In The Scenes

Seventh

WARNING: May be mentions of abuse, panic attacks, trauma, blood, etc. If you are sensitive to these topics, please don't read.

Alex POV:

Lia and I crashed into the wall. I had my seatbelt on and managed to stay conscious. On the other hand, Lia passed out.

That wasn't that bad.

I jinxed it. Something hit us from the side, causing the car to flip over. I tried to open the doors. Thankfully, one of them opened. I pushed Lia onto the grass. I tried to pull myself out but the car crashed onto me. I was about to call it quits when I heard a familiar siren. Police. Two people walked toward me.

"Is there anyone under?" one of them asked asked.

This was my chance.

"Help. I'm under the car. I can't get out," I screamed.

The officers kneeled and I saw their faces. They were both women and they looked worried.

"Sweetheart, I'm not sure if we can get you out. How did she escape?"

"I pushed her out. I tried pushing myself out but the car's crushing me."

The officers asked for backup. Now, there were 12 people in front of me. Ten people lifted the car while the other two held my arms. Somehow, they pulled me out. They treated my wounds and gave me water. I felt dizzy. Was Mindy okay? Did she call the ambulance?

"Alex," Lia screamed.

She was trying to stand up. The paramedics allowed me to walk to her.

"I thought you were dead but then I saw you and I . . . I thought I lost you."

"I'm right here. We need to talk."

"Yeah. Someone's trying to kill us."

"Not someone. Your stepfather and my foster parents."

Someone called my name from over my shoulder. It was Mindy. She was safe.

"Are you okay? I saw what happened and called the ambulance."

"I'm fine. We think the trio are up to it."

"Who?"

"Lia and Jane's stepfather and our ex-foster parents."

"We're calling them that?" Lia asked. "I like it."

The paramedics came up to us.

"We need to take you three to the hospital to check for any fatal wounds."

Lia sighed. I felt the same. We've been to the hospital so many times, we practically work there.

"At least one good thing will come from this visit," I said.

"What?"

"We can visit your mom."

Bryce POV:

I'm done with life. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not suicidal (I think). It's just that any time we do something, we end up in the hospital. At this point, I don't want to do anything. I just want a vacation. Even though I'm an atheist, I have a feeling God is behind all this. He's all "oh, they've been relaxing for a year. Let me throw them back into the hospital because I can."

"Bryce?" Jane asked. "You okay?"

"I've been better."

I looked at her. She looked tired. It was midnight and Jane, Mattheo, Micah, and I were waiting for Alex, Lia, and Mindy to be released from the hospital. I was bored so I checked my phone. I noticed Asha had changed her profile picture. I looked at it. It was her with a boy. Micah looked over at my phone. He grabbed it and stared at the picture.

"Hey. Why'd you grab it?"

"Where did you find this picture?"

"It's my friend's profile picture. Her name's Asha."

"Asha what?"

"Asha Doe . . . oh."

It finally clicked. Asha was Micah's sister's name. That's why she looked so familiar. The boy in the photo must've been Micah when he was younger.

"That's my sister. Does she go to Lysia?"

"Yeah. Alex introduced her to us and we became friends. I could set up a meeting between you two."

"Please."

He looked desperate. I would be heartless to say no.

"Sure. I'll invite her over tomorrow. It's Saturday so she should be available."

"Thanks."

He wasn't looking at me.

"What's wrong?"

"What will she think of me?"

"She'll think you're kind, funny, talented, and super sarcastic."

"I thought that was your job."

"Even a master needs an apprentice."