Chapter Sixteen
Sighing, Howie streached and groaned. Everyone of his friends belonged to a couple. He felt so alone, so isolated. What’s wrong with me? He wondered. Am I that repulsive?
Shaking his head, he wandered down to the beach where they all had sceduled to meet the next day. Noticing no one else from the group had emerged from their rooms yet, he sighed yet again and plopped down on the still miost sand from the dew. Staring out at the horizion, he witnessed a Hawian sunrise. It’s colors flashed with brillant pinks and golden sunrays. The beauty of it took his breath away. Yet it also made him lonelier. I wish there was someone I could share this with. He prayed.
Standing up fixing to go get breakfast, he noticed a young woman about his age sitting on a bench, staring at her hands. Her light brown hair fell softly around her sholders, and she looked extremely gentle sitting there alone. Approaching her, she looked up at him. She held the most gentle blue eyes he had ever seen in his entire life. They looked up him, large and innocent. “Is anything the matter?” He asked with the lack of anything else to say.
“No.” She sighed in her light voice. “Yes. I’m lonely. My friends are all out with their boyfriends.”
This suprised him. “You don’t have a boyfriend?”
“No.”
Howie couldn’t help but gape.This gorgeous girl before him, she seemed just as alone as he felt! “What’s your name?” He asked. “Mine’s Howie.”
“Hi Howie. I’m Jessica.” She smiled a smile that lit up her entire face and made her eyes sparkle.
“Wanna go for breakfast?” He offered.
Looking shocked, she accepted. Taking her arm, he gallantly lead her to the buffet. Strolling in, he saw the rest of his group sitting at a table. Renee and Allison noticed him and waved him down. Leading Jessica over to the table he introduced her and asked if she wanted to sit with the group. Shrugging she laughed. “Which ever is more fun.”
“Well, then you’re in for a treat.” Pulling out a chair next to AJ, he sat her down. Sitting next to her he warned, “They’re a little strange though.”
“More fun then.”
Draping his arm around Jessica’s chair, AJ grinned. “So you two a couple yet?”
“My gosh! They just met AJ!” Hamidah sighed. “Not everyone moves as fast as you do!”
Jessica laughed. “Well. I’m hungry!” She announced.
“Yeah!” Nick agreed. “Where the heck is the waitress?”
Laughing Brian informed his best friend, “Nick, this is a buffet. There are no waitresses.”
The group laughed. Nick got up and wandered over to the Buffet line. “I know that.” He told Megan who followed him.
“Sure you did Nick.”
“So where are you from Jessica?” Renee asked the newcomer.
“Well, originally Texas, but currently I spend my days in Orlando.”
“Really?” Howie asked, not bothering to conceal his excitement. “That’s where we’re from!”
Jessica beamed. “Great. More time to get to know you.” Standing up, she kissed his cheek. “I’ll check up with you later. I should check up with my group.”
Watching her exit the resturant, Howie felt his loneliness melting away. He finally met the person who he felt ‘that way’ about. She was so pretty! And so kind too. He felt his head swimming with exctiement. Plus, he had a whole week to get to know her!
*****
The girls had gathered in the adjacent rooms that belonged to Allison and Renee. Jessica, a new friend to all of them, seemed right at home in the group. “I finally feel like I belong. In the other group, they all didn’t like me or something.”
“How could they not like you?” Allison asked. “You’re so sweet! And Howie really cares about you.”
“I know! I can’t believe that you guys are leaving tomorrow! This week went by too fast.” Jessica’s smile faded a little.
“Oh come on Jessi! You’re welcome to come see us anytime while we’re back in Orlando.” Renee told her. “Your one of us now.”
“Your gonna hve to come visit us.” Megan laughed. “Or we’ll come take you hostage.”
“Plus Howie’s gonna miss you allot.” Hamidah reminded Jessi.
“I know.” Jessica blushed. “I’ve promised to call him every night.”
“Where’s our food?” Hamidah demanded.
“On it’s way. They should be here though.” Renee told her.
