Page 79 of Blackout-

I’m sure she didn’t take that too well.

In fact, I bet my last dollar she’s a mess right about now. She’s probably sitting at home, replaying all the years she spent loving my father, wondering why their story didn’t end quite like she dreamed it would. Glancing at the digital clock on the cable box, I realize she should’ve already dropped Danny at school and reach for my phone on the coffee table.

She shouldn’t be alone today and truthfully, we both could probably use each other.

Pulling up her contact, I hit send. My call goes straight to voicemail. I try again and get the same result, but this time I leave a message, telling her to call me. I wait five minutes before calling once more.

The mailbox you are trying to reach is full.

Fearing she’s worse than I thought, I stand and head into the kitchen to grab my keys. I should’ve seen this coming, but I’ve been too wrapped up in my own shit to think of anyone else. Reina’s been so strong throughout this whole ordeal, she was bound to break, eventually. I mean for God’s sake, there is only so much heartache a person can stand. She’s had more than her fair share.

With my keys in my hand, I start for the door. I don’t quite make it because my phone rings. Figuring it’s her returning my call, I don’t bother to look at the screen as I swipe my thumb across it. Lifting it to my ear, I continue to head for the front of the house. I freeze mid-step when I hear Nico’s frantic voice.

“Lace, it’s Nico…oh…God,” he stammers.

“Nico, what’s wrong?”

“Shit, I’m coming,” he calls to someone. A siren wails in the distance and my heart plummets as my body stills in fear.

“Lace, you there?” he questions breathlessly.

Swallowing, I struggle to find my voice as dread swarms my veins. I close my eyes and brace a hand on the door.

“I’m here,” I croak as my knees go weak.

“Listen, there’s been an accident.”

It’s the words no one ever wants to hear.

The words that make the faces of everyone you love flash before your eyes.

It’s the words that steal your breath.

The words that you know will change everything.

“I tried calling your father, but fuck—I don’t know if he’s turned himself in yet. They’re taking them to the hospital…it’s fucking bad and I don’t know what to do. They’re cutting her out of the car now and Danny is—shit, the kid is a mess. No one is answering their phones. Not your father or your husband. Not even my fucking old man.”

My eyes snap open.

Cutting her out of the car.

The kid is a mess.

No. No. No.

“Lacey, tell me what to do,” he half shouts, half pleads.

Picturing my brother’s face, I force my eyes to open and drag in a deep breath. I ignore my trembling hands and remind myself of the promises I made to both myself and my father. If there was ever a time for me to step up and be the woman he raised, it’s now.

“Stay with Danny,” I blurt, reaching behind me to cup the back of my neck. “Don’t leave his side, Nico.” Pulling open the door, I hurry outside. I don’t stop to bother with the locks. I just keep moving, making my way towards the car.

“Ask the paramedics what hospital they’re transporting them to, and I will meet you there.”

Nico does what he’s told as I slide behind the wheel and start the engine. A million scenarios and every possible injury race through my mind as I wait for him to tell me where to go. When he gets back on the phone, he tells me the name of the hospital and I peel out of the driveway. Before I get the chance to ask him what happened, he reveals his father is beeping in and quickly disconnects the call.

Lost in my thoughts, I try to keep it together, but the tears come quickly and I’m unable to keep them at bay. If I was a religious person, today would be the day I lose faith. How could there be a God in a world like this, where a single family suffers so much tragedy? It’s fucking impossible and you know what else it is, it’s a damn shame.

Slamming my fist against the steering wheel, I blink through my tears and honk the horn. Yeah, there definitely is no God. If there was, I’d like to think there would be no traffic on the Staten Island Expressway when I’m trying to get to the damn hospital so I can be with my little brother who is probably scared out of his mind right now.

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