Unbroken August

Again

August opened her eyes to find herself in a hospital bed, the sterile scent of the room filling her senses. Confusion clouded her mind as she tried to make sense of what was happening.

Was this a dream? The underworld? Or something else entirely?

She sat up slowly, taking in her surroundings. The room was eerily quiet, the only sound the gentle hum of the machines in her

bedside. She glanced around, half-expecting to see someone familiar, but the room was empty save for her.

As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, a wave of dizziness washed over her, causing her to grip the edge of the mattress for support. She took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down.

With trembling hands, she reached for the call button beside her bed and pressed it. Moments later, a nurse entered the room, her expression one of surprise.

"Miss Walton, you're awake," the nurse exclaimed, rushing to her side. "How are you feeling?"

"I... I'm not sure," August replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Can you tell me what happened? How did I get here?"

The nurse looked at her, a mix of concern and confusion in her eyes. "You were brought in unconscious. You were dehydrated and pregnant, so you fell sick, you were asleep for almost a day," she explained.

"Pregnant, she whispered, holding her stomach"

August's mind raced. Was that all a dream? She wondered.

Just then, August glanced at her wrist and noticed the scars from her past suicide attempts. "That was real," she muttered. She has been transported back in time, back to a point where she could change things.

"Jamal, where is Jamal" she asked the nurse.

"He is standing outside miss," she said.

August was consumed by guilt as memories of her harshness towards Jamal flooded her mind. She rushed to find him and saw him standing outside. Without hesitation, she ran up to him and threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

"Jamal, are you okay? I'm so sorry," she said, her voice trembling with emotion, her eyes filled with tears.

Jamal was surprised by her sudden hug but returned it, holding her close. "I'm okay, Miss Walton. Don't worry about me," he reassured her, his voice gentle.

August felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been given a second chance, and she was determined to make things right.

"Thank you, Jamal. For everything," she expressed, gratitude evident in her voice.

Jamal smiled warmly, squeezing her hand. "Anytime, Miss Walton. I'll always be here for you," he promised, his eyes reflecting sincerity and support.

August held Jamal's face, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It's been so long since I saw you smile like this," she whispered, overcome with emotion. She leaned in to kiss him, but he pulled back, his expression concerned.

"Are you okay, Miss?" Jamal asked, a hint of confusion in his eyes.

August quickly composed herself, clearing her throat. "Yes, sorry. I was just so happy to see you," she said, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"August, call me August," she insisted, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

Jamal hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "August," he said softly, a small smile playing on his lips.

Just then, Mr. Walton cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "What is going on here, Jamal?" he asked, his tone questioning.

August turned her head and saw her dad. "Daddy," she said, throwing herself at him. "I'm so sorry, Dad," she cried, clinging to him as he patted her back, looking at Jamal for answers. Jamal shook his head, indicating he didn't know what was going on either.

"I will be good from now on. I will learn the business as well, and I will do whatever you tell me to from now on," she promised, her voice filled with sincerity.

"Uh, okay," her dad said, smiling awkwardly. "Go inside and have some rest. We will talk to the doctor and be back, okay?"

"Okay, Dad. And I have something to tell both of you tomorrow as well, so I had better have some rest," she said, wiping her tears and nodding as she went inside.

"Now I will make you pay" she said, before picking up her phone to call Becky.

~

In the doctor's office, Mr. Walton and Jamal were seated, discussing August's condition. "Are you sure my daughter did not hurt her head?" Mr. Walton asked the doctor, concern evident in his voice.

"No, Mr. Walton, she's fine. There's no sign of head injury," the doctor reassured him.

"Then why did she try to kiss Jamal?" Mr. Walton asked, bewildered. "She dislikes him a lot."

"I'm not sure, sir," the doctor replied, turning to Jamal. "Did she say anything to you, Jamal?"

Jamal hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Yes, she did. She said she was sorry and that she was happy to see me," he explained.

Mr. Walton looked puzzled. "That's unlike her. Is there something else you're not telling us?"

The doctor stood up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I believe August may be feeling a sense of responsibility. She's going to be a mother soon, and perhaps she wants to start acting like a mature adult," he suggested.

Mr. Walton and Jamal exchanged a glance.

"Okay, thank you doctor" He said as they left the office.