Chapter 18
I reluctantly follow Dawson and Officer Mason out of the school and still refusing to let go of Dawson's hand. We climb into the back of the squad car and we start toward the hospital.
"It's going to be okay, Andie. I'm sure of it."
I look at Dawson, and I can feel the tears beginning to slide down my face. He looks at me and wipes a stray tear off my cheek.
"Do you want me to go with you to the hospital?"
I just nod and lean against his shoulder.
"Officer Mason, can you radio the command center and have my parents meet me at the hospital?"
"Not a problem," Mason says, as he reaches for the radio.
Dawson looks down at me and squeezes my hand.
"Thank you," I whisper.
We sit in silence for the rest of the way to the hospital. As soon as the car pulls up in front of the hospital, I climb out pulling Dawson with me.
We race inside straight to the front desk.
"My brother...I need to see my brother," I'm in panic-mode again, but before the receptionist can speak, my dad steps off the elevator.
"Andie!"
I run straight into his arms releasing Dawson's hand for the first time in what feels like an eternity.
"Oh daddy, I was so scared."
"It's okay Andie, your safe now." He releases me from the hug and steps toward Dawson and sticks out his hand which Dawson takes and shakes, "Thank you, Dawson, for looking after my baby." He pulls Dawson into a hug, which is a very uncommon act for my father, but I guess fear will do that to you.
"Daddy, how's Jack?" I ask as we walk towards the elevator.
"He's in surgery now to remove the bullet, but the doctors say he'll make a full recovery."
"Oh, thank goodness." I say as the elevator stops. As the doors slide open I immediately lock eyes with Jen. She is covered in what I assume is Jack's blood, sitting next to Grams. Jen jumps up and runs toward us. We hug, then Dawson's wraps her in a hug.
Once they release we all go to sit with Grams and my dad.
"How long has Jack been in surgery?" Dawson asks, breaking the silence.
"Not long, " my dad responds.
Ugh...the waiting game begins.