"My Heart Will Go On"
Author's Note:
Just needed to make a correction to the disclaimer in Chapter 1. I only own Officer Mattern. Just wanted to clear that up.
"Breaking the News"
Arriving at the hospital, Trent approached the somewhat large African-American woman at the front desk. Seeing the trio enter, Lana Hawkins looked up from her computer as she asked the three teenagers "May I help you?" Anxiously, Ethan answered "We're here about Tommy Oliver. We were told he was brought here." Knowing who they were referring to, Lana replied "Have a seat. I'll have the doctor come fill ya in." Somewhat relieved to finally be getting some answers, Kira replied "Thank you." With that, the three teenagers found three vacant chairs in the waiting room and waited for the doctor to come in and tell them about their friend.
As the trio took their seats, Lana flagged down a younger looking African-American female doctor who happened to be walking by. "Hey, Kayla!" Hearing her name called, the young doctor turned to face Lana. "Yeah, Lana. What's up?"Gestring to the three worried teenagers in the waiting room, Lana explained "Those three kids are here to see that Oliver guy Lu was assigned to. Would you do me a favor and go find her and let her know?" Seeing the teens Lana was referring to, Kayla nodded as she answered "Sure, I'll let her know."
Then, a young hispanic female entered. "Let her know what?" Turning to fase the doctor who had just entered and indicating the trio of teenagers in the waiting room, Kayla added "Those three kids in there are here to see that Oliver guy you're treating." Seeing who Kayla was referring to, the doctor replied "Thanks, Kayla." Smiling, Kayla responded "No prob, Lu." As Lu made her way over to where the teens were seated, she addressed them. "Hey, guys." Looking up, Kira anxiously asked "How is he? How's Dr. Oliver? Is he okay?" Trying to calm her down, Lu replied "Calm down. Now, the extent of his injuries is pretty significant. We've got him in the ICU right now. Right now a ventilator's doing his breathing for him. Guys, I gotta be honest with ya. The longer he stays in this condition...the more his chances for survival diminish. Feeling the tears stinging her eyes once again, Kira noticed Trent wrapping his arm around her.
Taking over the conversation, Trent asked "When can we see him?" "Right now. Follow me." Getting to their feet, Kira, Trent and Ethan followed Lu as she lead them down to the ICU and into Tommy's room. At the sight of Tommy's condition, Kira fought back more tears which were stinging her eyes. Facing the teens, Lu broke the pain filled silence. "I'll leave you guys alone." With that, Lu turned as her long semi-dark hair swung behind her and left. Afterward, the only sounds filling the room were the the gentle wheezing of the ventilator and the constant beeping of the heart rate monitor and other various machines. Shocked, Kira stared down at the mess of cuts and other various wounds which had marred their teacher and friend nearly beyond recognition. Finally, she could no longer fight back the tears as they streamed silently down her face. Suddenly, Ethan broke the silence. "Man, what I wouldn't give to get my hands on the jackass that did this!" As the anger also began to well up inside her, Kira heard Trent add "I know what you mean." Adding her opinions , Kira spoke up. "I just want for Dr. O. to be okay. That's all I really want right now." Turning to Kira, Trent agreed "You're right. As much as I'd love revenge, I'd rather just know that Dr. O. was all right." Understanding how they felt, Ethan added "I think that's all any of us want right now." Suddenly, Kira's cell phone went off. Composing herself, she mentioned "Excuse me." Stepping outside the room a momet, she answered it. "Hello?"
A familar voice responded. "Kira? It's Krista." Suddenly, Kira realized that she'd been so freaked out about Tommy that she'd forgotten to tell Krista about Conner. Trying to avoid the subject, Kira nervously replied "Krista...hey. What's up?" Seeming to have not picked up on Kira's nervousness, Krista answered "Not much. Hey, have you seen Conner? He was supposed to meet me for your gig this afternoon and he never showed. I'm kinda worried about him. It's not like him not to show." Not wanting to have to break the news to her, Kira thought to herself Damn it! Why'd she have to go there! Finally working up the courage to tell her, Kira somberly answered "Krista...there's really no easy way to tell ya this. Conner and Dr. O. were involved in an accident this afternoon." Somewhat scared of the response she might get, Krista added worriedly "Oh my God! Are they okay? Is Conner okay?" Sighing, Kira continued "Well, Dr. Oliver was critically injured and Conner was...Krista, Conner was killed on impact." Now Krista was numb with shock. Meekly, she asked "Oh my God!...How? What happened?" Reluctantly, Kira explained "They were hit by a drunk driver." In a small voice, Kira replied "My God. I-I don't believe this." Trying to comfort her friend, Kira added "It may not be much but, for what it's worth, it was instantaneous so we know he didn't suffer any." Seeing what she was trying to do, Krista replied "Yeah, I guess that makes it a little easier to deal with. Thanks, Kira." Half-smiling, Kira added "No problem, Krista. You know I'm always here for you, right?" Glad to hear that, Krista responded "Yeah, I know. But, it's always nice to hear." Trying not to sound insensitive, Kira spoke up. "Listen, um, Krista...I don't mean to sound rude or anything, but I kinda gotta go." Understanding, Krista responded "Oh! Of course. I'll talk to ya later, Kira." Smiling, Kira responded "Thanks, Krista. Talk to ya later." With that, Kira turned her phone off and rejoined Trent and Ethan.
Seeing Kira re-enter the room, Trent asked "Who was that?" Frowning, Kira responded "That was Krista." Turning away, Ethan added to himself quietly "Ooo. Ouch." Shooting Ethan an angry look, Trent returned his focus to Kira. Reluctantly, he asked "I assume you told her about Conner and the accident." Sighing slightly, Kira answered "Yeah...I told her." Turning back to face Kira, Ethan added more caringly "How'd she take it?" Somewhat surprised at Krista's reaction to the news about Conner, Kira replied "Pretty well...all things considered."