Everything Has Changed ❤️ {Jackson Avery}

Eighteen

One month. It's been one month since the shooting. One month since the worst day of my life. One month... without my two best friends.

After the shooting, I was in a coma for little over two weeks. I'll never forget the day I got the worst news of my life.

I'm sitting in my hospital bed with Natalie lying down next to me. I had just woken up from a coma a couple hours ago, and I feel good. Well, as good as I could be.

Jackson: you feeling okay? Any pain, nausea, dizziness?

Savannah: I feel okay.

I notice Jackson and Natalie share a look.

Savannah: what's going on, you guys? Why are you guys looking at each other like that?

Jackson lets out a deep breath as he takes my hands in his.

Jackson: Savannah...

Savannah: Jackson, you're scaring me. You only call me by my full name when you're being serious. What's wrong?

Jackson lets out a deep breath as Natalie placed her hand on my back.

Jackson: Savannah... I'm sorry. Reed and Charles, they...

My heart drops. This is a sick joke.

Savannah: no... no. No, don't say it.

Jackson: Reed was shot in the head. Charles was shot in the chest. He died slowly.

Tears well up in my eyes. My two best friends are dead. And I never had the chance to say goodbye.

Savannah: no... NO!

I start sobbing hysterically. Natalie grabs me and holds me in her arms as I mourn the death of my two best friends.

Reed was the first girl I introduced myself to intern year. When I met her, we had this instant connection. It was like we were meant to be in each other's lives. I've never trusted someone more than I trusted her. She was my best friend... my soul sister.

I'll never forget the day I met Charles. He came up to me trying to look cool, and I called him a dork which made all of us laugh. From that day forward, he's the one person who's never failed to make me laugh until I was on the ground unable to breathe. As our friendship grew, so did my love for him. I started leaning towards him a lot and I grew to love him like a brother. He was the greatest friend... the best brother.

I'll never be able to see Reed's beautiful smile, or hear Charles' infectious laugh. I'll never be able to tease Charles about his undying love for Reed.

I've lost my family.

I start getting ready for my first day back to work, and I see Natalie come into the room.

Natalie: hey.

Savannah: hey, sweetie.

Natalie: mom, are you sure you're ready to go back? Maybe you should hold back a little more.

Savannah: I need to get back, Natalie. It's my job.

Natalie: you were shot. You lost your two best friends. You're not ready.

Savannah: I'm fine.

Natalie: no, you're not.

Savannah: Natalie, please. It's my first day back, I don't need any stress. Okay? You need to get to school.

Natalie: mom, I'm just trying to protect you.

Savannah: and I love you for that, but I'm telling you, I'm fine. I have to go. I'll see you later. I love you.