The Adventures of Adelaide Banner

Part 1

 "Sweetheart, we're going to be late for dinner!" Addy's mom yelled from the other room.

"Just one sec mommy, I'm almost ready," Addy replied. She finished putting up her hair and walked into the front room where her mom was waiting for her. Before she left the house, Addy turned to look at herself in the mirror that was placed by the front door. She sighed and headed toward the Subaru in her driveway.

"Mommy?"

"Yes sweetheart."

"I miss Uncle Bruce."

Her mother looked at her and smiled as tears welled up in her eyes. "I miss him too."

Addy's uncle, Bruce Banner, had been missing for almost a year now, so Addy and her mother were the only Banners left. Her mom had made a reservation at her favorite restaurant in hopes that it would lighten their spirits. Addy was starving. Her mouth was watering as she thought of the incredible steak that she was about to consume. She was about to tell her mom that she loved her when she saw bright lights coming their way.

"Oh, good. She's awake," said an unfamiliar voice. "Hello? Can you hear me, miss?"

"Huh?" Addy made a grunting noise and opened her eyes. "Where? Where am I?"

"You're in the hospital, miss. Can you tell me your name?"

Addy hadn't yet understood where she was but she replied, "Adelaide Josephine Banner."

"And how old are you Adelaide?"

"I'm 15."

"Okay. You're going to be alright. Your left arm is broken, but everything is okay and you should be fine."

Addy finally realized where she was. Her eyes shot open. She wanted to sit up, but she didn't have the strength.

"Mommy?" she screamed.

"No, my name is Dr.---"

"I know you're not her, where is she!" Addy's voice echoed through the halls.

Dr. Whatever looked into her eyes almost in tears. "You... You two were in a terrible accident. Your mother didn't make it."

Tears filled in Addy's eyes and she began to wail. Her throat felt like it was closing, and she couldn't breathe. Her screams were so violent that the other doctors in the room squeezed their eyes shut. The pain in her screams was so evident that one of the nurses outside began to cry.

"I'm so sorry Ad---"

Addy shut her eyes. "Don't apologize. It was by no means your fault." She paused and opened her eyes again. "But who killed my mother?"

The doctor winced at the question proceeding to tell Addy that they didn't know yet.

The tears continued to stream down Addy's face, now quieter, but still painful.

"Do you have any other family Adelaide?"

"No. I don't. And please call me Addy."

The doctor nodded and gave a sympathetic smile.
"The police are looking everywhere right now. They're searching everything. Whoever it was that hit you drove off right after it happened. But I'm sure they'll find the person responsible."
"When they find him, I'm gonna kill him," Addy said softly, through more tears.

Her doctor pretended not to hear that comment, as she wouldn't have known what to say.

"I'm sorry I cut you off earlier," Addy commented. "What was your name?"

The doctor looked at her sweetly. "Joanna."

Addy tried to say "it's nice to meet you" when she choked on her words and began to sob even harder. Instead of ignoring the broken mess in front of her, Joanna sat on the bed next to Addy and hugged her tightly.