“Dad?” I asked when I’d finished.
“He’s fine, being kept for observation as he had a mild concussion but he’s okay. We brought him to see you earlier today and the doctor says if his latest results come back normal he’ll be discharged this morning.”
Thank God he was okay. “What happened?”
“Some arsehole fell asleep at the wheel and caused a six car pile up,” Jeremy replied. I remembered the sounds of the crash and the screams but nothing else.
Mum ignored his colourful language. “There were no fatalities, by some miracle. You came off worst.”
“She always was a drama queen.”
Mum gave him a stern look. “Jeremy, go fetch a doctor, please.” My brother saluted and left the room. “You feeling okay?”
“Head hurts, but I’m fine. I had strange dreams when I was out of it.”
“Oh? What about?”
I frowned. “Um, a hot building, everyone in white, Jeremy chasing someone. I can’t really remember.” My brain felt fried. “Were you and Jeremy hurt?”
Mum’s lips thinned for a second and then she stroked my hair. “Only a few cuts and bruises. I’ll just go see where Jeremy’s got to, hurry that doctor up,” she said, standing up and dashing out of the room.
Noah
“WANT SOME, NOAH?” Chris asked, holding a bottle of White Lightening out to me. And I thought my parents had exaggerated about teenagers. My life before was fairly sheltered. I spent most of my time with a small group of friends walking, hiking, fishing, camping and building. I wasn’t at all prepared for getting drunk at a park.
“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip and passing it on. The idea was for me to fit in and make friends and I had a feeling asking to put the alcohol down and go exploring would do the exact opposite.
“When’s Scarlett back?” he asked.
Great, going out with Chris and Bobby was supposed to take my mind off her. I was anxious for her to get home. My phone had died and been repaired but when I finally got it back on there was nothing on there from her. She’d be home soon, though.
“This afternoon. I would’ve thought they’d be back already but I’ve not heard yet,” I replied. She was originally going to text me when she got home and I was going over. That should’ve been around two in the afternoon but it was now six and still nothing. But Scarlett told me they all like to talk so it was entirely plausible that they’d stayed the day and were coming home in the evening. I didn’t want to pester.
“Missed her?” he asked, smirking. I had no idea why they felt the need to tease over things like that. Yes, I missed my girlfriend, and I wasn’t afraid to admit it to them.
“A lot,” I replied. They backed down when they knew it didn’t bother me what they thought.
My phone rang an hour later as a second bottle of White Lightening was pulled out of Bobby’s bag. I didn’t care who it was as long as it got me out of drinking that vile stuff again.
“Hello?” I said, answering a number I didn’t recognise.
“Noah, this is Marissa.”
Her eerily calm voice sent chills down my spine. I stood up and walked a few steps away so I could hear her properly. “Marissa? Is everything okay?”
“We’re in the hospital. There was an accident on the way home. Scarlett… She’s doing okay, stable, in and out now, but I think you should come,” she said, her voice finally giving away how scared she was.
I couldn’t go. I could barely function. My muscles tightened, locking up. I felt cold. “Stable and in and out?” That meant something serious had happened. Stable was only used when it was touch and go but you were doing alright at that particular time.
Chris and Bobby stood up and moved closer. Both now giving me their full, undivided attention.
“Scarlett and Jonathan were on the side of the car when we hit the trees. They’re okay but they need rest and monitoring.”
I could feel my heart pounding. She’d said Scarlett was ‘stable’. “She’s not awake?”
“No, she’s not right now, but she has been.”
That wasn’t good enough. I needed her awake, properly awake, and chatting to believe she would be alright. I had to get to her.
“I’m on my way. Is there anything you need?”
“No, thank you. She’s on the children’s ward, and me and Jeremy will be there, too.”
“Okay, see you soon,” I said and hung up.
“What’s going on? It’s Scarlett, is she okay?” Bobby asked.
“Yes, they were in an accident. She’s fine, apparently, but I need to go.”
Chris followed as I jogged towards the gate. “Wait, Noah, should we come, too?”
“I don’t think they will even let me in.” I stopped when I reached my bike. “Look, I’ll call you when I know more. Think you can let Imogen know?” Just stop talking to me so I can get to her!
“Yeah, course,” Bobby replied. “Let us know how she’s doin’ and tell her we’ll visit when we’re allowed.”