“What are we having?” Jessica asked.
“Kentucky fried chicken.” Allison smiled. “I was in the mood for chicken. So was Kevin.”
“It’s a hick thing.” Megan wispered.
“Hey!” Renee cried. “I’m a hick too!”
“Hot dog!” Allison giggled.
Renee smacked her with a pillow, Allison immedately jumped up and swung back. Renee dodged the pillow, and it went soaring, hitting Hamidah. This started an enormous pillow fight. “Every man for himself!” Jessica cried.
“No!” Renee smaked Jessica with the pillow. “Every woman for herself!”
Everyone fell to the floor exausted and laughing just as the fellas returned with the food. Glancing around at the exausted girls laying on the floor, AJ asked, “What happened?”
“Oh nothing.” Hamidah grinned at him. “Hurry up already! We’re starving!”
After they ate, Howie escorted Jessica out to where they first met. Sitting her down he told her, “I’ll miss you when we leave. We really need to get together when you come back to Orlando.”
“Howie, it’s just going to be a few days--”
“I know, but I’m going to alone again. I’m having so much fun with you. I can’t express my feelings.”
“Neither can I. But maybe this will help.” Leaning forward, Jessica and Howie shared their first kiss. Then is when each proved their feelings they couldn’t express.
“I have a gift for you/something that I’ve held on to/waiting for your sweet caress/No feeling has been untied/from all that I hold inside/and only you will possess/this heart of innocence.” "Heart of Innocence," Jessica Simpson
Chapter 17
Groaning, Hamidah flipped through her plans for the fasion show. The others didn’t know about it, she sat stressing herself over perfecting it. Hr designs had sold, and she had been scheduled to show them off in a fasion show of her own. Excited as she was, she managed to keep it a secret from them.
For the past few days, she had used all the time to herself to perfect this. To get them to the show, she needed to come up with a good excuse that they would fall for. Just that took her a while. Her friends trusted her, but she had been known to play some amazing jokes in the past. They didn’t always trust her so openly now. Especially after the Gusher incedent.
Laying the designs in front of her, she decided she would wear the green evening gown, and the white sundress she designed. Deciding that she would be modeling her desinges hadn’t been hard for her at all. It kind of applied itself. Dreaming of being a fasion designer, she also felt it would only be right if she modeled her own designes.
Running a hand through her curls, Hamidah sighed. “This is much more stresss then I thought it would be. But then things always are.”
Sitting up, Hamidah gazed outside. Allison had persuaded everyone else to go to the beach that day. Since the beach was about an hour away, Hamidah knew she’d have the day to herself to plan. She wanted to be outside with her friends right then. If you want this as your job, get used to all the planning! Hamidah scolded herself.
Laying her head on the desk, Hamidah groaned. “It’s almost done! Just get it over with!!!!”
The phone suddenly rang starlting her. Picking it up, she sounded just as jumpy as she felt. Who could be calling? “Hello?”
“You okay? You sound scared.” AJ’s teasing voice floated over the phone.
“Naw, I’m fine.” She told him.
“I scared you.” AJ stated.
“So? What does that have to with anything?”
“You need to be comforted.”
“AJ, I’m fine.”
“No you arn’t I scared you.”
“AJ, I’m busy. I’m working on my...,” Hamidah cought herself just in time.
“On what?” AJ asked.
“Designes. They need to be in before the end of next week.”
“Oh, well I did scare you. Don’t deny it.”
“Okay, okay, I don’t deny it. Can I get back to work now?”
“No! You need someone to help you relax!”
“AJ! I’m fine!”
“You wont be able to concentrate will you?”
“Yes I will. Now can I go?”
“Ah-ha! You said yes! I’ll be over in a minute.”
“AJ--” Hamidah was cut off by the dial tone. I was wrong about getting any work done!
Placing her papers in her desk, she made herself presentable enough for AJ. Patting her curls in place, she thought of the best idea to get them all out of the house! They could go on a date! All of the couples! No one would object to that! Especially AJ. She decided to bring the idea up that night at the move night.
