It all started with one too many beers. Then a car crash. There were no fatalities. Richie was airlifted to the hospital. There they rushed him into emergency surgery. I got a phone call from his mom that night. She said he had been in a bad accident and was in surgery. She cried the entire time we talked and so did I. She told me she was about to leave and for me to meet her there. I told her okay and we hung up the phone.
I never went to the hospital...
I packed up my stuff, and left. I couldn't bare to see him like that...
Now it's three years later. I got a typed letter in the mail today from Richie. It read:
'Dear Jessika,
I'm sorry this letter is typed. I can't write. It's typed letter by letter using my index finger...
I miss you darlin. I am still me inside. I remember us. You. I still love you. I don't care that you left, I understand. But please, come see me. I have came a long way since the crash. I can even walk now, but with assistance. I can talk, but its hard. I will get better as time goes on, but I need you beside me. I lived because I didn't want to leave you alone. But when I awoke you were gone. I haven't seen anyone else since you left. I guess you probably have someone now... Someone who isn't me... Nevertheless, I need to see you. Even if it's the last time, please Jessika. I don't want to live my life like this without you by my side. My career is ruined because of the crash. I'll never be the same on the outside, but I'll always be your Richie on the inside. I'm not mad. I'll never be angry with you. You're perfect to me.
Love,
Richie Sambora'
I cried while reading the letter. I instantly grabbed everything and headed out the door to go see him. It took 12 hours but I finally arrived. I knocked on his mother's door. I figured he would be there instead. His mom answered the door. She smiled and told me to come in. I walked inside.
"Richie is in his room. I'll go get him," she said and walked away.
I heard mumbling and then stomping. When he came into sight my hands flew to my mouth and tears streamed down my face. He smiled too. He used a walker to help him walk. I ran to him and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me. There it was. The feeling that I only had ever felt with him. His mom kept quiet. I cried harder.
"Shhhhh. Its o-kay Jess. It's me, Rich-ie," he said slowly, making sure I could understand.
I hugged him tighter.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you," I repeated over and over.
"I love you too,"
"Im sorry... So very sorry that I left. I was afraid to see you. Afraid you would never remember me if you woke up. Afraid I couldn't emotionally be strong for you it was just... scary. I'll never leave again, I promise," I said.
"Jess, everything is o-kay. I promise,"
I looked at him.
"Do you need to sit down?" I asked.
He nodded. Joan and I helped him sit on the couch. I sat beside him. His mom fixed us both a glass of water and went to her room to give us privacy.
"I. Missed y-you," He said.
"I missed you too Richie,"
"Do you have a... a boy-friend?"
"Only you baby, only you,"
He smiled. His smile wasn't the same, but still perfect to me. I smiled back at him. He told me about what it was like waking up and me being gone. I cried again and he pulled me close and kissed my head. He held me and wouldn't let go. I never wanted him to.
"I under-sssstand why you left. I under-ssstand and I am not ang-ry. Im o-kay, Jess," he said.
"I'm never going to forgive myself for running, Richie," I said.
He pulled something out of his house coat. A small black box. I started crying and my hands flew over my mouth. I knew what it was.
"I can't get d-down on my kn-knee b-but," he trailed off as he opened up the box and looked at me, "Will you marry m-me?"
I looked him in the eyes, shook my head and cried harder. He smiled and took the ring from the box to put it on my finger. He gently slid it on and looked me in the eyes again.
"I love you J-Jessika,"
I smiled.
"I love you too," I said as I wrapped my arms around him.
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