The Story Of Us

t h r e e

It was January 20th, in ninth grade.

You, me, and Spencer were at your house after school on a Friday.

"I want foodddddd." Spencer whined leaning on you, "Addison make me fooddddd!"

You let out a small laugh, "Fine I'll go make some popcorn and Ash, you know where the movies are so pick one out," you ordered.

I dragged myself off your couch and made my way to the cabinet. I didn't want to watch a movie so I pulled out a DVD of a series of family guy, our favorite show.

You came back into the living room, cradling the bowl of popcorn.

"Yay food!" Spencer cheered gleefully.

"Here you fatty." You laughed and handed the bowl to her.

Half way through the second episode, a knock sounded at your door.

You pushed yourself gracefully off the couch and padded your way to the door.

"Oh, hi Aunt Jenny," You greeted surprised, "What are you doing here?"

I remember you telling me about your Aunt Jenny. She was your moms sister and she didn't come around very often. This was probably the first time I had met your aunt since you guys first moved in.

"Addison, get your jacket. We need to go to the hospital right now." Your aunt ordered.

"What? Why?" You scrunched up your eyebrows in confusion.

From the living room I watched your aunt nervously chew her lip, eyes darting around the room. She seemed nervous.

"Your parents... they got in a car accident." She finally let out, making eye contact finally with you, "On their way home from work, someone was jaywalking and they swerved and hit another vehicle."

"Oh my god..." You breathed. I could tell how afraid you were, your breathing quickened and I could see a slight shake in your hands.

"We need to go now." Your aunt strictly said, starting to pull you out the door.

"B-But my friends are here!" You said, pulling away from her grip to look back at us.

"They can come too, we just need to hurry."

So quickly, Spencer and I got on our jackets and shoes and got into your aunts car.

The car ride to the hospital was eerily silent. I could see your hands still shaking so I held it tight in my own, while Spencer gripped your other.

You gave a sad smile of appreciation to us both before locking your eyes ahead on the road.

We turned into the parking lot of the hospital and made our way inside.

"Hi were here for patients Tom and Natalie Parks." Your aunt told the front desk.

"Room 287 right down that hall. Only family members are allowed in. Others can sit outside in the hall." The nurse pointed.

Your aunt quietly thanked the nurse and we all made our way down the hall, stopping at room 287. I gave your hand one more reassuring squeeze before you entered the room with your aunt.

Spencer and I sat for awhile. About 10 minutes of waiting Spencer left because her parents were there, she told me to let you know to call her later. I stayed. I waited for you.

After some more time, I lost count of how long, I heard a wild array of beeping. Nurses and doctors rushed from all over...into your parents room.

You and your aunt were ushered out of the room.