Movie night: a tradition started by Allison and Renee. Both enjoyed the stupid comedies and for some strange reason, My Fellow Americans, was a favorite also. Renee and Allison went into hysterics during one scene with an extra. They thought it could never be replaced and forced everyone to watch them rewind it over, and over. Each person in the group got to choose the movie they wanted to watch. Hamidah made a mental list of the movies they would watch: The Hillbillies (Allison’s Fav.), Shawshank Redemption (Kevin’s fav.), While you were sleeping, (Brian’s fav.), Aliens (Nick’s Fav.), Scream (One of Megan’s favs.), Austin Powers: the spy who shagged me (Hamidah’s fav.) and AJ’s favorite, Pulp fiction. Jessica would also be joining them. Her choice for that evening had been, Willy Wanka and the Chocolate Factory. They all laughen when she said this.
Just then the bell rang, and AJ came wandering in.
*****
That evening, after everyone felt relaxed after a cool shower, they all gathered in the girls apartment to watch the movies. Looking out the window AJ sighed. “It’s typical Florida weather out there. It’s pouring, and getting worse.”
“Oh, and there’s lighting too!” Jessica gasped and a bright flash illuminated the living room.
Slipping his arm around her sholders, Howie smiled. “It’s prety though.”
“Yeah it is.”
Placing the first movie in the VCR, Nick cuddled next to Megan. “I think it was smart of us to save to scary ones for last.” He told her.
Megan grinned. “Of course.”
Hitting play, Nick seemed to relax as the movie saarted. All the couples curled up together. Megan and Nick on the loveseat, Brian and Renee on the couch, Allison and Kevin laying on the floor, AJ and Hamidah on a oversized chair, and Howie and Jessica laying next to Kevin.
After only a few minutes into the movie, a bright flash of lightining lit up the room. The TV flipped off, and the lights in the hallways dissapeared. “I guess the power’s out.” Brian stated.
“Really?” Renee asked sarcasticly.
“Really.” Brian told her.
“Well, I have an idea of what we could do next weekend.” Hamidah announced.
“What?” AJ sighed.
“We could all go out to eat. My treat.”
“Sounds good to me.” Howie agreed. “But what are we gonna do tonight?”
Shrugging in the darkness Hamidah shook her head. “I dunno?”
“I do!” Allison cried. “Truth or Dare.”
“Naw,” Kevin told her. “we’re too old for that.”
“Oh come on!” Allison begged.
“How about we just pull questions and dares out of a hat.” Jessica suggessted.
“Fine with me!” Renee agreed.
“Okay.” Allison said.
“But we already know everything about each other!” Nick whined.
“Then put a joke in the hat.” Jessia’s game was quickly forming in her head.
Renee perked up. “How about we put a person’s name on the paper, with the question we want to ask, but we don’t sign our name. Then we randomly draw the questions out of a hat.”
“Good idea!” Jessica squealed.
Everyone silently wrote their questions, and placed them in Nick’s baseball cap. Grabbing a flashlight, Jessica pulled out the first question. “This one’s for Nick. Nick, where would you bury the survivors if the plane crashed ont the border of Canada on the US?”
“Well,” Nick began, “You can’t bury survivors in water.”
“Huh?” AJ asked, baffled. “Where did the water come from?”
“You don’t bury survivors Nick.” Megan patted his leg.
“The next one’s for Howie. How much wood would a woodchuk chuck, if a woodchuk could chuck would?”
“What?” Howie asked. “Uh.... allot?”
Nick cracked up. “I got you!”
“The next one’s for AJ. How many women have you dated at once?” Jessica grinned at this question.
“Hmmm...” AJ thought a second. “About three.”
Hamidah smacked him. “Am I one of them?”
“Of course not!”
“Nick, another one for you. How many animals did Moses out on his ark?”
Nick immedately began counting on his fingers. “Uh...”
“Hey, Moses didn’t havean ark!” Kevin laughed.
