Page 48 of Fractured Grief
Ienjoyed the feel of Seb’s hand in mine as we drove in silence.
How could I be this sick from a cut?
My mind was racing at my stupidity. If the cut was infected, then I didn’t clean it properly. I knew better. At least I had been there and been the one to clean everything up. I couldn’t imagine what would have happened if Hazel had been cut or gotten this sort of infection.
An involuntary shiver racked my body. I hope she was okay and not scared that I wasn’t there to pick her up. Fear ate at my insides as I thought about the last time I wasn’t right there for her. The day that changed our lives forever.
Almost a year ago
I paced back and forth, at the back of the auditorium, filled with classmates and other students. I was soexcited to finally be graduating, and with honors. It was the last step to complete before we could escape. It had been such a long time coming, but it was all worth it to be able to leave this town, this state.
I’d left early to get here and try on my cap and gown. I was so anxious to get this piece of paper and then celebrate with my girls. Then we’d have to start packing and finally leave this hellish place in two months.
I knew how excited Lexi was, and I couldn’t wait to see her and Hazel’s faces beaming at me from the crowd. I checked my watch; it wasn’t long now. I could feel the anticipation growing in the air around me. I was sure Lex and Haze were out there ready to cheer for me as loudly as possible to ensure I blushed. Lex loved to embarrass me whenever she could, and she’d already warned me she was ready to cheer her heart out and be louder than all those around her.
“If you’d all take your seats, we’re about to begin,” the MC spoke, and the Dean ushered us all into the lines we were supposed to be in.
He strode out on stage and gave his welcome before diving into reading out the graduates.
Thankfully, with the last name of Clark, I was earlier on the list. I was about to go on stage when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I went to reach for it, but I was nudged from behind as my name had already been called, and I missed it. Almost stumbling onto the stage, I strode across, with a lightness in my chest at my hard-earned success. I shookthe Dean’s hand and moved my cap’s tassel from one side to the other.
But there was no cheering, no heckles, just the polite clapping the crowd did for everyone. I scanned the crowd as quickly as I could, but I couldn’t see my two stunning redheads anywhere.
Something was wrong.
I quickly followed the lead of those in front of me so I could get out and find Lex and Hazel. They wouldn’t miss this. Lex was as invested in this as I was. She knew how much this meant to me. She had to be here, somewhere.
I rushed out of the auditorium, anxiously looking around, when my phone vibrated again.
Shit! I quickly fumbled with the robes to get to it and answered the unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Hello, is this Indianna Clark?” A stoic male voice spoke.
“Speaking.”
“I’m sorry to inform you, but there’s been an accident. I need you to come down to Memorial Hospital right away.” His voice was clipped and no-nonsense.
“Wait, hospital! Where’s Lex? Is Hazel okay?” Panic gripped my chest as I stood in shock at his words. “Where’s my family?”
“We’ll talk when you get here. Let the nurse in the ER know when you arrive.” And the line went dead.
Hospital. Accident. Hospital. Accident.
The words played on a loop in my head before my body came back to me, and I rushed into action. I threw off myrobe, cap, and sash and ran for my car. I had to get to Lex and Hazel. They needed me, and I needed to see them and ensure they were okay.
I don’t remember the drive to the hospital, but I made it and rushed into the ER, and up to the nurse at the counter.
“I’m Indianna Clark. My family was in some sort of accident. Can I see them, please?” I asked, trying to catch my breath.
The nurse’s eyes turned sad as she took me in. “One moment, sir.” She reached for her phone to call someone, and a moment later, a beefy, officer rounded the corner, coming straight for me.
I held my breath.
“Indianna Clark?” He asked and I nodded, “Come with me,” he said as he led me through the ER doors and down the bleak, noisy hallway to a room with four beds in it. My little Hazel was in the closest one, and I rushed to her side. She was so small, with cables attached to her tiny body. She looked like she was sleeping.
“Haze, honey, I’m here.” I brushed her mahogany curls off her cheeks and kissed her forehead. She didn’t rouse at all. Turning to the officer, “Is she okay?”
