“Maggs,” I said softly when I reached her. She didn’t look up right away and I wasn’t sure if she’d heard me until the two girls looked up. Both of them quickly looked passed me and to the boys that stood on either side of me. They jumped up stepping forward, flinging themselves into the boys’ arms. In any other situation I might have been jealous of the girl who cried Luke name. She was pressed so tightly to him. But for now my focus was on Maggie. I stepped forward and sat down at her side in one of the vacated seats. I put my arms on her back rubbing gently and instantly she fell into my arms.
“Eme,” she said and continued to cry. It was so evident that Maggie was in love. Her heart was breaking with the thought of losing him. Whatever had happened to Brent, he was in dire straits based on her emotions.
“Everything will be fine,” I said. I didn’t know if that were true because I hadn’t yet the full story behind why he was here. But in times like these, what else could you say. I was at a loss for any other comforting words. But I resolved to be here for her in whatever way she needed me. Thankfully, my few words of encouragement had so easily tumbled out of my mouth.
A few minutes later she sat up. I looked into her green eyes that were red-rimmed. She wiped at them. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said.
Just then a man in blue scrubs walked in the room. His presence commanded attention from everyone. It was clear he’d come to bring news of Brent’s condition. Those who hadn’t been standing stood including Maggie and me. The crowd was still parted so we had a good view of the doctor when he spoke. “Brent’s parents have given me permission to speak to you. I wanted to inform everyone that Brent made it through surgery and is in stable condition.”
There was a collected sigh of relief from everyone. I patted Maggie’s back instinctively. The doctor’s words had ended for the extended family because that was all he said. He gestured to whom I had to assume must have been Brent’s parents and proceeded to walk out the room with them.
I’d gotten a good view of his mother. She was elegant with long black hair, olive skin, and deep brown eyes. She held hands with a tall imposing man of fair skin and light reddish hair. He looked like a ancient Viking. I turned back to look at Maggie.
“See, everything will be fine,” I said clasping her hands. We sat down again.
“Yeah,” she said quietly. Her tears had slowed. She didn’t speak for a while. She just leaned on my shoulder. We sat like that for a while before I looked around for Luke or Flynn because they’d disappeared. I was looking to my left when someone sat next to me on my right. I turned to meet Luke’s eyes.
“Maggie, do you need anything,” he said leaning forward to meet her eyes.
She turned slightly and was about to speak when Flynn strode up with a tray of steaming cups and a brown bag of something. He bent down and sat the tray down in the chair on the other side of Maggie. Standing erect he said, “Maggie, I brought you.” and Maggie bolted up out of her seat and fiercely hugged Flynn. He rocketed on his heels nearly falling.
No one, not even Flynn, was more surprised than me. I didn’t think she really liked Flynn all that much. She never had anything good to say about him. In fact we almost fought a couple of days ago when I defended him over her narrow minded views about him.
Flynn’s eyes looked at me for a second before his outstretched hands finally gave in and hugged her back. Then awkwardly he patted her back and said calming words like “It’s ok.”
Luke looked at me. I muttered, “It’s a quagmire,” I shrugged before he stood to relieve Flynn of Maggie. Flynn let Luke take over for him as Luke had a natural ability to calm people. Flynn sat next to me and offered a cup of hot liquid.
“No coffee,” I said.
He said, “I’m not a big coffee lover either.” I took that to mean that it wasn’t coffee he was offering me.
I nodded and took the offered cup. A long sip of the warm liquid let me know it was in fact hot chocolate. When Brent’s parents walked back in the room, Maggie made a beeline for them. Luke came and sat on my other side as Flynn handed him a drink. We didn’t speak about Maggie’s odd behavior. She was in shock and her grief was great, so it understood that she sought comfort wherever she could get it.
“You guys disappeared,” I said pausing. “Did you find out anymore?” I asked.
Luke said, “Yes.”
But Flynn jumped in which was just like him to want to be the center of attention. “Brent and his family were hunting in the East Hampton reserves.”
“With guns?” I asked.
