Once Was Happy

Chapter 2

This is Jacey's Aunt Eileen
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"WHAT?!" I didn't want to trust this lady but she seemed darn serious. I calmed myself down before continuing, "Which hospital is he at?"

"Mercy Hospital, off of South Michigan Avenue."

"Ok, I'll be there soon. Just please, take care of him. " I replied and hung up. I heard the door open and I spun around. It was Megan.

"Is everything okay?" she inquired. I shook my head as a single tear slid down my cheek. Before I knew it I was sobbing in Megan's arms. I didn't want her to see me weak but I couldn't help it. "What's wrong?" she questioned.

"I-I have to go." I said as I pulled away and took a tight grip of her wrist. "Please, Please tell Mr. Carson I'm sick and went home."

"What, why? Are you really sick cause you don't look like you are. I can't do that! I'll get into so much trouble. What's wrong?" She asked. I shook my head, I couldn't tell her, not now.

"Come to my house after school and I'll explain everything." I requested.

"Fine, but you're going to tell me everything." Megan replied.

"Thank you." I smiled. Megan embraced me again, before turning and waltzing back into the classroom.

I spun around and ran out the side door of the school. Once I reached my car, I unlocked the driver's seat door and climbed inside. I inserted the key in the engine and the car roared with life. I reached into my back pocket and removed my phone.

"Siri, give me directions to 2525 South Michigan Avenue." I instructed. She gave me directions for about ten minutes until the hospital was visible, then I switched it off and placed in my back pocket.

"There it is." I sigh, noticing a tall, white building with the words, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center sprawled across the top.

I placed my car in the only empty spot, which just happened to be handicapped and right by the front door. I didn't care about the fine at this moment. I just wanted to see my dad. I couldn't lose him the way I lost my mom. I bolted through the front door and to the front desk.

"Hello my name is Jacey McCray. I got a call saying my dad, John McCray, is here. What room is he in?"

"Okay honey, just give me a second." She began typing really fast into the keyboard to find information about my dad. My left foot started tapping constantly. I was becoming very impatient. What was taking her so long?

"Um, did you find it?"

"Yes, room 308 on the sixth floor." She responded in a calm voice.

"Thanks," I stated as I rushed to the elevator and pressed the up button. After what felt like forever, the elevator finally arrived. A few people exited the elevator before I entered. It took a while until we reached the right floor. We found the room at the end of the hallway on the left. I sprinted over to the window, watching my dad who layed on the uncomfortable bed. His eyes were closed shut and he had an IV attached to his arm. The doctor walked out of the ICU room and greeted me.

"Hello, you must be Mr. McCray's daughter." The doctor began, "It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry it had to be under these unfortunate circumstances."

"How's my dad?" I asked him nervously. I hope he's alright.

"I'm sorry but he is not in the condition to talk to anyone right now. But we are trying our best."

"Can I see him?" I pleaded.

"Yes, he should be regaining consciousness any minute. I will tell the nurse to inform you when he does." the doctor replied.

"Thank you." I say softly as he turned and walked away until he rounded a corner and disappeared. I decided to sit in a nearby waiting room and wait for my dad to regain consciousness.