That Kind Of Love

Mom? Dad?

I tried to support Liz's body weight the best I could as her composure was lost at the sight of her mother.

Her dad had fallen asleep in one of the chairs next to the hospital bed. He was bruised, but obviously in better shape then her mother. Cady had said a windshield, but it looked like she had went through five and then slid across a football field.

She was passed out, probably from all the morphine they had to give her. At the sound of Liz's sobbing, her dad lifted out of his sleep, and rushed to take her from our grasps.

"Sweetheart its okay," her dad said stroking her hair and tearing up himself. "How did you know?" he asked concerned. "I thought all contact was forbidden."

As Liz continued to cry, unable to catch her breath long enough to speak, he shook his head.

"Nevermind we'll discuss this after. Thank you girls for bringing her here. Her mother will recover with higher spirits now that she'll wake up to her daughter."

We nodded, unable to speak. None of us had seen Liz under these conditions. I squeezed Ashely and Star's hands, signaling to leave the family in peace.

It was time for the next room.

Ashely was next, and it looked like her dad was driving. He was lying on one of those special support beds and he looked pretty banged up too. The nurse had said something about who was sitting where but we were too shook up to catch it.

Ashley's parents had split up, but her mom was in the waiting area for support. Ashely put her hand over her mouth as little choking noises started and the tears started flowing.

She couldn't full on sob, but only carefully take her dad's hand in her free hand, and silently cry. I knew she wasn't going to leave that spot.

I also knew my mother was next, but looking at the expression on Star's face, I couldn't let her do it alone.

I pulled her past my mom's room, and caught the grateful look she shot me as we entered her parent's room.

Her father was out cold, but her mother was trying to read a book. Star stopped in her tracks. It looked like they'd been in a gang attack or something. Her mothers usually soft face was purple and swollen, as was her father's.

Honestly though, they looked the best of the other parents.

As Star gasped, her mother looked up from her novel, and froze.

"Star?"

"Mom!" Star said, running into her mother's grasp. I stood watching the embrace, and envied their relationship.

I was glad they were okay.

I left Star to her embracing, and slowly made my way to my mother's room. "Kota!" I heard from behind me. I turned and ran smack into a flying Cady.

I hugged her tight as she sniffled. Her face was red and puffy from crying.

"Cady shh," I told her.

"I'm so sorry, I know I was supposed to keep an eye on them and I failed and-" I put my hand up to stop her from going any further.

"Cady, were you the sleeping truck driver that hit them?"

"Well no but-"

"Were you the guard rail that failed to stop them from flipping?"

"No."

I touched her arm. "Then there is no reason whatsoever for you to be apologizing. If anything, I'm sorry for leaving you to be responsible for covering for us," I said.

She put her hand over mine, and told me to shut up. I nodded, choking up and looked toward my mother's room.

"Go," she whispered. I nodded again as she squeezed my hand for support, and made my way in.

I think I took three steps, and dropped into the chair by the door.

My head went fuzzy.

I thought I was going to pass out.

It looked like the car had caught fire, and she was the last to be dragged from the wreckage. They were helping her breathe with machines, and I couldn't watch.

I ran for the nearest exit, and far away from the hospital into the cool night air.

I whipped out my phone, calling the two people I needed more then ever. It rang twice and went straight to voicemail.

"This is Dennis, please leave your name and number at the tone."

"Hey dad, its Dakota. I know its been a while, but mom's in trouble. Please call me asap."

I hung up, knowing he wouldn't call back, but figured he should know. I called the next best person to talk to.

It also rang twice, but it picked up.

"Hello, its Matt." I sighed and struggled not to sob.

"Hey its me," I choked.

"Babe, whats going on? How's everyone's parents?"

I covered my face, and found myself not able to speak.

"Kota, are you holding up?"

I shook my head, forgetting he couldn't see me.

"Give me one second," he said, putting the phone on mute.

I set my phone down, letting the pictures of my mother come back to me, and let myself cry until I heard him faintly calling my name from my lap.

"Yes," I said, sniffling into the phone.

"I'll be there in about seven hours, and don't you dare say a single word okay? I'm not taking no for an answer, and Shawn and Taylor are going with me to the airport to catch Chris' flight. It will all be okay. Just hold on, and I'll see you soon."

I knew better than to argue, and selfishly, I wanted him here.

"Okay," I said through tears. "I have to get back to my girls, I'll warn them, and call me when you land."

"I will," he said, and I hung up.

They would have to either decide to meet the guys secretly, or tell their parents about our trip. They had around seven hours to decide.

I sent out a group text between us.

Hey girls, I know you think this is not a good time, but trust me it is. Meet me in the lobbie in ten.

I put my phone in my pocket and made my way back to the hospital. Unless my mom woke up, I wasn't going in that room for the next seven and a half hours.