“No, with bow and arrow,” he said. I wasn’t sure if he was being flippant but let him continue. “Brent said he was tired and left headed back to the car. He was attacked by what they think was a bear.” He looked at me then Luke before continuing. “After hearing Brent’s cries for help, his cousin was first to get to him and saw the beastly thing shaking him like a rag doll.”
Now it was my turn to gasp. Flynn continued on like he was telling a ghost story fully animated. “His father showed up and shot at the thing. That part is a secret because firearms weren’t allowed during this season. Hunting with guns isn’t allowed until January.”
He stopped, giving us opportunity to asked questions which was apparently what he wanted.
“So what happened next?” I asked spurring him on.
“The bear or whatever it was ran off. Brent had deep gashes in his chest near his heart. That’s why he was in surgery.”
Something in what he said struck me. “Why aren’t they sure it was a bear?”
He shrugged. “It was dark and it could have been a black bear or a grizzly. I don’t think either is prevalent around here.”
I personally though that it was splitting hairs whether it was a black bear or grizzly, I mean they’re both bears. But I didn’t bring that point up.
Maggie came back her face lit up like a Christmas tree. “They’re going to let us see him,” she said then took off again to walk with Brent’s parents. I thought things were definitely better now that it appeared Brent was going to make it, but I was dismayed relatively soon after Maggie’s departure.
The two girls that had been comforting Maggie before I took over both showed up with cups in their hands. Each sat next to the boy they’d flung themselves at earlier. My focus of course was on the one talking to Luke. I didn’t give her eye contact but sat with eyes forward listening intently to what was said next.
“I brought you some coffee,” the girl said.
Luke held up his cup I was able to see in my peripheral vision. Was the girl that dumb not to notice he’d held a cup in his hands? I nearly shook my head but knew that would give me away. “Oh,” she said. “Well, I guess I’ll have it then.”
“Adelina, this is my girlfriend Mercy,” he said taking my hand and leaning back so she could see me. Adelina must have been related to Brent on his mother’s side because she had the same wavy black hair and olive skin. She was a pretty girl with delicate features I could hate. I almost did since it was clear she was interested in my boyfriend.
The girl’s face changed from grin to a thin line. She didn’t hide her disappointment at the news. Luke must not have noticed because he continued. “Mercy is Maggie’s best friend.”
“Hi,” she said with obvious dislike.
“Hi,” I said back with an extreme grin and a hand outstretch for hers. She looked down and shook it quickly.
“Well, I should go find my mother,” she said. “It was nice to meet you Mercy,” she added drolly. Then she smiled at Luke, “It was good to see you again.” She walked off and I somehow kept my mouth shut.
He hadn’t done anything wrong and in fact he’d done everything right. His first words had been to shut her down by introducing me, so I wouldn’t broach the subject. Who was I to talk anyway after getting myself into that mess with Flynn last night.
Hearing my name I turned to Flynn. He said, “Mercy, this is Adriana Luca, Brent’s cousin.” I looked in the mirror i
mage of Adelina. I hadn’t noticed they were twins because I hadn’t really paid much attention to either of them. Adrianna’s hair had been pulled back and that had been the difference for me until now.
I extended the hand to the smiling face of the girl. She took my hand and gave me a warm. “Hello.”
“Adriana, this Maggie’s best friend, Mercy” Flynn said and Adriana nodded making a small noise in agreement. “Mercy’s also Luke’s girlfriend.”
“Oh,” Adriana said dragging out the word. “That’s why Adelina left.” She laughed then said, “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not laughing at you. My sister used to date Luke,” she added.
Luke who had been holding my hand visibly tensed. “So she must be pissed. I guess I should go find her. It was really nice to meet you,” she said and in an odd way I like her. She was friendly and straight forward. She bent after standing and gave Flynn a kiss on the lips. He smiled up at her and watched her walk away.
I stood too. Keeping a smile on my face I said, “I need to find a restroom.”
Luke stood and pointed. “It’s right outside this hallway on the left.” His hand took my arm like he wanted to say something else.
