Autumn Mornings

Chapter 3

Caden's POV

I drove Ellie to the emergency room, it was the only thing I could think to do. I could hear her from the room screaming. In between the screams, I can hear her sobs, and with every shrilling scream, I could hear the pain. My leg couldn't stop shaking.

What did we just witness?

I wanted this question answered but I needed to make sure Ellie was safe. The nurses are instructed to contact the police so I am sure they will be here any minute to interview us. How will I muster up the words? "Sir? Can I speak with you a moment?" the time I was dreading has arrived.

I stood up and shook the officer's hand. "Duty Tatom," he introduced himself. "Caden Knight," I exchanged. "Mr. Liam Knight's son?" he asks surprised. "Yes, sir," I say trying to keep eye contact with him. My mind is racing. Do I tell him why we were really there tonight? What do I say? I have to lie.

"Well, Mr. Knight. Could you tell us why you were at the school tonight?" he asks continuing the interview. "Ellie and I were taking a walk and since you know," I gesture to him, "we don't live far from the school. We were trying to get to the track to possibly walk around that. Ellie loves to jog in the mornings. She's an exerciser..." I start to trail off. I'm getting off focus. My brain is a mess, I'm all jumbled. "Okay.. and can you describe the scene at all?" he asks next. "Sir, with all due respect. I don't think I want to relive that memory. All I can describe it as is looking like some cult stuff going on." I explain. "Right, thank you, Mr. Knight." the officer dismisses me but it isn't long before more chaos proceeds.

"Where is my daughter?! I want to see my daughter! Tell me where her room is right now or I will sue this entire hospital, starting with you." Mrs. Scott yells at his poor nurse behind the desk. "Her-Her name please, ma'am." "Eleanor Scott. She was brought in just a few minutes ago! Who else would I have been talking about you incompetent-" "Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to stop yelling at my nurse. Your daughter is in the room over here." As she leads her towards Ellie's room. As follows the nurse, passing me, she glances my way. "Do not let that little bastard near my daughter's room." she grits through her teeth. I stood there shocked.

I could still hear Ellie's screaming from the other room.

I couldn't leave, could I?

I can't.

I'll just have to stay out here.

"Ma'am, could I have an update on, Eleanor Scott," I ask the desk nurse feeling silly, knowing she's still screaming in pain? "There isn't much I can tell you. She's in shock mostly they're trying everything they can." she sighs. "Thank you," I say as I go to sit back down.

Waiting sucks.

I feel as though my mind will eat me whole. I can't do this waiting game. I just want her to be okay. I wish this night had never happened. What is going to happen next? Will they find this guy? This message. What did it mean? All his hard work?

My mind continued to race for the rest of the night. Ellie's screams soon stopped shortly after her mother arrived. I could feel my body fighting sleep as I was kept awake from the thought of tonight's events.

I wonder what Ellie saw...

I remember when she barely found the strength to say my name. The fear in her eyes, her once so pale skin, flushed red from the pounding of her heartbeat. I could sense the danger we were in but it was hard to move. My face froze up and my eyes widened in panic. The image of those girls slaughtered in a ring of blood on the ground. Candles were all around and you could tell salt had been spread before the wind picked some of it up. Blood still freshly dripping down the side of the school building. The smell... the smell of the whole scene. The smell of death burned my nose even now thinking about it. The once preppy and cheerful cheerleaders were now no more than cast aside overkill from some maniac.

"Stop it," I said aloud flicking my head to the side to get the memory out.

"Sir," a lady walked up to me. "Yes?" I immediately stood up. "Eleanor will be staying overnight. The psychiatric ward will be monitoring her to see if she can go home tomorrow." "Thank you, thank you for updating me." "It is no problem at all but since you are in no relation to Mrs. Scott visiting hours for you are from 6 am - 8 pm. I am very sorry," she says politely. "I understand. I'll be back after school to check on her if she hasn't been discharged by then." I tell her. She nods, "Understood. Have a nice night and a safe ride home," she smiles and walks away.

I grab my jacket and Ellie's bookbag. 'I better take this just so her Mom doesn't see.' I walk out of the door and hop into the cab of my truck. I sit there a moment and then just throw my head into my hands. I start pounding the stirring wheel with anger.

How could I have let this happen? How could I have let Ellie talk me into investigating? If I hadn't gone with her though, what would have happened to her? What sparked her sudden interest anyways?

My mind would continue to race for the rest of the night.