“Oh.”
For the rest of the evening, they played this game. Adding new questions for everyone when ever they ran out. All night they laughed and made fools of them selves. Each time, they learned something new about the others. They all vowed to play this again.
Chapter 18
Finally the day of the fashion show had arrived. Sitting on her couch, Hamidah sat anxiously. All week she buzzed around, flying from one preparation to another. Her friends merely wondered why she flew around nervously, not explaining anything. “She told me she needs to have her designs finished by the end of this week.” AJ announced Saturday morning.
Hamidah announced the night before that they would be eating in one of the most expansive restaurants, and that they should dress formally. Megan quickly picked out a long black skirt and a white blouse. Renee chose a white dress. She had been watching the news, and they said a big fancy celebration was going to be held there that night. Hamidah had flipped off the television before Renee could find out what it was. Allison chose a black dress . Low cut with thin straps holding it up. (It was apparent who chose that for her.) Hamidah would be wearing one of her designs to the show, since she would be modeling her designs, she decided to wear one there and not tell her friends she deigned it.
Jessica would be wearing a bright blue dress enhancing her eyes. Howie saw the dress and couldn’t wait to see her in it. The guys would all be wearing slacks and shirts with ties. They didn’t get into the mood of looking perfect like the girls, so they lazily sat around on the couch, watching Allison, Hamidah and Megan buzz around preparing themselves. Renee, being the smart one, got ready before the others so she didn’t need to wait in line for the bathroom, or use the mirror when someone else was.
Sitting next to Brian, she fixed the bracelet on her wrist. Brian took her hand. “We’re going to have fun tonight,” he whispered.
“I know. I wonder what Hami has up her sleeve.” Renee trailed off.
Brian laughed. “Me too. Only heaven knows.”
“She’s just taking us out to dinner, as far as I know...” Jessica just arrived to her that end of their conversation.
“Knowing Hamidah, she’s planning something. It’s going to happen tonight. I know it.” Renee smiled. “I swear, if it’s a prank, I’m going to kill her.”
“Something’s happening at the restaurant tonight. I saw it on the news.” Jessica looked confused.
“What? Did you find out?” Renee nearly jumped out of her chair.
“No. Hamidah shut the TV off before I could find out.”
“Me too.”
“Hamidah does have something planned.” Brian grinned.
Steppping out of the limo Hamidah had rented, the group trialed into the resturant. Gaping at the news crews, the others didn’t notice Hamidah wisper something to AJ and slip away in another direction. Handing Brian a number AJ announced, “This is were we are supposed to sit.”
Looking for thier table, Brian noticed it had been placed next to a long runway. Grinning, the pieces of Hamidah’s puzzle fell into place. “We’re at a fasion show. She brought us to a fasion show.”
“Where’d she go?” Allison asked.
“Shrugging, Renee sat down. “Beats me.”
Suddenly, upbeat music filled the room and the news crews began to filter inside. “I guess the show’s starting.” Jessica whispered.
The spotlight shone on the stage and the house lights dimmed. Giding onto the stage, Hamidah grinned happily at her friends. Picking up th mike, she began, “Hello, I’d like to thank you all for coming first of all.” Applause. “My name’s Hamidah, and tonight you will see a few of my many designs. If you really like them, they’re in stores now. Thank you.”
Model after model showed off Hamidah many designs. Hamidah modeled a few things herself. After a quick dinner, she and her friends set off to the party. That was held down the street, in a rented space, used just for parties like this.
Hugging AJ, Hamidah grinned happily and held his arm. “I did it! I really pulled it off!”
“They didn’t suspect a thing.” AJ wispered.
“It turned out so perfect!” She gushed. “So perfect.”
Howie patted Hamidah on th back, “You did a great job.” Pecking her on the cheek, he walked next to AJ.
A familiar click behing them caused each to stiffen with fear. Feeling the cold touch of metal to her back, Hamidah froze along with the others. “Don’t move!” a strangely familir voice warned them.