I gave him a warm smile, he let go and briskly walked away. Once out of the waiting room I let my smile falter.
Chapter Twenty Seven
perfidious (adj.) disloyal, unfaithful
After I was sure I was alone in the bathroom, I found myself assessing what I looked like. Standing in front of the mirror, I pulled out my hair band and fingered through the waves. I looked down at my slim hips and long legs, they didn’t compare to tiny waist and curvy hips of the Luca sisters. Why was I letting that Adelina girl bother me? Luke had made it clear that he wasn’t interested in her.
I pinched my cheeks and pursed my lips a few times to bring the rosiness to them. To be honest, I felt like the ugly duckling next to that girl. I still didn’t see the beauty my mother in my face. Leaning close to the mirror, I could see my own red-rimmed eyes for tiredness. I was completely wiped out. It had to be my weariness that was fueling my insecurities. So I pulled my hair back up in a high ponytail and stepped out in the hall.
As soon as the door closed behind me, a boy that was walking by stopped and did a double take in my direction. “Hi,” he said taking a step back to stop in front of me. I have to say that I smiled; my ego had needed that reaction from someone at that precise moment. It was quite flattering after a quick bout of lack of confidence.
“Hi,” I said back. It was the polite thing to do.
“I’m Tony, Brent’s cousin,” he said holding out his hand. “I saw you inside,” he said pointing to the waiting room. I took his offered hand. Looking at his olive skin, I knew he too was related to Brent on his mother’s side. He vaguely looked like some of the people I met inside. I had to tilt my head up a bit to meet his amber eyes. He was really cute with dark wavy hair and a kissable mouth. Why did I notice that?
Trying desperately not to focus on his mouth I said, “I’m Mercy. I go to school with Brent.” His smile widened wickedly. I recognized the look. I should mention my boyfriend somehow, I thought fleetingly. But he hadn’t actually hit on me. At this point it might be a bit presumptuous to add that fact, so I said nothing while Tony continued to grin at me.
“Well, you look like you can use some coffee. Can I get you some?” he asked breaking the silence.
A boy walked quickly by us down the hall who caught Tony’s attention. “Hey, Tom,” Tony beckoned.
The boy named Tom stopped and stepped back over to us. “Hey,” he said looking at Tony and barely acknowledged me. Although Tony for most girls was date worthy, it was Tom who held my attention. He was about Tony’s height with wispy longish brown hair and silver gray eyes. He dressed like a skater boy with his gray hoddie zipped half way and long khaki shorts that extended past his knees. He looked so unlike Tony who wore a black button down shirt paired with immaculate jeans.
“Tom, this is Mercy. She’s a friend of Brent,” he said. Although Tom’s gaze finally turned to me, it was as if I wasn’t there. He looked right through me. Something in that stare however suggested he was caught in his own thoughts and maybe a little frightened about something.
Tony didn’t seem to notice because he looked at me and said, “Tom here is Brent’s cousin on his dad’s side.”
I would have guessed Tom was related on his father’s side with his fair skin. But all I said was, “Hi.”
Tom looked back at Tony and nervously said, “I’m headed out. If you see my dad, tell him I’ll meet him at the house later.” Then he walked off without a backwards glance. I noticed the small chain that draped from a loop in his waist band of his shorts to his back pocket. I was curious what hooked on the other end.
While Tom walked down the hall to the exit, Tony said, “So, can I get you that coffee.”
I wasn’t really up for company and didn’t think with Luke here it would be wise to accept. “Thanks, but I’m fine,” I said.
He said, “Well, I guess I’ll see you later at the house then. I nodded and he trotted off after Tom calling his name. Tom walked a bit clumsily with wide steps as if he was trying not to let his pants fall off. Tony stride, however, was smooth. It showed the confidence I felt from him. I caught a bit of him asking Tom if he could tag alone. I didn’t hear Tom’s response but since they both exited together, I assumed he said it was ok.
