Too Young (The Jewel Project #1)

Chapter 28.2 - Ghosts

Jessie looked at Jimmy, wondering why she was crying like an idiot. He was going to be alright. His wounds were closed, his breathing normal so why, oh why, was she acting like a human hosepipe? She shut her eyes and sniffed.

"Don't cry, sunshine. It's not like a few punches will kill me."

Jessie's eyes darted open. Jimmy was leaning on his elbows, smiling at her. She let out a yelp and wrapped his arms around him. He cringed and rolled away from her.

"Sorry," she said, pulling back and wiping her eyes.

"I think I broke a rib or two," he said, his voice strained.

Jessie let out a manic laugh. He was worried about a rib or two? "I should've asked Kyle how long it takes bones to mend."

"Yeah, like Kyle would know." Jimmy rubbed his sides, hardly staying vertical. "How's Kay?"

Jessie gawked at him. She hadn't even had the sense to ask when Kyle was there. "I don't know. I was too worried about you to ask. Kyle seemed fine, so I think she'll be okay." She couldn't keep her eyes off him. It felt like he'd disappear if she looked away.

He tilted his head, taking her in from head to foot and she lowered her eyes, her cheeks becoming hot. Why was she so nervous? They've spent so much time together lately, yet she'd never felt so aware they were alone.

"I'm...getting a bit dizzy." Jimmy's elbows bent and he swayed.

Jessie scurried to him and put her hands on his back to steady him. He sat up properly and wrapped his arms around her.

"Gotcha!"

She laughed. "You could've asked and I would've come closer. You don't have to- Are you okay?"

Jimmy blinked and leaned back on his hands. He shook his head. "I'll be fine." He looked at her questioningly. "I don't know what's supposed to happen while you're knocked out, but I could hear you crying. It's the most awful thing I've ever lived through."

"How could I not cry? I thought you were going to die." Jessie took in a deep breath. It was time to come clean. She had been given the chance to tell him how she really felt about him. "Jimmy, I have to tell you something. I don't want to go through this again. I-"

Jimmy straightened up and put his hand over her mouth. "You listen to me. Nothing in this world is worth your tears." He put both hands on her cheeks and pulled her towards him, so that their faces were inches apart. "Not me, not anyone or anything else."

Jessie wanted to answer, to assure him that he was worth all that and more, but the words were stuck in her throat. She couldn't look away from his eyes. She wanted him to never pull away, to look at her like that forever. She wanted him to love her so much, she literally ached.

"No," he whispered, kissing the stray tear that had escaped her eyes. He trailed its path down her cheek, but suddenly groaned and pulled back.

"Are you okay?" Jessie whispered, pulling back too.

"Not really. I feel dizzy."

"Then sleep. You might feel better when you wake up." Jessie pulled a cover over him and kissed his forehead.

He smiled at her, his eyes half closed. "Be here when I wake up."

"Sure." She watched him drifting off to sleep, then got up, stretched and walked out. She had to know how Kay was doing.

As soon as she stepped outside, she jumped. Sam stood a few inches away from her.

"Is Jimmy okay?" He stepped back, letting Jessie breathe properly.