Free Second Chance for Love by Leona Jackson

couldn’t hurt this much. My temples pounded and I wondered if I was still hungover. No, that couldn't be right. I remembered driving to go see Jetta. Was I in a car accident? Maybe I am dead.
    “Chase?”  Jetta's voice reached my ears from somewhere beyond the bright light.
    “Honey, are you awake?” My mother's voice joined in.
    I didn't answer them, because I wasn't sure it was real. I squeezed my eyes shut for a few seconds trying to protect them from the light. A hand touched my face and I leaned instinctively towards it. It was Jetta's hand or at least I thought it was. The hand was warm against my cool skin. I decided that it was definitely Jetta's hand. I would know her touch anywhere.
    I could feel my heart thumping against my chest as I tried to open my eyes again. It surprised me that something that was once so easy could now take so much effort. When I finally managed to open them again, the white light blinded me, but I refused to close my eyes again.
    “My baby! Chase!” I heard my mother squeal from across the room. 
    Where was I? This was a hospital, right? I hoped so, because I couldn't think of one part of my body that wasn't hurting. I could make out shadowy figures moving around the room, but something still wasn't right.
    So many women seemed to be rejoicing. I focused on the hand that was now holding mine. I was surer than ever that it was Jetta's; even if she had yet to say anything else.
    “Jetta?” I managed to ask. My voice was hoarse and I could barely get the words out.
    “I'm right here, Chase,” she replied and I could tell she was crying.
    “Don't cry,” I said, reaching an arm blindly out to her.
    “I'm just so happy that you're okay.”
    She sobbed and leaned on my chest. Even her light weight against my body hurt. I’d believed I was never going to see her again the moment that car had crashed into me. Now here she was, sitting right next to me.
    “I love you,” I whispered.
    “I love you too,” she replied.
    I felt her lips brush against mine and then heard someone else enter the room. For a moment, the world was quiet and I expected to hear Abby's voice, but found myself disappointed that it was only the doctor.
    “Chase, it's good to see your eyes open,” a doctor said.
    I could hear the smile in his voice, though my vision still lacked definition.
    “Glad to have them open, doc.”
    I almost told him about my vision problem, but didn't want the others to worry. I knew it would cause my mother to start crying again.
    “Ladies, if you all would give me a few minutes,” the doctor said. “I'm going to give the young man here a quick examination and then I promise I'll give him back to you.”
    Jetta squeezed my hand and then moved away. At the last second, she turned back around and pulled me into a kiss. Her lips felt warm and supple against mine. I managed to touch her face gently and return her hungry kiss. Doubts and reality threatened to encroach on my happiness, but I shoved them aside for the moment. I had enough to deal with. I didn't have time to think about what it might mean for our friends and families if Jetta and I got back together. Jetta broke the kiss and left the room without another word.
    My mom gave me a quick hug before hurrying out of the room too. I wanted to ask her where Abby was. She left before I had a chance.
    “We're all here for you, Chase,” Destiny said.
    “Thanks,” I said and waited to hear the door shut.
    When the thud finally came, I sighed in relief. I wasn't sure if there was something physically wrong with my eyes and they already knew, or if it was some psychological problem with them.
    “Doc, what's wrong with my eyes?” I asked.
    “Nothing,” he replied, “as far as the tests are concerned. You have a broken arm and a concussion. Nothing that should affect your sight long term. The vision abnormalities may very well be a side affect of the concussion. We're going to keep you here for a few days. I think you'll be