in a sling for a few weeks, he's perfect. He's down the hall, Joey is with him now. They are curled up in Pacey's bed much like Jack and Jen," he smiles.

"Oh good, I'm glad he's ok. I was so scared." Andie says.

"What I needed to talk to the two of you about is what happened today. I have to get statements from all the students. There's no rush, sometime next week when you feel up to it and your parents can come with you. I've already spoken with Mitch and Joe about it."

"Can we come together?" Andie asks, reaching for my hand.

"Sure, Andie, I don't see that being a problem." he reassures her.

"Thank you," we say in unison, which makes us both smile.

"Tell Jack that the Witter family will keep him in our thoughts and we're so glad he's gonna be ok. I'm gonna go check on Pacey. See you two next week."

We nod and he turns to walk down the hall.

"I'm really hungry, wanna get something to eat and come back? I ask Andie.

"Sure, that sounds good. I'm really hungry too. Let me just see if my dad is here and let him know."

"Ok," I reply.

We walk to the waiting area. My dad,Mr. McPhee, and Bodie are watching the news on the TV.

"Where's everyone else?" I ask.

"Your mom went to close up the restaurant early and take Bessie to check on Alexander. He's been with Mrs. Ryan all afternoon. Gretchen was up here for a little while till Pacey got out of surgery then she took Mary home so she could make phone calls to their family. Doug went to get dinner for everyone. Gale and Bessie should be back soon." my dad tells us.

"Ok, we're hungry and want to get out of the hospital for a little while. Can we use the Mitch-mobile to go get some food?" I ask.

"Sure, son, be careful," he tosses me the keys.

"We'll be back," Andie tells her dad, giving him a hug.

"Alright, sweetheart, enjoy your dinner." he tells her.

Andie takes my hand again and we head for the elevators.