****
Spining around to congradulte Hamidah, Allison didn’t see her. “Where’s Hamidah?” She asked Kevin.
“You know how AJ is.” Kevin teased.
“Well they were right behind me.” Renee stated.
“So was Howie and Jessica.” Brian informed the others.
“Well they’re all missing.” Allison seemed a little worried.
“Allison, they most likley went of drinks.” Kevin told her.
Shrugging, she seemed to believe him. “It’s just this feeling I have. Something’s gonna happen.”
Renee grinned. “Really? What?”
“I don’t know. It’s scaring me though.” Allison dragged Kevin over to the floor for a dance “Maybe this will clear my thoughts.”
Next to Megan and Nick, Allison, Kevin, Renee and Brian, danced thier hearts out. Laughing, they fell back into the seats of thier table. “I’m hot.” Allison complained. “Want me to put anything in the car for you guys? I’m gonna put my sweater away.”
“I’ll just go with you.” Renee said. “I need a breath of freash air, and my purse.”
Walking out the door, the girls stopped letting thier eyes adjust to the darkness. Gasping, Allison noticed the remainder of the group. All standing with their arms in the air, and frozen at gunpoint. Shoving Renee back inside Allison told her to get the guys. About to follow her friend, Allison cried out softly as the gunman grabbed her by the waist and pinned her to his side. “So nice to see you again Allison.” He growled.
How does he know my name?! Allison paniked. Looking into her friends frightened faces, she realized this is what her fear was about. “Who are you?” she wimpered.
Placing the gun on her temple, he wispered, “Your worst nightmare.”
Grabbing Brian’s arm Renee pulled him up out of his chair in a panik. Trying to explain, she began to sob. “They’re all out there! Allison too! This guy, he has a gun, he’s mad--”
“Slow down Renee. You’re going too fast!” Brian’s cheerful face darkened.
“What’s going on?” Kevin asked, he stood up quickly.
“Allison and the others are being held at gunpoint!” Renee cried.
“What?!” Brian yelled. “I’m calling the police! Kevin, get over there! See what you can do!” Dashing to the payphone, Brian franticly explained thier delima to the police. Kevin followed Renee to the door.
Taking a deep breath, Kevin and Renee quietly slipped out into the black evening. Howie saw them. Calmly, so not to catch any attention, he tried to wave them back inside. Kevin angrily shook his head. Renee on the other hand, dashed back inside to help explain things to Brian and the police.
Approaching Howie, the gunman putted him on the cheek, provoking a fight. “So sissy, ya gonna protect your girlfriend?” He nodded toward Allison.
“No. She’s not my girlfriend.” Howie replied calmly.
“So she’s not good enough for you?!” The man yelled. He was angry.
“No. She has a boyfriend of her own. Kevin.” Quickly glancing at Kevin, Howie silently begged him to go back inside. Please Kevin, go back inside before he hurts someone.
Still holding the gun to Allison’s head, the gunman asked, “Do you know who I am?”
“You sound vaguely familiar.” Hamidah snapped. She sounded braver than she felt. Her hands shook. “Who are you really?”
His only response: Pressing the gun harder onto Allison’s head. Hearing her sharp intake of breath, Kevin tensed. “You’re afraid of me arn’t you?” The man teased her. When she didn’t reply, he roughly pulled her around to face him. “Awnser me!”
Allowing the tears to soak her cheeks, Allison nodded. “Good.” He grinned. Smaking her across the face, he added, “Let’s keep it that way.”
Kevin wanted to strangle the stranger. He had no right to do that. She didn’t hurt him! “How dare you!” Hamidah screamed reading Kevin’s thoughts.
“Shuttup!” He screamed. “I have all the right in the world to do that!” Pulling off his mask he revaled himself.
“Rob!” AJ cried. “I swear!” He cut himself off.
“Brian! It’s getting bad out there! Please! Tell them to hurry!” Renee pleaded.
“They are!” Brian cried. “Has he noticed Kevin yet?”
“No. But I think he’s threatining to hurt Allison. I saw him hit her.”
