Chapter 9
Song: Jesus, Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
"Kate!" Tom called, shoving his way through the crowded hallway toward her.
Kate groaned and ducked into the girl's bathroom – the only safe haven from a determined Tom – with Libby following close behind her.
"When will he learn that I don't want to hear it?" Kate moaned as Libby stepped inside and the door swung shut, cutting off the noise of the hallway.
"He won't," Libby replied, leaning against the wall. "He's one of those guys that is used to getting whatever he wants and not having to fight for it. You're teaching him a lesson that every guy needs to learn. Don't give up. Stupid as he is, sooner or later, he'll come around if he values your friendship."
Kate was silent for a moment, then went to the door and peeked out. "He's still there."
Libby sighed with fake annoyance. "Do you want me to go chase him off?"
Kate grinned. "I'll call him later," she replied.
Libby smiled mischievously. "This'll be fun."
"Nathan, can you please stop grinning like a monkey? We all know you are excited that you asked Lindsey Marcus to the dance, but seriously. You're making those of us who don't get asked the split second it's announced feel horrible." Kate smiled as Kayla finished her rant and went to help the next customer.
Nathan turned to Kate, still smiling.
"Honestly Nathan," Kate said. "You're making me sick and I have a date."
"Oh, really?" Belinda asked, surprised. "And who would that be? Not my redneck cousin, I hope."
"Gee, thanks Belinda," James said as he walked in.
"No problem. Anything for you Tex," Belinda replied, nonchalantly. "I assume you're here to give your lovely lady a ride home?" When he nodded, she continued. "I have to admit that I worry about her in that truck of yours, especially with you driving."
Kate rolled her eyes. "You're just jealous," James responded. "You always did love my truck."
"I always loved living, too," she replied. "That's why I never ask you for a ride."
Kate gathered up her things as the two continued to bicker. They're just like brother and sister, she thought, a little sadly. She glanced over and saw James grinning triumphantly.
"All right then," Belinda scowled playfully and turned to Kate. "See you Thursday?" she asked.
Kate nodded and walked out with James. "What was that all about?" she asked him.
"Hawkeye in there has wanted my truck since the day I bought it. She keeps trying to get me to sell it to her." James drove carefully down Main Street, remembering Belinda's driving comments.
"Oh, I see," Kate replied.
"You hungry?" he asked, catching her off her guard with the sudden change of subject. "I don't know about you Puddin', but if I had to work in that sweet shop all afternoon, I could probably eat a horse right about now."
"Actually," she said as her stomach growled. "I am pretty hungry."
"You want to come over to my place?" She stared at him in incredulity. "What? I went to the store, is that so hard to believe?"
"Yes," she said without hesitation, then dissolved into laughter at the thought of him cooking.
James looked at her as he slowed to turn the corner into their neighborhood. If she had been able to look, the emotion in his eyes would have been frightening and warming, but before she could recover from her bout of laughter, they were both slammed forward in their seats. Kate's head smashed into the glove compartment and James was thrown against the window as the front of the truck crumpled.
The black car going the opposite direction folded like a sheet of paper and the driver leaped clear to avoid certain death. Some concerned passerby pulled to the side of the road and jumped out to help. They pulled James and Kate from the burning truck and laid them gently on the grass. Kate's arm was bent at a very awkward angle and she was already unconscious, but James was still cognizant and was mumbling urgently.
"Kate, Kate…" His breathing was harsh and heavy as he tried to sit up and find her. He turned his head to the side and saw her lying next to him, her chest rising and falling slightly. Relief flooded his mind and he gave in to the darkness that was overwhelming him.
The sirens cried out into the fading twilight as they raced towards the hospital emergency room, the hearts of the paramedics' heavy with worry.
