A New Journey (Second Chance #3)

by Christina Escue

  “Between all of us we should be able to remember them all and if not we can always go to Leslie and Andrew for help.” Rylee said and they all nodded their agreement.

  ****

  While her brothers, sister and friends looked through pictures Karla went to see Mrs. Jones. She hadn’t really talked to her since the fire, but she needed someone to talk to. About everything. When she rang the doorbell Mrs. Jones answered immediately and tears filled Karla’s eyes.

  “Hey, Mrs. Jones.” She said with a watery smile.

  “Hello, sweetheart.” Mrs. Jones responded and pulled Karla into her arms. “Wanna come in and talk about it?”

  “You always know just what I need.” Karla said and followed Mrs. Jones into her small house.

  “Let’s sit in the kitchen and I’ll get you some of my chocolate chip cookies. For some reason I had the urge to bake some this morning. Now I know why.”

  “Mrs. Jones, I need someone to talk to.” Karla said as Mrs. Jones set a plate of cookies and two glasses of milk on the table.

  “You know you can talk to me about anything, child.” Mrs. Jones responded.

  “Since the fire I’ve been having dreams. Bad dreams. Dreams that take me places I haven’t been in over two years and I don’t know how to make them stop.”

  “Wanna tell me about them?”

  “I’m back in that night, the night Tony hurt me so bad. It’s like I’m that scared little girl again and I can’t do anything to help myself. All I can do is endure it over and over again. The dreams started the night of the fire and I’ve had them almost every night for the past seven weeks. The first few nights I woke up screaming and Mom, Dad and Elliot all came running. Now I swallow my screams so they don’t worry about me. I just curl into a ball and cry.”

  “Oh you poor child. Why haven’t you talked to your Mama and Daddy about these dreams? You know how much they love you and would want to help you.”

  “I know, but they’re dealing with so much right now and I didn’t want to add to their stress.”

  “Karla, let me ask you a question. What do you think is more important to them, you or that house?”

  “Me.” Karla said on a soft sigh. “I know they’d do everything they could to help me, but I’m scared. I’m scared they’ll start treating me like I need to be protected again.”

  “I didn’t know someone as smart as you could be so stupid. Girl, you need to talk to your Mama and Daddy. They’ll know how to help you and frankly, they need to know. You are smart enough to know that you can’t deal with this alone or you wouldn’t have come to talk to me.”

  Karla sat there quietly for a moment as tears streamed down her face. “You’re right, as usual. I need to go home and talk to Mom, Dad and Elliot. I want my life back. I’m tired of being scared.”

  “I know you are child and you shouldn’t be scared anymore. You have a wonderful, loving family and a great group of friends. Lean on them and they won’t let you fall.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Jones. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You’d be just fine without me, child. Just fine.”

  “I love you and I promise to come back for a more cheerful visit soon.” Karla said as she stood up from the table and hugged Mrs. Jones.

  “You be sure to bring that little brother of yours with you when you come back. Call ahead and I’ll be sure to have cookies.”

  “Elliot would love that.” Karla said. She stopped at the door and turned around. “We’ll be over next Sunday. I promise.”

  “I’ll be sure to have cookies made.” Mrs. Jones said with a soft smile. “I love you, sweet girl.”

  “I love you too, Mrs. Jones.” Karla said and finally walked out the door. When she got in her car she took out her phone and called Leslie.

  “You okay, Karla?” Leslie asked when she answered.

  “Mom, I need to talk to you and Dad. Is he home?”

  “He will be in about half an hour. Are you okay?”

  “Not really. I just need to talk to you both, Elliot, Manuel and Kiara. I need my family.”

  “I’ll make sure everyone is here within the hour. Karla, please be careful driving home. You sound really upset.”

  “I’ll be careful, Mom, I promise.” Karla assured her. “See you in just a little while. I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart. Be careful.”

  Karla hung up the phone and tossed it in the passenger seat before she started the car and carefully backed out of the driveway. As she followed the roads that would take her back to the apartment they were calling home at the moment, she thought back over the conversation with Mrs. Jones.

  She was stopped at a red light, thinking about what she would say to her family when she was hit hard from behind and pushed into the flow of oncoming traffic. A truck slammed into the passenger side of her car and spun her around. Before she could register anything else another car hit the driver’s side of her car and her world went black.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Leslie checked her watch again. “Something’s happened. She should have been home by now.”

  “Calm down, baby. I’ll try calling her again.” Andrew said as he called Karla’s cell phone again. When he didn’t get an answer again his own worry grew.

  “Something’s wrong.” Leslie said just as Andrew’s phone started ringing. “Maybe that’s her.”

  Andrew looked at his phone and frowned. “It’s the hospital.” He said then answered it. “Dr. Peterson.”

  “Dr. Peterson, its Nancy. You need to get back down here ASAP. We just got a call in about a major accident.”

  “Nancy, I can’t come in. Karla is missing and isn’t answering her phone.”

  “I understand and I’ll let Dr. Carpenter know. They’ve pulled him up here for this.”

  “Thanks, Nancy. Do you know where this accident happened?” Andrew asked as he prayed his thoughts had taken a wrong turn.

  “I’m sorry, but all I know it that it was downtown and there were five cars involved.”

  “Thanks, Nancy.” Andrew said and disconnected the call.

  “Are you thinking Karla could have been involved in that accident?” Elliot asked with worry in his voice.

