Is Love All or Nothing? Ch. 16

Welcome one and all to the next chapter of "Is Love All or Nothing?"! I know the wait has been long and everyone is eager to see what I have written. Your patience will be well worth the wait, unlike waiting for the hidden scene in Spiderman Homecoming.

As always thank you Tigersman for editing my work and making it look a whole lot better than my first draft I sent to you. For those who remember my first chapters that I posted without and editor, ehhh!

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Keith, Jackie and Jackie's parents were waiting in the waiting room, hoping to hear something from a nurse, a doctor, or the surgeon, really just anyone.

Keith and Jackie had arrived after Caleb had been taken in the operating room. All they knew is that his car was hit on the driver's side and he was rushed by ambulance. At this point, they had been waiting for two hours with no answers.

Finally a doctor comes to them and they stand to meet him, hoping for good news.

"How is he?" Mary, Jackie's mom, asked desperately hoping her son will live.

"He's going to be alright," the doctor answered calmly. "His left arm and leg were broken in a couple of places but nothing that several months in a cast won't be able to help heal."

"Oh thank god!" Mary said relieved to hear the news, almost collapsing if her husband wasn't there to catch her. "When can we see him?"

"They are closing him up now, but we plan on keeping him under for a while to let his body heal. He will be on very strong pain medication for a while and we plan on keeping him here for at least a week. Once we get him into recovery, we will let you in to see him."

"Thank you doctor," Bob said grateful for the news.

The doctor left and everyone started to relax, happy to hear the news.

An hour later a nurse escorted them to Caleb's room where he lay in bed asleep, a cast over his left arm and left leg. There were a few cuts on his face from the glass of the driver's side window but nothing that looked bad. Each of them took a turn talking to Caleb, telling him to just take it easy and that they'll be with him the whole time. They knew he probably couldn't hear them, but it didn't matter to them. They simply wanted to talk to him.

Another nurse walked in to check on Caleb's vitals. After she was done she turned to leave when she recognized Keith sitting on a couch with Jackie in his arm. She wanted to say something but figured that moment might have not been the best time. She knew Keith didn't have a brother and figured that was the woman's brother or someone really close. Either way, she figured Jackie must be Keith's girlfriend by the way he was holding her. It warmed her heart to see Keith with someone. She knew he would find someone to love him for the amazing guy he is and it warmed her heart seeing them together.

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"So how long will your brother be unable to work?" Melissa asked after setting her cup of coffee on the table.

"At least a couple of months," Jackie replied not happy about it. "Knowing him, he's just going to be even needier and I know my parents will only put up with so much."

"Maybe you and Keith could stop by there one weekend and help out, give them a little break."

"I don't think that would be a great idea. Keith and Caleb didn't get along that well last time."

"That was Thanksgiving, almost two months ago now. I'm sure Keith can forgive him for what happened."

Jackie rolled her eyes at her best friend. "I really doubt it. Even if Keith did forgive him about what happened, I'm sure Caleb will find a way to piss us off anyway."

"He's your brother Jackie," Melissa reminded. "I get things between you and him always haven't been the best, but he's family and whether you like it or not, the uncle of your future children."

"Still doesn't change who he is," Jackie said, far from convinced that she should help.

"Have you talked to Keith about it?"

"No and I don't plan on it. We still aren't a hundred percent normal with each other since the fight."

"How so?" Melissa asked curious to what's different.

"Well he's stopped playing his video games altogether when I'm at his place which has led him to not knowing what do to with himself. I want to tell him to just play and not worry if he gets angry but he won't. Because of that, I'm worried that he is just going to give up something he loves doing and not find a good, productive replacement."

"Since when are video games productive?"

"They give him something to focus on and push all the worries of his world away. Some of the games he plays require a lot of thinking and while it sometimes causes him stress, the happiness I see when he wins makes it all worth it to him."

"You know there are a lot of board and card games that are becoming a thing again and some don't take that long to learn and play. Luke bought a game from Walmart called 'Boss Monster' and convinced me to play it. To my surprise, it is a lot of fun and requires lots of thinking. Maybe you and Keith should give it try."