I looked back to my left at the open doorway that led to the waiting room. I found myself heading in the opposite direction. I followed the signs for the cafeteria making a few turns here and there. After passing the exit Tony and Tom used a minute ago with a few more turns later, I finally walked into the spacious cafeteria.
The place held several counters with hot and cold food selections. I picked up a bowl of fresh fruit and retrieved orange juice from a cooler. After I paid the clerk, I walked straight back to a group of small tables for two that line the far wall. Sitting, I turned my chair so I could lean back on the wall and have a clear view of the room while I snacked.
The place was half full, yet it was truly quiet. People spoke silently to one or another and I could only assume like me, coming to this place was not a joyous occasion.
Looking around, I found people of all walks of life, the old, the young and everything in between and no one had happy faces. It was quite depressing. Then I heard a small laugh and searched the room for it. I couldn’t see the laughing person because her back was to me. But the way her head titled back cascading her long blond hair in gentle waves, I was certain that the happy sound had escaped her throat. The creepy factor rose when I noticed the man she sat with. He stared intently at her with empty black eyes. He had a pleasant enough face, but it was eerie how he looked at her.
I should have turned away, but I found that I was glued to him taking in his features. Certain aspects of him reminded me of someone, but darn if I knew who at the moment. When his gaze drifted past her and landed on me, a shiver rocked through me. On top of that I was embarrassed by my own inability to turn away. When he gave me the wicked grin he originally had focused on his companion, I blinked before I was able to look away.
Focusing my eyes again on something else, helped me block my view of the man. I looked up to see blue scrubs and thought of the doctor that had come earlier to give everyone the good news. Looking up a little further, I could see it wasn’t that doctor. This guy was a heck of a lot younger. His smile was infectious and made his charming face radiate.
He held a tray one handed and sat at the table to my right turning his chair like mine so ultimately we were sitting next to each other our backs to the wall. This position gave us a view of the whole room. I had to give him cool points for that move because he didn’t have to ask my permission to sit with me without appearing rude.
“I saw you with the Mitchell family,” he stated before putting a fry in his mouth.
I decided that maybe I might be able to get some answers from him so I said,
“Yes, are you his doctor?”
Before he added another fry to his mouth he said, “No, but I was in the emergency room when he came in. And no, I’m not a doctor at least not yet. I’m a first year resident.”
His humility only added to his appeal, but I hoped he might tell me something more than we knee right now. “Can you tell me what happened?” I asked. Mentally, I kept my fingers crossed that he would.
“Well, he was in bad shape when he first came in. It looked as though he should have died. The bear had a tight grip on him based on the wounds. We worried that its claws may have punctured his heart.” I was riveted by his information. I hadn’t really known how dire it could have been.
He continued. “His arm was nearly torn clean off, but I hear Dr. Cunningham was able to get it mended together. I hear he’s a football player. That’s tough because it is unlikely he will play again.”
That news tore at me. It wasn’t like Brent needed a football scholarship or anything like that but he had been heavily recruited at least based on what Maggie told me. He wasn’t the shiniest bulb in the bunch and football may have been his main reason to attend college. I wondered silently if he still would.
“But you should know all of this unless,” his eyes got big. “Unless you aren’t family. Damn, I should know better.” He said. “Tell me you’re not a reporter,” he asked sheepishly.
Reporter, no I’m only a high school student is what I should have said. “No,” I said exaggeratedly. “He’s not family but I am family friend.”
He seemed a bit relived. “If the family doesn’t say anything, can you keep that last bit to yourself? I could lose my job and career over a slip like this,” he said putting his hands to his face pulling back the skin as he moved his hands to his hair in frustration.
“Really, your secret’s safe with me,” I said feeling bad that I may have caused him trouble. He turned away for a moment. It appeared he wasn’t sure if he still had an appetite. I looked up then moving my head a little to the right were the creepy guy had been sitting. I saw his table was now empty. Relief washed over me because I really didn’t wanted to see him. So why had I even searched for him again?
Beg for Mercy - kindle edition v3 Page 25