It Happens In Threes

Chapter 7

I sat on the train numb.

I looked out the window, even though there wasn't a whole lot to look at. I wore sunglasses to hid my red puffy eyes. My head hurt from crying. After Devin's message, I broke down on the kitchen floor, I didn't make it to the rest of the messages. Kevin was in the ICU, unconscious. The driver was drunk and didn't see him. Didn't see the single bright light. Didn't see the reflective jacket. Didn't hear the loud engine. Didn't see the man on the bike. Kevin never wore a helmet. I didn't know who I was madder at.

After an hour on the floor. I quickly collected myself and jumped into action. I grabbed my suitcase and threw everything in there. Clothes, shoes, hair and face products, my laptop, and all my work notes. I was going to need a distraction. I quickly called a Lyft to Grand Central. I bought a ticket to Philadelphia. I called my mom and told her I would be there around noon.

Amber and Lindsey said they would come tomorrow in the morning. My thoughts were one long continuous prayer. I needed Kevin to make it. I needed him to pull through... or at least wait for me to see him. I felt a tear escape my eyes. I quickly removed it.

Devin texted me the address of the hospital with a thousand apologies. He knew I hated that fucking godforsaken bike. I took a sip of water, to help my headache and my sore throat. I have no desire to use the bathroom on this train.

I quickly drafted an email to work. Letting them know that I was rushing to a hospital but everything is fine. They would get their article on time. I reread the email three times before sending it off. I turned off my email notifications. I didn't want to see all the condolences emails.

An hour later, the train came to a halt as we reached the 30th street station. I quickly grabbed my things and as soon as the conductor said we could leave I bolted for the doors.

There are so many things about Philadelphia that I don't like. I couldn't even concentrate on the horrible odor or their sad skyline. Once I got off the train I navigated my way inside, where my mom would be waiting for me.

My mom is the world's cutest mom. Short and vibrant. I can only take about a week with her. Our relationship works best when we're apart.

I saw her stand by the huge screen with all the train information. She was dressed to impress, as usual. She wore a little black dress and flats. Hair and makeup done, while I was in joggers and a T-shirt.

"Mom!" I called out. About four women turned around including my mother.

She gave me a sad smile as she walked over to me. We met in the middle and she hugged me. It took everything for me not to break down again. I squeezed her with everything I had. She rubbed my back and kissed my forehead. She told me everything was going to be okay.

She took my bags and walked me to her car. We packed the car before piling in. I put in the address for the hospital. It was two hours away from where we were. My mom started the car and drove off.

She tried to make small talk but I told her I wasn't in the mood to talk. I was thankful for the space she gave me. About an hour in I called Devin.

"Hey Jen," he said, his voice sounded like mine. Tired, sore, and sad.

"How's he doing?" I asked.

"He's the same. His parents just got here..." They were the last people I wanted to see. His mom swore her son was a saint and his father always checked me out.

"Okay..." I said. "How are you and the rest of the guys?"

"We feel awful...I'm so-"

"You weren't the ones driving drunk," I cut him off. Devin shouldn't blame himself.