"That might not be a bad idea," Jackie said thinking it could work, "but it will take some convincing. If there is one thing I've learned about Keith and his Asperger's, it is that it is easier for him to want to try something new if he already has an interest in it. He doesn't always react well to people suggesting things for him."

"It doesn't hurt to try though, right?"

"I guess," Jackie said still unsure.

"Let me ask something," Luke said having heard most of the conversation without Jackie or Melissa knowing. "Are you treating him differently more than you would any other guy you would date because he has Asperger's or do you use ways to use it to both of your advantages?"

"How are either of those different?" Melissa responded.

"They both seem the same to me," Jackie agreed.

"Maybe on the surface," Luke said as he sat down at the table, "but the first makes it obvious you are doing things differently because Keith has Asperger's. The second doesn't acknowledge that fact directly."

"I still don't see the difference," Jackie responded.

"Have you ever tried playing any video games with Keith?"

"Hell no, I would be so lost and do so bad."

"But you know he loves them."

"And he screams and shouts when people on his team aren't doing well," Jackie rebutted.

"Have you seen him play when he has to teach someone how to play?"

"No, but how would that be any different?"

"One time Keith and I were trying to get a group together of a raid in 'Destiny'," Luke began, "and we got two people who knew what to do and two who had no clue what they were doing. Keith took it upon himself to teach them what to do, what equipment to have equipped at various points, and not once did he scream or yell when they died or messed up. As usual he over communicated but not once did he make them feel dumb. After all was said and done, we beat the raid and they thanked us for carrying them and thanked Keith for all his help."

"Why did he treat those two people differently?" Jackie asked confused.

"Because he knew going in that they were going to mess up and cause us to wipe, as in everyone die and start that section of raid over, and accepted that fact. In that case, his Asperger's focused on ways to help them, using it to his advantage."

"But those are people who play video games a lot. I don't even play games on my phone."

"Doesn't change what I'm saying. Have him teach you how to play 'Halo'. The controls are simple and you might even like the story."

"Why don't you teach me? Jackie asked. "Then I could play with Keith and not be so bad."

"Did you just miss that part where I said you should learn from HIM?

"No, but"

"But nothing," Luke interrupted. "It is either you do it with him or not at all."

Jackie thought about what Luke suggested. On one hand it would be nice way to learn why Keith likes playing video games so much, but she is afraid that he will just get angry with her even more so, leading to another fight.

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"You can't just stop playing video games," Andy said between taking bites of his burger. "Last time you did that, you went stir crazy."

"Well what else am I supposed to do?"

"Don't play online, focus on games that don't make you as mad like 'Defense Grid' and 'Sonic', or an RPG (role playing game for those not familiar with the term). Didn't you say you wanted to get through the rest of 'Life is Strange'?"

"Yes, but," Keith took a few moments to find the words he's looking for, "I'm just worried I'll explode again."

"So if you get angry again and yell, you get angry and yell," Andy said bluntly. "That is part of who you are when you play video games."

"Should it be?" Keith argued back. "How does me yelling and screaming change anything when I'm playing?"

"Because if you don't you'll just hold it in and bottling things up is and has never been good for you."

Keith knows Andy is right about this. "So what do you recommend then?"

"Again, play different games that don't get you so mad."

"Even if I have no interest in them?"

"Oh my god," Andy exclaimed. "You are impossible sometimes."

"Just part of my charm."

"Sure whatever."

That was not a response Keith had ever heard Andy use before. "Sure whatever? You've never said that before in response."

"I have now," Andy shot back sharply.

"Ok, what's going on?"

"Nothing, geez!" Keith said, setting his burger down on the table and stared at Andy. "Stop staring at me like that." Keith didn't stop and continued the stare as Andy continued to eat his burger. Minutes passed by as Andy tried to ignore Keith's stare but finally gave up. "Things with Lauren haven't been going so well lately," he finally admitted.

"What's been going on?"

"I don't know. Her work has had her working more mornings and afternoon shifts so we haven't seen each other as much lately and when we do, we just seem to fight."

