3) Accident

History class was an enduring bore, and was the last class I had before the dismissal bell would be rung, sending everyone on a run.  I sat at my desk, trying to pay attention, but found my mind wandering to other things.

Carol would soon be on her anticipated vacation to California, leaving me in the dust.  I always looked forward to summer.  Why was it this summer I had to dread?  I had a few friends, but most of them would be going on vacation as well.  My mother hadn't a penny to spend on a most unnecessary trip somewhere, and I didn't wish to push her, knowing that our income was tight these days.  But something inside of me urged to go somewhere-- away.  Someplace where I could think more clearly.  In New York, traffic didn't allow you to even stop for that chance.  Why was life so hard to live?

"Miss Anne Peters," the teacher said sharply, causing me to look up quickly.

"Yes?" I asked tentatively, knowing that she most likely would tell me I had to stay after school for not paying attention.

"Have you no interest in the fascinating past world of importance?"

I bit my lip.  "I guess I got distracted," I mumbled.

"That's quite clear.  You shall stay after--"  But before she could finish her sentence, the principle showed up at the doorway.  I wanted the ground to swallow me up, at that moment.  With the principle here, I was in definite trouble.  

"You have permission to be dismissed from school, Miss Peters," he said politely.  His face was whiter than I had ever seen it, surprising me and scaring me, at the same time.

Before I could inquire, he began to explain.  "Your mother had an accident.  She's in the hospital at the moment.  Mrs. Lawson called to say to meet her there right away."

I tried to grope at the words, but couldn't get my mind to work.  A haunting thought caught me off guard.  "What if the same thing that happened to Dad happens to Mom, too?"

The rest I remembered was tears blurring my vision as I ran down the hall, not paying attention to the voices behind me.  "No," I inwardly cried.  "Please, not her, too."

~*~  

"What do you mean?" I asked again, trying to gain control of myself.  "What happened?"

Mrs. Lawson still had tears in her eyes, and her three young children were huddled together, silent and red-eyed.

I was standing in the hospital, unbelief, confusion, and fear creeping there way into my heart.

"I think Kathy can explain it better," she said, and motioned for her daughter to come.

Kathy's eyes were big with fright, and she was clutching her teddy bear in her arms.

"Can you tell me?" I asked, desperate for some answers.

Little Kathy burst into tears.  It took her a moment before she could explain.

"Mrs. Peters was playing ball with us.  Henry, our neighbor, came over, and took my teddy from me."

It all seemed so silly.  What did this have to do with my mother?  I wanted to scream.

"Mrs. Peters was getting a band aid for Mason, so she didn't see.  Then Henry threw it out on the street.  I cried and ran to get it, and--" She began to sob.  "There was a car.  Mrs. Peters must of saw me then, because she yelled for me to stop.  I don't really remember what happened then.  She must of pushed me away..."  Tears filled her eyes again.

It slowly began to make sense to me.  Mom had saved Kathy from getting hit, and she had been injured.  How bad?

"Where is she?  I want to see her," I demanded.

Dr. Morgan was soon beside me.  "She's unconscious at the moment, Ms. Peters.  We're doing our best to help her."

"How bad is it?" I whispered.

The old doctor sighed, and ran a hand over his sweating forehead.  "None of us know, for sure.  She had a bad hit on the head."

I felt my legs give way, and Mrs. Lawson and Dr. Morgan gave me their hands for support.

"I'm fine," I murmured.  "I just need to sit down."

"You come over to our house," Mrs. Lawson ordered.  "You need a good cup of hot tea, and some sleep."

I only agreed because I was in no mood to argue, and silently let her lead me away.  "God did this," I whispered, under my breath, anger rising inside of me.  "He's taking everyone I love away from me.  He can't take Mom.  Not her, too."

Author's Note

What do you think will happen, now?

P.S. Don't you think it hilarious how my drama always starts at chapter three? :P

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

Ahhhh write more(:

[M.E.Lyle]

Mom is probably going to be fine, but unable to work for sometime. Guess whose going to have to support her? Hmmmm. It makes for a difficult summer for Anne.
I love this story so far.

[Krystal Nicole]

I have no idea wat will happen next. . But this was a great chapter

[~Lizzy♬]

I have no I idea what will happen next, but it's amazing and I can't wait for you to write more. Excellent use of words and descriptions. The plot is taking a turn for a dramatic right here. :O I can't wait for more!!!!

~Lizzy~

[Short.Nerd]

I have no idea but I wanna know! :D

[Kiri Nells]

I haven't read the previous chapters to this book, I am certainly interested. There's some improvement to be made, but I haven't asked about your feelings on critiques. I'm rather brutal, otherwise I wouldn't give a second thought to help with editing. If you want my full critique, you can message me.
Thanks for sharing!
Kiri