Leave No Trace

Chapter 21

Allison

She blinked, and shook her head, trying to clear it of the fog of pain medication. Her nose merely ached as she did so.

She noticed Mira was asleep in the chair next to her. Has she been here all this time? She wondered, unable to help herself. She reached over, gasping at the pain bolting down her back as she did so. She managed to poke her.

“Hey.” A voice came from the doorway. It was Derrick Snyder, Mira’s friend/enemy. “You must be Allison.”

“Yeah.” She said, nearly swallowing her tongue. It was the first time he’d ever actually spoken to her. “And you’re Derrick.”

“You know who I am?” He asked, slightly surprised.

“Being friends with Mira means that I learned a lot about you.” She admitted. She didn’t admit that she found him quite attractive. Not that she’d date him… because she was quite certain that she’d never date again. “If you don’t mind my asking, why are you here?”

“I’m here, because I saved Mira after she was attacked by Keith, Dean’s older brother.” He held out his hand. “I’ve seen you and Mira together a lot. I didn’t know you though. It’s nice to finally get an introduction.”

“I agree.” She replied.

The door swung open again, and a nurse came in. “Oh. Mr. Snyder, I didn’t realize you were still here.”

“Yep.” He nodded. “I’m here with Mira, remember? I’m supposed to make sure her concussion isn’t flaring up.”

Ally turned and looked, noticing for the first time the splints on Mira’s fingers, taking in every detail of her best friend. She looked peaceful in her sleep, and the sun coming through the window was making the blonde in her dark hair to glow. Ally couldn’t help but remember how people had often told them that they looked alike. People asked if they were related.

She always was sad to say they weren’t. They weren’t sisters, however much Ally felt like they were. But they were both here now.

Nurse Cara just smiled at her. “Is everything okay, Allison?”

“My back is hurting.” Was the only thing that came to mind.

“Okay.” She reached across Mira’s sleeping form, and pressed the button to give her more painkillers. “Hopefully this will help. There are lots of people who want to see you. You’re certainly very popular.” She offered a smile.

Allison smiled back. “Who’s here?”

“There are two detectives who want to see you. I was told to let them know when you woke up. And your friends Mel and Dawn are here. Shall I tell your friends you’re awake?”

“Sure.” Allison nodded. She was trying to compose herself. Derrick stood in the corner of the room, standing as a silent guard. “Derrick?” She asked. “How many died last night?”

He blinked, before saying gently. “Three OPP officers, and one NRPD detective. And Keith was killed by a sniper who was on our side. I’m sure you’ll meet him, he’s funny as hell.”

“I’m not worth it.” she blurted out, unable to help herself.

“Don’t say that. I’m sure there are plenty who’d disagree. Those cops didn’t give their lives for nothing.” He said firmly. “Just make sure it’s not in vain, eh?”

She nodded, as Mel and Dawn burst into the room.

“Patty!” yelled Drew, running forward.

Mira was suddenly on her feet, holding her knife, before realizing who it was. “Ally, you okay?” She asked.