"Fight about what?"

"That's just it," Andy said frustrated, "it seems like we are fighting over nothing and everything. She thinks I could be a better boyfriend but when I ask 'how' she doesn't answer or give me any specifics. Lately she been comparing our relationship to you and Jackie."

"Wait, what?" Keith was shocked to hear that. "That makes no sense to me."

"I know and I tell her that we are not like you and Jackie, but she insists we could be closer or something." Andy rubbed his hands over his face before placing them on the back of his head. "Lately I've been getting the feeling she wants to end this but then I get a text the next day after we fight and she apologizes and says she is not giving up on us."

Keith finished his burger and picked up his plate. "What started all of this?"

"I don't know." Andy handed his plate to Keith. "It started around Christmas I think."

"So it's been going on for about a month." Keith put the plates in the sink and rejoined his friend at the table. "How much more do you think you can handle before you put an end to it?"

"Honestly I have no clue." Just then the door to Keith's apartment opened and Jackie walked in with a bag in her hand. "Hi Jackie, you just missed lunch."

"Let me guess, burgers with only pickles because Keith doesn't stock ketchup or mustard."

"He actually sautéed some onions today to add to the burgers this time."

"What the hell?" Jackie protested. "You never did that for me."

"First you never asked," Keith defended, "and second, Andy brought the onion himself and cut it."

"I guess I need to start stocking ketchup for myself then," Jackie said, "and maybe make my own burgers with peppers in them."

"I'd be down for that," Keith said with both Jackie and Andy looking at him strangely. "What? I never said I didn't like peppers."

Both Jackie and Andy laughed realizing Keith had never said he didn't like peppers. Andy stood from the table and prepared to leave.

"Well I have to get going to the bar."

"Since when do you work on Sundays?" Jackie asked.

"Since I gave two bartenders the day off and didn't realize it until Friday that I gave them the same day off. It's my punishment for being stupid, but I can handle it."

"Have fun with the NBA crowd," Keith said.

"You know I always do," Andy went to Jackie and gave her a hug. "Take care of him while I'm gone. I know that is no small task."

"I know, he takes so much looking after," Jackie continued the sarcasm.

"And where will I find friends who are so concerned about my well-being?" Keith added, deciding to play along.

"Bye guys," Andy said as he closed the door laughing.

"So what is in the bag?" Keith asked having noticed it when Jackie walked in.

"A card game I thought maybe we could learn to play together," Jackie said as she put the bag on the table, "but I was also wondering something else, but I'm not sure if you'd go for it."

"Well, if you never ask you'll never find out."

Jackie took a deep breath before she asked her question. "Would you be willing to teach me how to play 'Halo'?"

That shocked Keith as he never thought Jackie wanted to learn how to play any video games, much less the one where he screamed and shouted that started their last fight. "Umm, sure, but where is this request coming from?"

"Well I was discussing things with Melissa and Luke decided to jump in our conversation and suggested that."

Keith took a minute to think about it before asking a question. "Do you want to play by yourself or play cooperative with me in the campaign?"

Now it was Jackie's turn to be shocked. "You're willing to teach me? But what if I mess up and..."

"Everyone messes up the first time they play any new video game," Keith interrupted, "or in your case, your first video game ever."

"Promise you won't get mad if I don't do things right," Jackie begged.

"I promise to not get mad but won't promise not to laugh."

With that, they went over to Keith's couch as he turned on his TV and XBox One. He then started up the 'Halo Master Chief Collection', made a profile for Jackie and started teaching her the controls. Once she said that she believed she knew the controls, he selected the first mission of the game for them to play together.

They got through the first part very fast as they navigated the level, but there was no firing their weapons involved. Once Jackie got her first weapon, she tried to fire at the enemies but was missing horribly while Keith was dropping them in a couple shots, sometimes one.