“Shoot.” Brian muttered. Hearing the sirens in the distance, Brian’s face looked hopefull. “That’s them. Let’s go out there.”
“No! He has a gun!” Renee pleaded.
“Quietly.” Brian wispered.
Sighing, Renee followed her boyfriend. Silently watching as the police surrounded the group and pulled the man into handcuffs, Renee felt she was in a dream. It all happened so fast! Like a blur. Seeing Allison sobbing on the ground, where she dropped when the officers came, Renee ran to her friend. Kevin, and Brian followed her closely. Allowing Kevin to calm her down, Renee ran to the others. Hugging Howie, she gasped, “Are you all right?”
Nodding, he pulled Jessica closer to him. Both had pale faces that stood out in the moonlight. AJ and Hamidah stood quietly too. Pulling all her friends into a hug they startd to cry. Sobbing Jessica asked, “Why is Rob so crazy like that?”
“That was Rob?!” Renee cried.
Howie nodded. “He really went overboard.”
“Why?” Jessica asked. “What did you guys do?”
“Kept Allison away from him. Well not really.” Renee awnsered.
“Why’d he come after us?” Hamidah asked.
“Well allow you kids to ask him tomorrow.” An officer informed them. “Untill then go home and relax.”
Chapter Nineteen
Early the next morning, Renee had a strange feeling about the night before. Not fully awake, Renee remembered the bright light of the party, the loud music, and laughter. Still, something happened. What? Oh yeah. Rob. Fully awake now, Renee wondered how her friends felt this morning. The entire group retired to bed immediately after returning home. Everyone except Allison and Kevin. Allison couldn’t relax, so they left her in Kevin’s care.
Groaning at how anxious she felt, Renee padded out into the living room. There, she found a sleeping mound on the couch. Allison and Kevin. Laughing she dashed back to her room for her camera. This, as most people would say, is a Kodack moment. Snapping the picture, she grinned at the thought of their expressions when she showed off this picture.
Suddenly the mound of golden-brown hair stirred. Pushing a wall of thick brown hair off her face, Allison groggily stared at Renee. After a few seconds, her surroundings seeped in. Curiously glancing around the living room, she noticed Kevin soundly sleeping on the couch with his arms around her. Gently lifting his hands off her leg, still in her dress from the night before, Allison glanced at the camera in Renee’s hand and trudged back to the bathroom.
Hearing the shower start, Renee glanced back at Kevin. His head lay on the back of the couch uncomfortablely. His normal bed-hed look was now a mess of hair sticking out every which way from a restless night of the couch. The temptation was too much for Renee. She snapped another picture. This time she accidently hit the flash button which startled Kevin from his slumber.
His piercing green eyes stared lazily at Renee for a second before he silently went to his apartment. Renee felt extremely amused with herself. Today would be allot better then the previous day. She could feel it. Ten in the morning, and Renee being the only one fully awake happened to be a rare thing indeed, but after last night, anything was possible.
Slowly trudgeing out into the living room, Megan grinned at Renee. Megan and Nick missed all the action because they danced in the center of the crowd and didn’t pay attention to their frantic friends. Filling Megan in on all the details has proved to be difficult the night before with everyone hysterical with fear. So Renee decided to fill in all the details now. “So, last night, Rob held Hamidah and co. up at gunpoint.” Renee began.
Megan smiled. “So I heard last night. Why?”
“Dunno.” Renee grinned.
“Cool”
“How about we all go out for a little while this afternoon.” Renee suggested.
“Okay by me.” Megan agreed.
“Great. We need a girl’s day out.” Hamidah said streaching. “What time are we going?”
“Is in an hour okay?”
“Fine with us.” Megan said.
An hour later, dressed and ready to go, Renee decided to leave a note to tell Allison where they went. After her shower, she went back to bed and hadn’t resurfaced yet. Deciding to let her sleep, the others went out for a day of girly fun.
