AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Amanda, oh no. How is she feeling?”
Mom’s tone completely changed from suspicious to worrisome.
“She’s feisty, so that’s a good sign. But I expect she’ll crash soon. She was really worked up at the scene.”
“What happened?”
“She went off the road avoiding something and hit the trees. Her injuries are mild, but there’s always a possibility of a concussion.”
“I’m glad you’re there with her.”
“How do you know her, Mom? I can’t recall her from high school.”
“She wasn’t in your class, but I think her older sister Becca might have been.”
Gene flipped through his memory banks. Though there were many memorable high school moments, he couldn’t pinpoint a Becca Garner in his mind, either.
“They’re the daughters of the Homestead Bakery owners. Remember? I used to buy all my pies from them. I now buy them from Amanda.”
His mother was a great cook, but she despised baking. Gene remembered those delicious pies from Homestead Bakery. He vaguely remembered seeing Amanda or Becca behind the counter when he was younger.
“Where’s her family?” he asked.
“Well, it’s sad actually…”
The warm, fragrant water felt heavenly. Amanda sank further down into its comfort. She was glad Gene had suggested a bath. He was right. Her limbs felt better. But she bet she looked like a horror. She didn’t even want to look at her face after seeing the faint red stripe on her torso from the seatbelt.
After a few minutes of bliss, she carefully rinsed the blood from her hair while trying not to wet her cut. The water turned pink with every bit she washed off.
It could’ve been worse. She could’ve hit and killed that girl.
A sharp pang of guilt hit her in the chest.
That girl may still be out there in the woods.
Suddenly overwhelmed, she let out unexpected tears, followed by sobs she couldn’t control.
“Amanda? Are you okay?” Gene called from the door, followed by Loki’s soft yelp.
She couldn’t answer, as the tears didn’t seem to want to stop.
Don’t let him see you break down like this.
“Amanda?” His voice rose with concern. “I’m coming in.”
“No…” She could only manage one word before he busted into the bathroom.
He took one look at her face and rushed to her. He kneeled by the tub.
“What’s wrong? Does something hurt?”
Amanda shook her head as she tried to stop crying. She crossed her arms across her chest, though the remaining bubbles covered her, and his eyes never left her face.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” he said, his tone gentled. “What happened?”
“Nothing. I just keep thinking about that girl.”
She wiped the tears from her face, but they were just replaced by a fresh set.
