We Band Together

Chapter 6

Dr. McAndrew starts to leave again, before turning back to me, "You didn't tell her about the man correct?"

"Of course not. She doesn't need to know about it. Hopefully he will just leave her, and us, alone."

"Unfortunately, I don't think it will be that easy."

Emma's POV

Since the lockdown, everything has been relatively quiet, aside from the normal hustle and bustle of a hospital. Nurse Jackson and Dr. McAndrew never told us who was supposedly calling my name during the lockdown- I mean, maybe Kara was making it all up-maybe she overdosed on some pills. But we dropped the subject and there was nothing else said. Anyway, this next couple of days was the second best event- next to Christmas of course- that happened here at Ocean Park: Halloween. Every year, everyone- and I am serious when I say everyone- nurses, doctors, parents, janitors, volunteers, and of course, kid, dressed up and we have a big party with candy, Carmel apples, professional dj's, and strobe lights. This year, all of the nurses were dressing as minions from Despicable Me so the parents and kids could go to them for help, and the doctors are dressing up as Crayola® Crayons.

As for us, well Leo is dressing up as a one legged pirate, per my request. Dash is dressing up as a zombie insisting that I should do his makeup. Kara was going as a devil/ angle sort of thing, and Jordi is going as some superhero from a Mexican comic book. Me, well I am going as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. It was going to be a great night.

"Ok, close your eyes so I can paint your eyelids grey," I say to Dash as apply his makeup for his costume. I have already seen Kara and Jordi's costume and they are looking mighty fine. I have already changed into my costume- it was a tight fighting, mid-thigh length dress decorated like the queen of heart's dress, and I also had her crown and wand.

"Hey, Emma, can I ask you something?" Dash asks me, breaking the sheet of silence that had covered us for the past ten minutes.

"Sure. What's up?" I ask, rubbing black eyeliner under his lashes.

"So you remember after the lockdown how you kind of broke down," he says.

"Dash..." I try to stop him but I am unsuccessful.

"Emma, it's been bothering me ever since it happened. I mean you don't have to tell me, but, I just want to make sure you're okay." I set the eyeliner down on the bed. Dash is like a big brother to me, always has been, and the thing is, I always wanted to tell him and Leo about what has happened, but I could never bring myself to do it.

"Dash- I don't know..." I say.

"Emma, you can trust me." He says.

"It's not trust. I'm... embarrassed." I finally manage.

"Don't be embarrassed, you can tell me anything."

He's right. I can. "... So.... I used to live with my mom and well." I pause, nervous to continue, but Dash, being the compassionate guy that he is, gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

"Well, my mom, she was abusive and one of the things she used to do to me was lock me in the basement for days on end. When Nurse Jackson locked the door, it just brought me back. Please don't tell anyone Dash, if this got out-" Dash climbs onto the bed next to me, and gives me a hug.

"Thank you for telling me. I'm sorry that happened."

"Not your fault," I say simply. "Now let's get to that party."

The cafeteria was completely transformed. Ghost streamers were hung from the rafters in the ceilings, pumpkins lined the walls, and haunting music filled the room. After searching around with Dash for a few minutes, we found Jordi, Leo, and Kara over by the punch bowl. We start to walk over to over to them, but a hand is placed on my shoulder, I turn around, and I am facing a minion.