Red and blue lights illuminate the night sky. I'm sitting on the curb, a woman's arms wrapped around me. I can tell it's a woman by her sweet-smelling perfume and the softness of her embrace. I trust her. I don't know why, but I trust her.
"It's gonna be okay, my darling," she assures me, rubbing circles on my back. "Everything's gonna be okay."
"What's happening?" I ask.
"We have to stay outside for a while, that's all."
"Why can't we go inside? Why can't I go home?"
A broken sob escapes her lips. She hugs me tighter, resting her head on top of mine. I feel my eyes water with unshed tears of my own, but I blink them away. I refuse to cry.
A man in blue gets out of his car and approaches us. He is young with dark hair and a kind smile. He speaks to the woman next to me in hushed tones before running back to his car and returning with a fleece blanket.
"Here you go, sweetie," he says as he wraps the soft material around my shoulders. I didn't realize how cold I was until now.
"Th-thank you," I stutter in reply.
"Of course. What's your name, sweetheart?"
"My name is...." I stop, struggling to string words together. I know my name. Why can't I tell him my name?
"Her name is Evangeline. She's been through a lot tonight, officer," my companion comes to my rescue.
"That's quite alright. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" he questions me.
I shake my head no, but the audible growling from my empty stomach says otherwise. The man smiles and extends his hand, offering to help me to my feet.
"It's okay, my love," the woman tells me. "Go with him. He'll take care of you."
I stand up and follow the man to his car, which, up close, I realize is a police cruiser.
"Am I... am I in trouble?" I whimper. My skin is speckled with goosebumps, and I don't think it's from the cold.
"No! Oh, god, no. I just keep my best snacks in the glovebox." He winks before opening the passenger door for me.
Once inside, I take in my surroundings. Up front, it's like a regular car, minus the tech equipment mounted to the dashboard. The backseat, however, is sectioned off by a thick layer of plexiglass, with metal bars on each window.
"My name is Officer Williams," he says, "but call me Ambrose. Do you want something sweet or salty?"
"Um... sweet."
"Good choice." He hands me a bag of Swedish Fish, which I slowly begin to nibble on.
We sit in silence for a while. I guess Ambrose doesn't have any more questions.
As I munch on my snack, I stare out the window. More police vehicles are here. There's a fire truck, too, as well as an ambulance. Even inside the car with the windows rolled up, I can hear the sirens.
"Hey, you, uh, want to listen to the radio or something?" Ambrose asks, fiddling with the dial.
"What's going on?" I ignore his query, my eyes glued to the scene outside.
He scratches his head as he exhales a heavy sigh. "Evangeline, there was... there was an accident."
YOU ARE READING
What Lurks Beneath the Surface ✔️
Teen Fiction"Maybe I should bring you home," he suggests. "Maybe you should find us a more secluded spot," I toss back, snaking my arms around his neck. "You're pretty drunk, Vange." "I am." "And we barely know each other." I feel myself deflate like a balloon...
