Ultraviolet

Chapter Three: Broken Rules

George Washington University Hospital

Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

As soon as Mrs. Grayson saw Isi, she jumped up from her seat and hurried over, hands fluttering around Isi's tangled hair and down her arms, as if checking that everything was in place. Isi bit down on her lip, hard, trying to keep herself from bursting into tears at the motion. It was too parental, and she hadn't had V to hug after this long day.

"Let's get you back to the hotel," said Mrs. Grayson after a moment. She hesitated, searching Isi's face. "Have you called your parents?"

"Yes," Isi said.

"And—will they be coming to get you?"

"No. No, I want to stay." Isi tried for a smile, but she felt it wobble. "I'm not going to let a little explosion get the better of me."

"Of course," Mrs. Grayson said. "Come, come." She started to herd Isi towards the doors to the outside, where Isi saw a cab waiting. Though the idea of getting to a real bed was so intoxicating it made her lightheaded, Isi dug in her heels. She couldn't leave. Not yet.

"Can you tell me," she said, choosing her words carefully, "what everyone... else's plans are? Are any of them going home?"

"No," said Mrs. Grayson. No hesitation. No look that said, oh, you poor thing. No pity. That was a good sign.

"And is Marta—"

"She is staying overnight, and hasn't yet made a decision."

"Oh." So it wasn't all good news after all. Isi clenched her teeth as she allowed herself to be bundled into the back of the cab. She couldn't stop the wave of guilt that suddenly battered her—if she'd just been active, for God's sake—or if she'd reacted faster at that first explosion, Marta might not be in there...

Stop that, she thought. What could you have done? She was unconscious in moments. Whatever happened to her...

But what had happened to her? Isi knew it was entirely possible that her fall on top of Marta had harmed her. Maybe there was internal bleeding. Maybe something vital had been crushed by Isi's weight.

You're not a semi-truck! she shouted to herself. She's going to be fine. Mrs. Grayson would have mentioned something. Still worrying at her lower lip, Isi stared blankly out the cab window, not even registering the traffic and buildings outside.

Mrs. Grayson patted Isi's hand. "Are you all right, baby?"

"Yes," Isi said automatically. Then she winced at her own robotic tone. "I really am," she said, turning to look at Mrs. Grayson. "I'm just... sort of in shock. I don't really know how to process."

Mrs. Grayson nodded. "We're almost back. Do tell me if you change your mind about anything. If you want to go home, I can keep it quiet, if you like."

"Thanks, but I'm sure I want to stay."

Another nod, and the rest of the ride was spent in silence.

By the time they returned to the hotel, it was fully night. Isi dragged her feet when she got out of the elevator, alone, as Mrs. Grayson had gotten off the floor below, where the adults were staying. She didn't relish the idea of meeting Saffron or Emma. She didn't want to talk about that day.