Never Again(68)
“As you have probably heard, Jake Burns suffered a wrist injury at practice two days ago. The injury is still causing him trouble, but we have been informed he received a shot for the pain, and will be able to race today,” the first one says.
“Yes, we’ll see how today will turn out for him, if his string of victories will break or if he’ll manage to bring in yet another win,” the second one responds. I ignore them and focus my intention on the riders, who are already on the track. I spot Jake, he seems fully concentrated on the race, determined and confident. After the warm-up lap, the race starts, and he’s already in the lead. I’m so proud of him. A few laps before the end, I notice everybody changes their bikes, but Jake still rides the same one.
“Jake, what are you doing?” I murmur. I’m a little worried about him, but he’s a professional, he knows what he’s doing. Not long after, his bike starts skidding weirdly. My breath hitches in my throat as I watch him try to stabilize the bike. But he can’t, and he’s thrown high up over the handlebars of his bike and lands on the ground. The motorcycle is sliding quickly toward him. Putting my hand over my mouth, I stand up and watch the collision. I don’t wait long—the next second, the bike slams into him with full force, and they slide toward the barrier.
“Oh God, oh God, oh God,” I chant, my hands over my mouth. “No, Jake, not again.” The cameras show two ambulances driving toward Jake. He’s still lying on the ground, motionless, and a big crowd of people has gathered around him. They put a neck brace on him, and lift him into a stretcher. The ambulance drives off, and I’m overwhelmed with the familiar feeling of loss again, as if the half of my heart, the one that was beating for Jake, has stopped beating. Panicking, I call Sophie. She books a flight to France for us immediately. I need to see him, to make sure he’s all right, if that’s the last thing I do. I let Sophie arrange everything. I’m not capable of anything in this moment.
Late next day, we are landing in France. Mike told me which hospital Jake was taken to, and we take a taxi there as soon as we find one at the airport. I don’t know how Jake is doing, as I haven’t heard anything from Mike since we spoke yesterday. I don’t know anyone else who could tell me anything so I’m completely in the dark, scared and crushed.
“Sophie, let’s stop for a moment,” I tell my friend, as we are about to enter the hospital. I need a minute to take some deep breaths. “He’s going to be okay. Tell me he’s going to be okay because I won’t be able to survive another loss.” Sophie hugs me comfortingly, tucks my hair behind my ears, and gently tilts my chin up with her hand.
“I’m sure he’s okay, but if we don’t go in, we won’t know for sure. Come.” She grabs my hand, and I nod to her. She takes me to the reception area where she asks about Jake, but nobody understands her. They start saying something in French, and I start panicking. What if he’s not okay? What if Mike didn’t call because he’s grieving after him? Suddenly feeling nauseated, my head spins, and I stagger into the wall.
“Are you feeling okay?” Sophie asks worriedly, and I shake my head.
“I just want to see Jake.” I notice Debbie walking down the hall with the corner of my eye, holding two cups of coffee in her hands. I run to her, Sophie right on my heels. “Debbie,” I yell, and as she disappears around the corner, she turns around in surprise.
“Ella? Sophie? You’re here.” She looks pleasantly surprised to see us, and gives us an awkward hug while juggling her coffees.
“How is Jake? Please, tell me he’s going to be fine,” I wipe the tear that rolls down my cheek. Smiling gently, she nods.
“He received a massive blow to the head, but otherwise he’s going to be okay.” Relief washes over me, and I have to sit down for a second, as my legs are too weak to carry me. “Do you want to go in and see him?” she asks us. I quickly nod. She takes us to his room, and I hesitate before entering.
“Go on. I’ll wait for you here,” Sophie says.
“Are you sure?” She smiles and nods. “Go get your man back,” she winks.
When I step inside, I notice it’s very bright, with only one bed in it—and it’s empty. Wrinkling my forehead, I look around. Suddenly, the door in the corner of the room opens. Jake walks out, pushing his IV pole in front of him. His head is bowed so he doesn’t see me right away. My breath catches, and I freeze in the spot. When he raises his head and our eyes meet, his eyes widen in shock. Tears start streaming down my cheeks. Tears of happiness and relief that he’s okay.