*****
Sitting in the living room, watching the news, Allison wondered when her roomates would return. It was getting stormy outside. Tunder clapped in the background, magifying her uneasyness with being alone in the apartment. Turning her full attention on the TV screen, Allison gasped and turned it up when the reported showed Rob’s picture and began to warn the city about him. “This potentially dangerous criminal was arrested last night for holding a group of friends at gunpoint. He escaped this morning from the prision and is said to be heading into the heart of Orlando. Where his ex girlfriend is currently living--”
Sutting the television off, Allison felt a chill run through her whole body. Rob is so crazy! He’s after me! What did I ever do to him!? Snatching the phone, she dialed the number of the apartment next door. Luckly Kevin picked up. “Hullo?”
“Hey, Kev? Can you come over I’m scared.” Allison pleaded into the phone.
“Sure.”
A few moments later, Allison found herself in Kevin’s strong embrace, feeling safe and warm.
*****
Through the pouring rain, Renee guided the car to the next light, which was red. Watching the cars cross after the light changed, Renee glanced over to make sure noone else was coming. It was hard to tell. Pulling out into the intersection, a flash of light blinded the girls for a brief second. Renee thought it was lightning. Hearing Jessica gasp, Renee turned to look out the pasenger side window. A car came charging straight at her. And it wasn’t about to stop!
*****
Laying in Kevin’s arms on the floor of the living room, Allison knew that her friends should have been back. A bright flash of lightining lit up her concerned face. “Do you think they’re allright?” She asked. “It’s pourong out there.”
“Don’t worry.” Kevin assured her. Another bright flash of lightning lit the room, leaving mysterious shadows on his face.
The jangleing of the phone caused the couple to jump. Picking it up, Allison felt nervousness creep up into her chest. Something was wrong. Kevin sat staring at her. He watched her facial expressions, and one stood out clearly on her face after a few moments on the phone. Something was majorly wrong!
Collapseing onto the couch sobbing, Allison managed to thank the person on the other line. As she buried her face in his chest, Kevin felt bewildered. “What?” He asked gently.
Looking up at him, Allison took his hand. “They’ve been in a car accident.”
Chapter Twenty
Swirving into the hospital parking lot, Kevin noticed that almost every single parking space was taken. “I’ll drop you off at the front.” He offered to Allison hoping to spare her from the pouring rain.
She shook her head. Allison could talk anyone’s head off and almost always kept talking. So her silence about the accident worried Kevin. Parking in the closest parking space he could find, which seemed like a block away from the front door to him. Helping her out of the car, Kevin noticed how Allison stood silently staring at the gloomy building. Taking her hand, he dragged her inside, out of the rain and lightning.
She calmly walked up to the receptionists desk and inquired the where abouts of her friends. “I’m sorry. I can’t give you that information. Doctor’s orders.” The lady behind the desk awnsered.
“What?! How would he know!?” Allison yelled. “You wouldn’t belive how much a friendly face helps around here!” She burst into a fresh round of sobs.
Kevin inwardly groaned. Atleast she was showing some emotion. “Could you at least tell us how they’re doing?” Kevin queried.
Giving him an exasperated glance, she sighed. “I don’t have that information sir.”
“Then give us the room numbers!” Allison cried through her sobs.
Giving in, the lady gave them the room numbers. Walking to the first room, Allison ran into the doctor who had just exited. “How is she?” Allison asked. This Room belonged to Renee.
“Well, ma’am. She’s the first to awake.” The doctor didn’t seem the least bit phased to have them there. “She’ll be glad to see you guys.”
*****
Renee sat up as the door swung open again. Allison and Kevin entered. Both were soaked from head to toe from the rain, and Allison’s hair dripped the cold water onto the floor. Both of their faces lit up when they saw Renee sitting up. She smiled brightly at them. “Are you okay?” Allison gasped taking her friends hand. It felt like ice to Renee. Cold and wet.
“I’m fine, exept for this pounding headace.” Renee rubbed her forehead.
Kevin leaned forward and kissed her gently on her forehead. “The doctor said he’d be right back.”
