Chapter 2: Going Home

It has been two months. Two. Agonizing. Months. I haven't left the hospital since that day. Hell, I haven't even left the damn hospital bed.

All I could do was lay here while the doctors and nurses ran tests trying to see if I had any improvement. No such luck.

No amount of tests can bring my sight back. I'm blind. The bomb blew in my face, throwing me back into the stone wall and burning my retenas and corneas. No hope to repair or transplant. Looks like I'm out. No more going with the guys on missions.

"Hey, Swan! What's up girl?"

I knew that voice. I heard it everyday for two years. "Hey, Jenkinson."

"How are ya?" I could feel him sit on the bed, so I turned to where I felt him.

"Could be better. Be glad to get out of this damn place. I'm tired of being asked dumb questions and my face being poked like a pig."

Jenkinson laughed. "Well I have good news. Me and the guys are going back to the States with you. You're going home."

"Seriously?" I hoped he was serious. I reached up and felt his face. I could feel the smile on his lips, the amusement lines on his forehead and the raise of his eyebrows.

"I'm going home? Wait, where do they have me set to go home to?" I never had a home. Only home I had was when I was a kid living with my dad in Forks, Washington. Mom moved me from place to place when she met Phil until I joined the Marines at 18. So, really, I guess the only place I could call home was Forks. With Charlie. Who I haven't seen since I was 10.

"They have you going to Forks. Your dad is letting us bring you to your house."

I nodded. "When do we leave?"

"Now, Chica. Get dressed. We don't have all day."

I was knocked backwards as clothes hit me. "Damn it, Franklin! I can't see that flyin at me!"

"I know. Makes makin faces at you more fun." He laughed.

I flipped him the bird. "Get your asses out so I can change."

"Got it." Jenkinson said as he lifted off the bed.

I heard the door shut. As I was about to strip when I realized they were still in the room.

"I may have lost my sight, but I can hear you two still standing here. Don't think youre goin to see me stark naked. Now, get out."

"Damn. Alright, alright we're gone." Franklin opened the door and I heard them move out.

To make sure they were gone, I called the nurse in to check the room and keep watch. She offered her help, but I refused. I didn't want to be disabled. I still wanted to do for myself.

I stripped the gown and threw it on the bed. I felt for my underware and managed to put them on right after putting them on backwards first. My bra wasn't so hard to do. I slipped into the pair of jeans and shirt before fumbling with my socks and boots. Finally I was dressed. I found my brush and brushed my hair before putting it into a ponytail. I gave the okay and the nurse let the guys in.

"Not bad for a girl who can't see." Harding said.

"Shove it, Harding. You're lucky I have coped with being blind or I'd have to whoop your ass."

"I'd like to see you try, Swan." Harding shoved my shoulder as he laughed.

"Miss Isabella Swan?"

"That's me." I mumbled.

"Bella, sir. She isn't fond of her birth name." Franklin said.

"Okay. Bella, then. I have your discharge papers. You will be back in the States in the care of your father, Charlie. He has had someone contact him with instructions on how to care for you. Your commanding officer has signed your papers for an honorable discharge. Now, all I want you to do is take your meds on time, and please be careful when you walk in a new place. I have you a foldable walking stick to help you find your way. Any questions?"

I shook my head. I just wanted to get out of here.

"Who do you want to sign your papers?"

"I will. I need to do something on my own."

"Very well. Here is the pen. I will place your hand where you need to sign. Sign with your full name please."

He handed me the pen and placed my hand where I needed to sign. I felt like I was signing my life away with all the papers pushed under my hand.

"Okay. You're free to go. Here is your stick, and your copy of papers. Have a safe trip."

The guys helped me up and out of the room. I unfolded my walking stick and felt my way around. After much joking and an hour car ride with three of the most obnoxious guys on the face of the earth, we finally reached the airport.

Our non-stop, all the way flight from Kuwait to New York was leaving in an hour. Gave us time to check our bags, go through security, use the bathroom and get a comfortable seat. With Harding's help, I got situated in my seat, thankfully a aisle seat, before we took off.

"So, excited about getting home?" Harding asked as he sat beside me.

I shrugged my shouders. "I haven't been to Forks since I was 10. It's been ten years since I seen my dad."

"Why so long?"

"What? We playing '20 Questions'?" I laughed.

"Well, it is a long flight. Nothin like hearin how screwed up our families are to pass the time."

"Okay. Mom left dad, moved me around a lot. Finally she met Phil, who still had her moving a lot. I finally broke free when I was 18 and joined so I could have my own life. I've wrote to my dad a few times, but I hardly got the chance to write back."

"Maybe now that you're going back, you could mend that broken relationship."

"Thanks, Dr. Phil." I joked. "When do we get food. I'm starving."

"Flight attendant will be around soon as the plane takes off." I heard Jenkinson say from my left.

It wasn't but thirty minutes later and I felt the plane lift. I could hear the captain making announcements and then a cart rolling towards me.

"I'm Shelia. I'll be your flight attendant. Can I get you anything."

I could hear the boredom in Shelia's voice. Like she didn't want be here.

"What do you have on the cart?" I asked.

"Drinks."

"What kind?"

"Soda, water, or alcohol."

"I'll take a coke and crown." I said.

"Damn, Swan. Didn't know you drank the hard stuff." Franklin yelled.

"Well, I am full of surprises." I joked.

"Make that four, please." Harding said.

I heard the sounds of glasses and ice being moved around. It's amazing how much more you hear when you lose your sight.

"Here. Hello? Here is your drink, ma'am."

I held my hand up, trying to feel around for my glass. Finally I found it, Shelia making no move to lower it into my hand.

"God, are you blind? I held it in your sight for ever."

"Yes, I am blind. And I will be reporting you for rudeness and lack of professionalism. Now, when do we get food and what are we having?"

I could hear the guys stiffling laughs at what I said.

"We will have a fish platter with steamed veggies or a baked chicken platter with veggies. It will be served in an hour."

"I'll have chicken."

"Very well."

I heard the cart leave and laughs were let out.

"Holy shit, Swan. I wish you could have seen her face. She turned white as a ghost. Damn, girl. You been hangin with us too long." Jenkinson said.

"Yeah, two years is too damn long." I laughed.

Besides the meal being unsatisfying, the flight was smooth. I eventually fell asleep the rest of the way. I wished I had taken my sleep meds before.

~*A/N: So, what you think? Hope its good. I'm really into this one. I've had it in my head for awhile now. Anywho, hope you enjoy. :) P.S. Excuse any mistakes. I'm writing this in my phone.*~