“This is Officer Ramirez with the Police Department. I need you to stay calm. There’s been an accident, your parents, have been involved in a motor vehicle collision on the Highway. An ambulance has taken them to St. Jude’s Medical Center. They’re en-route now.”
My knees nearly buckle.
“No. what? What…what do you mean accident?” I blink hard, trying to see through the sudden blur clouding my eyes. “Are they okay? Are they alive? Are they hurt…oh my God?—”
“Miss Banks, I need you to stay calm. Emergency services are with them. Both were responsive when medics arrived, but there were injuries. The hospital will have more information. We’re advising you to meet them there.”
My hand clamps over my mouth, a strangled sob catches in my throat. This can't be happening.
“Okay,” I breathe. “Okay, I…I’ll go. I’m going now.”
“Do you need us to send someone to get you?—”
“No. I’ll drive. I have my car. Just… thank you.”
I end the call with trembling fingers, blinking fast. My vision swims. This isn’t real. This can’t be real. This is a messed up dream and nothing else.
I turn, my body moving before my mind catches up, and see Lincoln at the front near the entrance. I rush toward him, wiping at my face, but my tears keep falling faster than I can stop them.
“Olivia?” Lincoln frowns, stepping toward me. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, lips parting but nothing comes out. “I—I don’t—my parents—” I stammer, shifting from foot to foot. My chest is caving in. “It’s bad, L-Lincoln, I can’t—” I can’t breathe.
“Hey, hey—” He grabs my arms gently, trying hard to calm me down, not sure it’s happening. “Breathe. Look at me. Tell me what’s going on. Slow down.”
“I just—I got a call. My parents—” I hiccup, dragging in air like I’m drowning, because fuck it feels like I am. “They—they were in an accident. The police called me. They’re going to the hospital—St. Jude’s.”
He nods; he puts his finger to his ear as he steps away from me. I hear him talking quietly to Cain. I can’t make out the words. My ears are ringing, my mind is going crazy, and I want to just wake up from this nightmare.
I rub my palms over my cheeks, ashamed of how I’m falling apart in front of everyone.
When Lincoln turns back to me, his face softens. “Go. Do you need a ride?”
I shake my head, jerking back. “No…I have my car.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I just…I need to go. Please tell Mr. Cain I’m sorry?—”
Lincoln waves it off. “Olivia, I don’t think he cares about that right now. Just go see your parents. But I want a message from you the moment you get there. And an update. Got it?”
I nod, but the words are stuck in my throat like glue.
He watches me carefully, as I seem to not be able to move. “Are you sure you can drive?”
“Yes… yes, I—I can.” I lie.
With heavy feet, my body feels like I have the whole world on my shoulders, I feel Lincoln watching me, my legs are made of stone as I make it to my car. My hands shake as I open the door. When I finally get in and start the engine, the tremble moves from my fingertips to my entire body and for some reason I burst out in tears, not able to hold it together.
I grip the steering wheel like it’s the only thing that feels real at the moment.
What if they don’t make it?
What if I get there too late?
What if the last time I see them, they’re unconscious? Or worse… zipped in a bag?
Panic claws up my throat like fire. I wipe the tears away again, my mom, sweet, strong, who wears scarves to hide her thinning hair but never loses her light. My dad, stubborn, overprotective dad, who still walks me to the car like I’m six years old.
