Perfect Places

Like A Hawk

   I leaned against Zane's shoulder as we sat in the waiting room. After what seemed like an hour, my eyelids became heavy. Dozens of people running around were being insanely loud. The whole entire hospital had become a crime scene after Nick's body was discovered. Kyle still hadn't been located, and Connor was still lying motionless in Zane's hospital room.

   Everyone was so focused on Nick that I don't think anyone had actually even acknowledged Connor. He was still laying on the ground, asleep. Which was good. He didn't deserve anything.

   Police sirens could be heard from every corner of the hospital and a few different news channels had shown up. Journalists could be seen everywhere. The cops hadn't found out who had called them, but I don't think they really cared anymore.

   The huge knot in my stomach was growing by the minute and I wasn't quite sure why. I didn't know why I felt so guilty. Something about Nick's death seemed to be my fault. I kept telling myself that I couldn't have helped. I could have stopped Kyle. Was Kyle even the one who killed him? Or was it-

   "RAE!" A high pitched voice screamed from across the room, "RAE, DARLING!"

   My eyes darted over to the front entrance of the hospital. And there was Cecelia, standing right there. I stood up, which allowed me to stretch my legs. I yawned and tapped Zane on the arm. He had fallen asleep.

   "Yeah?" He asked in his groggy voice, running his fingers through his hair.

   "Cecelia's here," I told him, pulling him out of his chair.

   Zane stood up and smoothed down his shirt. I led him to Cece, nervously.

   "Hey ... mom." I struggled to force out a smile.

   That wasn't the first time I had ever called her mom. She had heard it a few times from Asher, and she seemed fine with it. So, for that reason, I decided to try it out. It still didn't feel right.

   "Oh, sweetie," She ran over to us, "I was so worried about you."

   Finally, she made eye contact.

   "And who might this be?" Cecelia asked with a huge smile.

   "Zane," He introduced himself, "Zane Lennons. It's great to finally meet you."

   Dang. Did he have that planned out of something?

   My heart fluttered at the sound of his words. Was this what it felt like? Was this how introducing your boyfriend to your parents for the first time felt? I was a mix of nervousness, excitement, and worry. I was just hoping that things would go well.

   "Well then!" Cece exclaimed, "How come I have never met you before, angel?"

   Oh. My. Lord. This could not be happening right now. I was being flooded with embarrassment.

   "I'm not quite sure," Zane responded with a small smirk, "But I must say ... Rae is an amazing girl."

   "Oh stop," I laughed, "You're not fooling anyone."

   We all laughed, which may have seemed strange to the people around us. Laughter was something that was rarely heard at times like those. I'm sure we all got some weird looks from people.

   "Well," She said, "I swear I've seen you before around town, Zane. How long have you guys been friends?"

   I covered my mouth to stop myself from laughing. First of all, was this really the right time to strike up some small talk and giggle? What was this? Second of all, I was just going to let Zane handle this one.