Race Track or Basketball Court (AJ + C Forever)

Chapter 26: Moving Forward

AJ

I didn't sleep well at all, and honestly I'm just ready to go home. I'm just emotionally and physically exhausted, and I just need a break. Because I honestly feel like I'm hanging on by a thread that could snap any minute.

I've been up since 4:00am when my nurse came to check on me the first time. I just couldn't force my mind back to sleep, because all of my thoughts came flooding back. So I ended up watching TikTok videos, scrolling through instagram, and turning on the news. But I definitely regretted the last one.

I never seen the video of my wreck, but there it was playing on a national news channel for all of the US to see. I watched it for the first time, and I honestly don't know how I got out of it with just a dislocated shoulder, a collapsed lung, and a broken leg. But I definitely see why everyone was worried about me.

I turned off the news, and just decided to put in my ear buds. I listened to music and started to lose track of time. I also didn't notice my family and the Clark family walking in while I was singing...

Cause there'll be no sunlight
If I lose you, baby
And there'll be no clear skies
If I lose you, baby
And just like the clouds
My eyes will do the same if you walk away
Everyday it'll rain, rain ra-a-a-in.

The moment the song was over, I noticed all of them standing in the doorway. And I could see the sympathy in their eyes, but I didn't acknowledge it. I put on a smile and pretended that it didn't even happen.

But I did notice that Cait wasn't here in the room, but I know that she is here. Just like I knew she didn't leave the hospital until her parents left for the night. No one knows that I know that, but I do.

Most people would say that she's here because she really does love and care about me, but I already know that she loves me. But I just feel like she doesn't want to be out in the open with me.

After a while I was getting ready to be discharged from the hospital, and my family and the Clark family were getting ready to leave. But I stopped Anne at the last minute. Once everyone else left I finally said...

AJ- I know that Caitlin stayed here all day yesterday, and I know that she is here this morning. I also know that she stayed to be here for me because even though she broke things off with me, she still cares about me. Which I really do appreciate, but I need the space to move forward. And so does she. So can you tell her that, and it will just take time.

Anne just nods her head and I could see the tears in her eyes. I didn't realize that she felt so strongly about Cait and I. I ended up pulling her into a hug and told her that I would keep in touch, plus I will see her at the Iowa v.s Indiana game.

Once I finished changing and signing the discharge papers, Chloe and her family were here to pick me up.

Marc- Are you ready?

AJ- More than ready.

That made them all laugh, but the nurse told them to make sure that I will take it easy for the next couple of days. But they all know that I hate taking it easy.

I sat down in the wheelchair, so they could wheel me out. They already took my rtr mustang back to the rental place, so we had an xl Uber waiting to take us to the airport. They put my bags into the back while Chloe and Christi helped me into the big suv. Plus they gave me crutches to use the rest of the time.

The Uber driver ended up being a big fan so I ended up signing his F1 hoodie on the way to the airport. I told him where to drop us off for the private jet. Which people were waiting to collect our luggage and put it on the jet.