Plugged In

Chapter 5

I rolled over in my bed. The weekend was finally here, I had no school but plenty of work. I got up, running my hand through my hair. I headed for the shower.

I felt more awake after the shower, ready to do what was needed.

I grabbed my bag and bike and headed out. I didn't need to go to work for another few hours so I headed for the woods. I hopped on my bike and peddled through the streets. The sidewalk was buzzing with the excitement of the weekend. Many people were walking around, window shopping, enjoying breakfast at the diner, and having their morning coffee at the cafe.

I sped by numerous obstacles, making my way towards the canopy of trees. I placed my bike near the trail head but carefully hidden from passerby's.

I walked through the woods, trying not to go to far so as not to get lost. I found a boulder in a quiet place and sat down in front of it, leaning my back against it. I opened my bag and pulled out my book. It was an old tattered book that I had since I was little. Peter Pan.

It was a treasure to me. My father read it to me numerous times before I was old enough to read it myself.

Peter Pan raised me to love adventures. It also made me wish I could run away and never grow up. I guess this book played a part in me moving out here. I loved it.

I read my book quietly before deciding to head back into town. I packed up my bag and went in search of my bike.

I plugged in my headphones and cruised through town peacefully. I was lost in my music that I didn't see the car speeding down the road. By the time I noticed it, it was almost too late. I squeezed the brakes on my bike and the car driver slammed their own brakes. Tires squealed as my body slammed into the hood.

I watched figures dance in front of my eyes and heard frantic exclamations as I closed my eyes from the pain I felt.

~~

I felt someone or something squeezing my right hand. I struggled to open my eyes, but once I did I looked towards my right. There was a slumped body holding my hand. I groaned as I tried to sit up. My body felt stiff. The person holding my hand suddenly looked up.

It was my mom.

"Mom?"

"Oh my god Allison. Doctor!" she yelled out, scaring me.

Nurses rushed in, scaring me more. My heartbeat picked up and my breath started to shorten before I closed my eyes again.

~~

The next time I came around to opening my eyes my mom was watching me closely.

I was startled again.

She put her hand on my arm, "Honey, don't be scared."

I slowly started to relax.

"Am I in the hospital?" I questioned.

"Yes Allison. You were in an accident. There was a car that hit you?" she questioned.

I thought back and nodded my head. I remembered everything clearly. The memory replayed in my head.

"Yes. I wasn't paying too much attention. It was my fault."

"No. It wasn't your fault. The driver was speeding and ran the stop." she explained.

I shook my head I still should've been paying attention.

"Honey, just relax. I'm going to get the doctor so he can check up on you."

I shook my head but she ignored me and left the room.

I sighed. This was the last thing I wanted to happen. For her to come down and suffocate me with her worrying.

I impatiently awaited for her return with the doctor. When they finally walked in I sat up in the bed.

The doctor made a face as he watched.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"I'm feeling great." I responded. Hoping that he would say I was fine and let me go home.

"Hmm. Any pain anywhere?"

I shook my head, "No, not at all."

"Are you sure?" he raised an eyebrow.

"You suffered a minor head injury, and have multiple bruises throughout your body."

I shrugged, "Nothing a little time will heal. Is it possible for me to go home now?"

He shook his head, "Sorry due to your previous panic attack we've decided to keep you here a little longer for us to be assured that you are completely fine."

I sighed.

"You do remember your panic attack, correct?"

"Yes. It was just a lot all at once." I admitted.

"Well then you must understand that our precautions are only to keep you safe."

I nodded and laid back in the bed.