Eliza’s family had been destroyed.
But maybe with enough time and counseling, she would eventually be okay.
There was a knock at the door, and then a young woman stepped into the room. Her face blanched as she took in Eliza on the bed. “Is she okay?”
Bridget considered her. “You are?”
A woman moved in behind the girl. “I’m Lorie Angle, and this is my daughter Anna.”
The new officer at the door looked around them. “They okay, Bridget?”
If they weren’t… She sighed. “Yes, thank you.” She looked at the pair. “Todd mentioned he met you last night.”
“We meant to come down then, but decided today would be better.” Anna shrugged apologetically. “Didn’t make sense to come down in time for visiting hours to end.”
“She was in the ICU last night, so I don’t know that you could have seen her anyway.”
Eliza shifted on the bed, and then blinked. Anna hurried over and hesitantly reached for her friend’s hand. Then Anna looked at Bridget. “Can I?”
“Yes, just be careful not to jostle her or any of the tubes.” She stood and gestured to the chair. “You can sit here.”
A minute later, Anna was seated and talking quietly with Eliza. Tears ran down Eliza’s face as she stared at her friend.
Lorie watched the two with concern as she stood next to Bridget by the door. “Is Eliza going to be okay?”
“Yes. The doctors are pleased with how surgery went, and she’s much more alert today.” Bridget loved watching her interact with her friend, even if Eliza’s emotions were high. “She’s been through a lot.” She gave Lorie a quick outline.
“What will happen to her now? Does she need a place to stay?”
“We’re working on what will be best for her.”
“I’d need to talk to my husband, but she’s welcome with us.”
“Start a home study. That would be good to have in case.” Bridget could tell that Anna and Eliza were close, and this relationship would be important to maintain. “We’re looking for a family placement.”
Lorie shook her head. “The Brandenbergs didn’t have any. It was sad really. Just the four of them, but they were happy.”
“How long can you stay?”
“We have a hotel room for the night, then we’ll play it by ear. Anna has school, but we can take her out for a day or two if Eliza needs her. It’s only middle school.”
“Thank you. I think having her friend here will help Eliza a lot as we sort out what is best.” Bridget felt the release of some of the burden now that some of Eliza’s friends had arrived. “She’s been so alone, and that’s hard for anyone.”
“But for a young teenager.” Lorie played with the necklace at her throat.
“Exactly.” Bridget’s phone buzzed in her pocket. “Excuse me a moment.” She stepped into the hall. “Hello?”
“Is it a good time to bring someone up to meet Eliza?” Todd’s voice soothed her with its calm tone.
“Lorie and Anna Angle arrived a bit ago, so the room’s a bit full. Who do you have?”
“Her dad.”
His words landed hard. It was good, but this was important. She had many questions for the man, not the least of which being where he had been. “Where are you?”
“The waiting room by the elevator.”
She stuck her head back in the room. “I’ll be right back.”
