Page 37 of Dark Notes, Volume Two

“Go. I’m okay.”

She moves over to Jagger, and he quickly pulls her into his arms, holding onto her like she’s the glue keeping him together. I didn’t see it before, but I do now. Jett’s drug abuse has taken a toll on his best friend. People often talk about the user and what happens to them, but I’m not sure most people realize how it destroys entire families. It’s here now in this room. The devastation of epic proportions as we prepare to once again go to the hospital and wait to find out if Jett will live or die.

“Ready?” Jagger asks with his chin on top of McKinley’s head.

I take a deep breath as I try to find the strength for whatever happens next. If I’ve learned anything it’s that if Jett lives through this, he will use again.

We walk through the hallway to the backstage exit in silence. I’m not sure how long it has been since the concert ended. I lost track of time but it must have been awhile because when we step outside, it’s quiet. There are no screaming fans or paparazzi, and for that little reprieve, I’m grateful.

All three of us get into the backseat together. McKinley sits between us and glances at me with unshed tears in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Mia. I never should’ve asked you to come tonight. You needed to get out of the house, but this is not where you needed to be. It’s my fault you’ve now seen this twice.”

I rest my head on her shoulder and sigh audibly.

“Oddly, I’m glad I was here. It’s not your fault. I could’ve said no.”

I tried to say no, but guilt tripping her isn’t going to change anything. And to be fair, I’m glad I’m not hearing about this after the fact. Nobody says another word for the entire twenty minute drive to the hospital. We get out of the car when the driver announces we have arrived needlessly since we can see the bright ER sign.

McKinley takes both of our hands as we walk through the sliding doors. The strong antiseptic smell assaults me instantly, making my nose burn. We stand back as Jagger walks to the front desk and two young women waiting with an elderly woman start giggling when they spot him. He looks like hell and you can visibly see he’s not okay but that doesn’t stop these women from approaching him for an autograph. To her credit, the nurse reacts quickly.

“I’ll take you to a private waiting room and let the doctor know where to find you.”

She comes through a door, scowling at the women before shaking her head. We follow her through the double doors and down a hallway before walking into a small but fancy waiting room. I sit on one of the oversized chairs, as does Jagger, before grabbing McKinley and pulling her onto his lap.

And then we wait.

12

Chapter Twenty-One

MIA

McKinley gets off Jaggers’ lap when the doctor comes in. Jake and Hendrix follow him inside the room with coffee for everyone. I open mine quickly and take a sip as the doctor closes the door behind him.

He addresses Jagger who I have a feeling is in charge of Jett's medical care for some reason.

“He’s stable for the time being, but if this continues, he is going to die. I’d like to start Rapid Detox Under Sedation. In simple terms, he’d be sedated to help with the withdrawal symptoms. He will be completely through it within forty-eight hours, but what happens after is up to Jett.”

The doctor’s eyebrows are pinched together, his eyes filled with concern as he continues to explain Jett’s condition.

“When he wakes up he will have no drugs in his system, and that’s going to make him angry. He’ll be restrained for his safety as well as the safety of everyone else. This will not reduce cravings and it does not come without risk.”

Jagger glances up at the doctor's weathered face and asks the question I’m sure we’re all wondering.

“What are the risks?”

The doctor hands him a pamphlet before explaining.

“There is a risk of heart attack. Also, withdrawal makes them sick, very sick as you well know at this point. There’s a risk of him choking on his own vomit. We will have a nurse stationed in his room at all times during this process. We will watch for any complications. ”

Jagger glances nervously around the room clearly feeling the weight of his decision.

“He could die though?”

The doctor scratches his head appearing deep in thought before he answers.

“Jagger, you know as well as I do, it’s a miracle he isn’t already dead. There is the risk of death but while I cannot guarantee it, I am expecting a favorable outcome. Ultimately the decision is yours.”