The Lane That Wasn't (Part 9)

It had been a little over two hours since Daria had been told about her condition. She had not spoken a word since that moment, not even a question. In the same light, she had shed no tears. There was no wailing or even arguing with God over why this had happened. Their parents had left the room to talk with Doctor Phillips. Trent and Quinn were on their way home. Jane waited to hear something, anything, from that side of the room. About ten minutes later, she heard the sound of pencil against paper. About thirty minutes later, Daria lifted the sketchbook and turned it towards Jane. It was a picture of a rocket wheelchair. It looked like something from a Wile E. Coyote cartoon.

"So.. do you think they would let me have one of those?" Daria asked.

"I don't know...I doubt the Acme Company delivers to Lawndale."

"You're probably right damnit. Jane are you really okay?"

"Yeah..I've got some bumps and bruises and a sore neck but other than that, I'm fine."

"Good. How much longer will you be here?"

"The doctor said I should be able to leave early next week. I'll be here everyday after school to come see you though. That reminds me.. Jodie and Mack should be by tomorrow along with and Mr. DeMartino."

"As long as Mr. O'Neill doesn't show up I'll be fine. I can truly say the last thing I need right now is a speech on self-esteem. I wonder if they will make me see Mrs. Manson when I make it back to school."

"More than likely."

"I wonder if she'll get my name right this time. I guess this will bring a whole new meaning to my 'Misery Chick' persona," Daria sighed.

"You're not the Misery Chick," Jane's voice suddenly became stern.

An awkward silence fell over them. Jane hoped that Daria would continue talking. After several moments, Daria drew a deep breath and exhaled.

"I'm still sorry I got you mixed up in that poster crap," Daria's voice lowered.

"Daria...don't apologize. If Ms. Li had just let pull the damn thing from the contest, we wouldn't be here. I told mom about it. I think she's going to sue the school. I know she's suing the company the driver who hit us worked for. He had two previous DUI arrests and they still allowed him to drive an oversized company vehicle home on a suspended license." Jane paused for a moment. With a voice filled with trepidation, Jane asked How can you be handling this so well?"

"Just because I'm not screaming, doesn't mean I'm fine with this. Crying isn't going to help the situation. I would love nothing more than to get up out of this bed and run out the door."

"I wish you could do that too. You know I'll be here for you come hell or high water right?"

"That's a good thing cause the water is rising and hell ain't too far behind."