“Did you hear about the people in the other car? Are they allright?” Renee asked.
“We don’t know.” Kevin admitted slipping his arm around his girlfriend’s shoulders.
Just then, the doctor reappeared. Renee repeated her query to the doctor. He sighed. “What?” Renee stiffened.
“I’m sorry. He didn’t make it.” The doctor sighed.
“What was his name?” Renee wondered.
“Rob Anderson.”
“Oh my god.” Allison sat with her face covered sobbing.
“You’re kidding. He hit my car that hard!” Renee gasped.
“That and he was pretty drunk.”
Rob died in theis car crash! Renee’s brian practically screamed. Oh my gosh! He’s dead! He-- She didn’t finish the thought.
“The police officer that was behing your car called the paramedics. He also told us it looked like he purposely ran into your car. Like he was trying to hurt you.” The doctor stared at Renee expecting a response.
Renee didn’t know what to say. Knowing Rob, he probably would try and hurt someone. Plus, after the other night, Renee believed he could be capable of anything. She shook her head. The whole room fell silent, except for Allison’s stifeled sobs.
“I’m so sorry!” She suddenly wailed. “When I... when I first met him, I didn’t know he’s cause all this trouble! I’m so sorry! He seemed so nice! Now he’s dead after trying to kill you guys! He tried twice! Twice!” She buried her face in her hands again.
“Come on hon. Let’s go get some coffee or something. You need to relax.” Kevin urged Allison.
“ Take her home. She needs sleep.” The doctor ordered.
Once they left, he turned to Renee again. “When can I leave?” She asked.
“Well let me introduce myself first. My name’s Doctor James.” He let out a long sigh. “We don’t know when you can leave. We still need to see if anything inside you is hurt. Like internal bleeding.”
Renee nodded. “How are the others?”
“Well, your friend aho just came in seems to be worse than you. The others though...” The Dr. James looked down at Renee. “Well, only you and Megan are awake now.”
“Is Megan okay?”
“Her spirits are very high considering her broken arm.”
“And Hamidah?”
“She’s doing fine. She doesn’t have any internal problems. She’d be able to go home if she’ll wake up in the next half hour or so.”
“And Jessica?” Renee wondered if the other knew about the accident.
Dr. James cringed. Renee knew that couldn’t be good. “How is she?”
“Well, Jessica is in the worst shape. She has some internal problems, and a broken arm. She’s also still asleep.”
Renee nodded again. “Doctor?” A nurse entered. “Jessica and Hamidah are awake now if you want to see them.” She left again.
“So Renee, I need to see how your doing. My guess is you’ll be able to go home tomorrow.” He left.
Looking around her hospital room, Renee felt frightened. I hope Jessi gets better fast. Howie will go crazy if she doesn’t. She knew that internal problems could be very serious and sometimes fatal.
Puonding footsteps approached her door. It swung open, and everyone not involved in the crash entered. Including Allison and Kevin. Brian dropped into the chair next to her and took her hand. “How is everything?” He asked. His voice overflowing with concern.
“I’m fine. I’ll be home tomorrow. As far as we know.” Renee tried to sound assureing.
“How’s Megan?” Nick asked. His young face looked worn and red like he’d been crying.
“She’s awake. And happy. The only thing wrong is a broken arm.” Renee replied.
“Hamidah?” AJ asked.
“She just woke up. That’s all I know about her. You can go visit.” Renee glanced at Allison and Kevin. “She’d be happy to see you.”
Allison was dry ,but her hair turned into a mass of tangled curls and har clothes a wrinkled mess. She looked upset. So did Kevin.
“Is Jessi okay?” Howie asked.
Renee looked at him sadly. “She’s got internal bleeding or something like that. And a broken arm. I don’t know anything else, but something tells me she’s not doing very well considering her damages.”
Howie sunk into his chair. “I’m going to go see her.” The others followed him out leaving her and Brian alone.
He leaned forwared and kissed her. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He wispered as the doctor dismissed him.