The Substitute Teacher (On Hold)

Chapter 3

                                                                     Chapter 3

   "Alexa!"

I turned away from the police car to the woman who had just called my name. Surprised, I answered, "Aunt Lola?"

My blonde, crazy, young, vibrant, most favorite aunt in the whole world walked towards me grinning.

"Staying out of trouble, Alexa?" She glanced at the car from which I had just exited with some interest.

Lieutenant Randall and Officer Leopold suddenly appeared ar my side.

"Miss Alexa, would you mind introducing us?"

I hid my smile as I watched Officer Leopold gaze at my aunt. He was a goner.

"Aunt Lola, this is Lietenant Randall and Officer Leopold, and vice versa."

I didn't bother with the other introductions. It was clear that they weren't needed, at least for Officer Leopold.

   The young man stepped forward, positively beaming. "Please, call me Frank."

I stifled a laugh and looked at Randall. It seemed that I wasn't the only one trying to hide my amusement.

"You can call me any time!" my flirty aunt replied, batting her eyes.

This time I was not able to completely stop my giggles so I pretended I was clearing my throat. "Um, don't we have a hospital to check in to?"

Aunt Lola looked at me with concern.

"Alexa dear, are you hurt? Your father called and said I needed to arrive here as soon as possible, so I booked the first flight over to here."

She shook her head at whatever was running through her mind.

"You would not believe how much a plane ride costs these days! But it doesn't look like Belrose has changed too much."

I rolled my eyes at her inadvertant subject change. "No, I'm fine. My dad didn't tell you? My mom is finally awake."

   Aunt Lola focused on me intently.

"Sweety, your mom is awake? What do you mean? You know she's been dead for a long while now."

I gaped at her. "You mean you didn't know she was in a coma, either? Did dad lie to the whole family? Did he lie to her own parents?"

She shook her head again. "Alexa, what are you talking about?"

I sighed. "Come with me, Aunt Lola. I'll explain when we're inside."

I grabbed her hand and our small group headed towards the hospital.

   Once inside, we made our way to the sign-in area and Randall said to the secretary, "We're here to visit Mrs. Gloria Reed."

The young woman behind the desk nodded absentmindedly and typed something on her computer.

"Mrs. Reed is located on the second floor in room 115. Please sign in on the sheet in front of you before you go up."

We took turns putting our names and the time on the list, and slowly walked to the elevator. I was lost in thought, as was Aunt Lola. Randall was whispering to Officer Leopold, but he wasn't listening. He was ogling Aunt Lola.

I shuddered. It was weird, seeing a guy look at your aunt like that. Especially a policeman. It was creepy to even think about...yuck.

   The elevator let out a small ding to announce that we have reached our floor. I took a deep calming breath, trying to gather my thoughts, and hoped for the best.