Riley's words were the last thing Leah's been able to hear. Ever since they dragged her out of the apartment, she went into panic mode. Her little sister is in the hospital, and, judging by the speed Riley is driving at, it's serious. How serious? She doesn't know. What could have happened? And why now, of all the times it could happen? Leah can't answer any of these questions. She's too busy jumping to the worst case scenario.
Oh my God, she thinks. What happened? What's wrong with Sam? What if she was raped? Oh, God. She's just a little girl...No, that couldn't have happened. I know she's more than strong enough to fight a rapist off. Then again, most victims are...What if it was an accident? What if she was hit by a car? Or a bus? There have been a lot of bus incidents lately--
"Chris, go with Leah. I'll find somewhere to park."
When Leah looked out her window, they were already in front of the hospital. She bursts out of the car and runs through the automatic doors, Chris running behind her. She sees her father in the waiting room. Skipping the greetings, she jumps straight to the point. "What happened? Is Samantha okay?"
"She's fine," he says. "At least, that's what the doctors told me."
"If she's fine, then why is she here in the hospital?"
"I don't know. I really don't know. I had her wrapping up our presents for Christmas upstairs. She was coming down with them when she just collapsed out of nowhere. She rolled all the way down, and you know how long our staircase is."
"No, Dad. I'm worried because it was two or three steps. Did they tell you anything else? Is she sick or something?"
"No, not yet. They're checking her out now. My God, if something is wrong with her..." He takes a deep breath.
Leah can't tell if he's angry or upset, but she hugs him anyway. "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll be fine. Just wait until the doctor comes up with something."
She feels her father nod, and there's a cold wetness on her neck. It's not the first time he's cried, but Leah still finds it strange to see her father cry.
She pulls away and walks over to Chris.
"Is she alright?" he says.
Leah nods. "Yeah. They're trying to figure it out now."
His face is apologetic, and Leah just takes it as sympathy. She's still trying to figure out how he knew about her sister. She knows for a fact that she never mentioned Sam to him, and any pictures she has of her are in her room. Unless he's been in her room before, but he should know Leah would shoot him.
"Is that your father?" Chris says. "Edward Price?"
"Yeah. He's pretty famous around here."
"Yes. I know that." He moves around me and goes to my father.
What is he doing? Leah thinks.
"It's nice to see you again, Mr. Price."
Edward turns around, and never has Leah seen fear enter her father's eyes so quickly in two seconds. Shakily, he holds out his hand. "Mr. He-Hemsworth. Yes, it's, uh...they, they let you out of jail already?"
"No. I'm part of a program now. Trying to get my life back together."
"Oh, how lovely."
She listens to they're conversation closely, waiting for some clue as to why her father looks so scared. Is Chris that intimidationg to him? Does he just have that effect on people?
I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I look back. Riley wraps her arms around me in a supportive hug. "How is she?" she asks.
"They haven't told us yet. We're still waiting." I turn my attention back to the conversation.
