The Lost One

7. Melting Ice (edited)

Song of the chapter- War by Former Vandal. This song I think describes a lot of aspects in Lidia's life.

Also, check out their song called Way Past Saving; you'll like it. 

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Jack's POV

I handed the phone back to Nana, raising one brow. She looked at me, expecting me to tell her what just happened and why she was called so late in the evening so urgently.

"They need me," I start, not sure how to word it exactly. "I don't know why, but may I go? He sounded pretty serious." Nana looked indecisive but nodded.

"I trust you." I stood up and found a pair of sweat pants and a shirt in a box as Nana left the room to go back to bed. I grabbed the keys to my old truck and stuffed them in my pocket. I couldn't find my boots, so I settled for a pair of converse before rushing out the front door.

I started the truck and left my new little house behind on my way to the direction I hoped was Lidia's house. I hadn't memorized the way to get anywhere yet. 

I sat quietly in the car, fingers gripping the steering wheel in concern. Connor said that Lidia needed me, and I could hear her moaning in pain in the background. What kind of thing could cause that kind of distress on a person? Connor's voice had sounded stressed, like he didn't have control of the situation.

I went pretty fast down the dirt roads, kicking up caliche dust behind me. I tried to remember exactly how to get to Lidia's house, but recognized the creek bridge that I had to cross over. I was going the right direction.

Rabbits crossed the road whenever my headlights shined on them. After a few minutes I was pulling up into the Bakers' driveway. I started walking up to the house, pocketing my keys, when Connor jumped out from behind a tree and grabbed my shirt, pulling me to the side. "Parents are still awake. Come up through the basement."

I nodded, remembering that there was a door in the basement that led directly outside. Connor led me around the house and opened one of the basement doors. He gestured for me to go first down the carpeted stairs into the darkness. "They're upstairs watching Dr. Phil. They shouldn't see us." He said before mounting the stairs. He went up them more quickly and silently than I did, but we made it to the top of the second floor without being noticed. I could hear ruckus coming from behind a closed door. Connor opened it quickly and went inside. I hesitated, still standing in the hallway.

"Get in here dumbass!"My feet moved on their own accord.

Inside the room, there were cloths scattered everywhere on every surface. Dark band posters covered all the walls and partially the ceiling. All of the covers had been kicked off the high-sitting queen bed, which obviously didn't need a box spring underneath it, but one was there nonetheless.

Lidia writhed there on the black fitted sheet as Connor hovered over her, whispering to her and trying to get through to her. She was crying and moaning while clutching her stomach. I felt very insignificant as I shut her bedroom door behind me and stood there looking at at her. I had no idea what was happening to her nor how to fix it, so my presence here was pointless.

"Jack..." Lidia's hand reached blindly out to me; she didn't open her eyes. I came forward and grasped her hand in both of mine. It was hot, way hotter than I've ever felt someone's skin be. Her hand was shaking in mine, she seemed so fragile. There was a puddle of tears under her face. She thrashed suddenly upwards, letting out a scream muffled by Connor's quick hand.

"Jack," she said again, feebly, as if I was the only person who could fix all this.

"I'm here, what do I do?" I looked from her face to Connor's troubled one. "What is wrong with her?"