As they continued to play through the level, Keith was getting most of the kills while Jackie gets only a few and dies a lot. She was ready to quit at one point, but Keith convinced her to keep playing. He gave her a few suggestions and asked if she would mind playing more of a supportive role, which she agreed to. Through the rest of the level, she would enter an area first, fire a few shots or throw a grenade, back out and let Keith do his thing. As they got farther in the level, she would re-enter an area soon after Keith did and giving some back up fire. She even figured out how to use the pistol's scope on and kill some of the weaker enemies with one shot.

They got to the last stretch of the level and Jackie said she wanted to take lead this time and Keith play the supporting role. He agreed to it as they set up their attack. Once Jackie said go, Keith threw two grenades and Jackie jumped the barricade just as the grenades detonated. She opened fire on the stronger enemies whose shields were down and took them down while Keith gave supporting fire taking down the weaker enemies. Once all the enemies were down, Keith directed Jackie to go to the escape pod which she enters and end the level.

"Oh my god!" Jackie exclaimed once they were done with the level. "That was intense and so much fun! I can see why you love playing this game."

"Want to play the next level?" Keith asked.

"Sure, why not."

They go through the cut scene of the beginning of the next level and Keith guides Jackie through the beginning. This level is more open so Jackie gladly followed Keith's lead. They slowly make their way through the level until they get to a point where they have a hard time getting past.

Keith pauses the game. "How do you want to approach this?"

Jackie took a few minutes to think about how the enemies were coming. "Do you think you can take out the enemies already in the rear where we entered and then join me where the next group of enemies drop?"

"If I throw my grenades where I need to, I can at least take out the Elites (strongest enemy) and then rejoin you."

"Let me know when you're on your way. I'll lay down some fire on the Elites to drain their shields so you can finish them."

"Make sure you use the plasma rifle. It will drain their shields faster and if you drop them each hit will stun them."

When Keith un-pauses the game they commence their plan. The first two times Keith had to restart from their checkpoint because he messed up but the third time he succeeded in killing the Elites he needed to. He communicated that he was on his way to Jackie who laid down fire on the Elites that had just dropped in from their dropship. She got one of their shields to drop as Keith finished it off and then they shot at the other one and killed it in no time.

The rest of the level was more of them taking turns firing and covering for each other until they finally finished that last objective and the last cut scene for the level appeared.

"Damn, you could have warned me how long that level was," Jackie said exhausted.

"You seemed really into it and I wanted you to finish the level."

"Are the rest of them this long?"

"'Assault on the Control Room' is pretty long. That is the fifth mission I believe. Some others are kinda lengthy but nothing we can't make short work of."

"I just hope there is nothing more annoying than those Elites. They take a lot of shots."

"You'll just have to wait and see."

Jackie turned her head and glared at Keith. "There are more different type of enemies aren't there?"

"There are but you'll just have to wait and see what they are."

"Hopefully on a different day because I feel drained."

"I don't blame you. I remember playing through these levels in middle school and how long it took me to beat them."

"Wait, middle school? I may not be a video gamer but these graphics look nothing like they were from ten years ago."

"Well to make long story short, Microsoft decided to release the games with updated graphics so they look better."

"Ok, I guess that makes sense," Jackie said. "So tell me, what about playing video games makes you happy?"

It didn't take long for Jackie to realize that she should have asked for the short version because Keith went into his history of playing video games and how certain games made him calmer as he played, hyper focus until he figured out the puzzle in which he would be ecstatic when he figured it out, or completing some amazing feat, well that was amazing to him. The whole time though she nodded her head and smiled, letting him speak.

"Seems like you've played a lot of video games," Jackie said after Keith had finally finished.

"I have. My parents didn't seem to mind because I was quiet most of the time when I played them."

"Did you ever read any books growing up?"

Keith chuckled. "My mom tried to get me to read books but nothing ever worked. She tried bribing me, punishing me if I didn't read a book, but nothing ever worked."

"Just prefer your video games to the good story of a book."

"Who says video games can't have a good story?"

"Name a video game with a great, captivating story," Jackie said, doubting that such a video game existed.

Keith wasted no time in going to the game library on his XBox One and started up a game called 'Life is Strange'. "Play the first episode of this game."