  “I hope not, but it’s a possibility.” Andrew answered honestly. Andrew’s phone started ringing again and when he saw the hospital’s number again his heart dropped into his stomach. “Dr. Peterson.”

  “Andrew, its Ron. You and Leslie need to get down here. Karla was just brought in.”

  “On our way.” Andrew answered and motioned for Leslie and Elliot to hurry. “Do whatever you need to do before I get there, but I want you, Ron. I trust you with my girl.”

  “I’ll take care of her personally. Just hurry.” Ron said and disconnected the call.

  “Karla was in that accident.” Andrew said as he ushered them down the stairs. “Ron is taking care of her, but we need to get there now. Leslie, call Manuel and Kiara while I drive. I want my total focus on driving.”

  “I’ll call them, Andrew.” Elliot said as he climbed into the back seat of Leslie’s SUV.

  “Thank you.” Andrew said as he backed out of the parking spot and pulled onto the road.

  As Elliot called Manuel and Kiara, Leslie called Trent, John, Mrs. Jones and Bob. She knew they would all want to know. A few minutes later Andrew pulled into his assigned spot in the parking garage and jumped out of the SUV. They all ran to the elevators and headed to the ER.

  “Dr. Peterson, she’s in here.” Nancy said as soon as he walked into the ER. “Mrs. Peterson, Elliot, you’ll need to wait out here.”

  “I’ll take care of our girl.” Andrew promised Leslie and kissed her forehead.

  “I know you will.” Leslie said and walked to the waiting area with Elliot on her heels.

  A few minutes later Manuel, Kiara and Jake arrived and took seats surrounding Leslie and Elliot. “Any news yet?” Jake asked.

  “No, but Andrew is with
her and we couldn’t ask for anyone better.” Elliot answered.

  ****

  “What do we have, Ron?” Andrew asked after he quickly changed into scrubs and scrubbed in.

  “She has several cuts and scrapes and I think her wrist is broken. There doesn’t seem to be any head trauma, but I’ve ordered a CT scan just to be sure.”

  “Thanks, Ron.” Andrew said as he approached Karla. “Have you ordered the x-ray of her wrist yet?”

  “No. I’m waiting on the CT scan. I’m worried that she’s unconscious.”

  “That happens a lot when people suffer traumatic experiences. Their body will take over and shut down until they are strong enough to deal with what happened. I’m glad you ordered the CT though. I don’t want to take any chances. Thank you, Ron, for stepping in and taking care of my girl.”

  “Andrew, even if it wasn’t my job I would have done it. You would have done the same for one of mine.”

  “That I would have. How many more are here?”

  “There are nine total. One is a fifteen month old baby, who was securely strapped into his car seat and is fine, but his mother was freaking out so the EMT’s brought him in. We also have the driver who rear-ended Karla and pushed her into the intersection. She’s a sixteen year-old girl and they think she was texting and driving. She isn’t doing well at all. The rest are minor injuries.”

  “Thanks, Ron.” Andrew said.

  “Dad?” Andrew heard Karla’s soft voice and instantly turned his attention to her.

  “I’m here, sweetheart.”

  “Where am I?”

  “You’re in the hospital, honey. You were in a car accident, but you’re going to be alright.” Andrew reassured her. “Want to see Mom?”

  “Yes.” Karla said softly and closed her eyes. “I hurt everywhere.”

  “We’ll get you something for the pain.” Ron said as he walked out of the room and straight into the waiting room.

  “How’s Karla.” Elliot jumped to his feet and asked as soon as he saw Ron approach.

  “She’s awake, but she’s in a lot of pain. She’s asking for Leslie.”

  Leslie immediately went to Karla and Elliot sat back down. “Is she going to be alright?” He asked.

  “I’m pretty sure her wrist is broken and she has several scrapes and bruises, but I’m pretty confident she’ll be just fine.” Ron answered. “Has anyone called Conner?”

  “I did.” Manuel answered. “Him, Callie, Rylee and Dr. Newberry are all on their way here.”

  “I’m going back to check on her and I’ll keep everyone posted.” Ron said and when everyone nodded he walked back to Karla’s room.

  As soon as he walked away Conner, Callie and Rylee ran in. “What’s going on?” Conner asked.

  “Karla was in a car wreck, but she’s okay.” Jake answered. “Dr. Carpenter just came out and talked to us. She has a broken wrist and some scrapes and bruises, but she’s going to be just fine.”

  “From what I have gathered she was rear-ended hard and pushed into oncoming traffic.” Trent said from behind Conner. “Karla was stopped at a red light and the girl who hit her was texting and didn’t see Karla stopped. She hit her while driving at approximately thirty-five miles per hour and pushed her car into the flow of oncoming traffic. Karla’s car was then struck by a truck on the passenger side and a car on the driver’s side.”

  “Oh my gosh.” Callie said as she slumped down into a chair. “She’s lucky to be alive.”

  “That she is.” Trent said as he sat beside Callie. “She has the best team of doctors in Nashville looking after her so we just have to hold on to that knowledge. Andrew will do everything he can to make sure she’s alright.”

  They all sat there in silence for a few minutes before Leslie walked back into the waiting room. “They’re taking her down for a CT scan and to x-ray her wrist then they’re moving her into a room. She’s staying here overnight for observation, but Andrew said that was just a precaution.”

  “Thank God.” Mark said from where he was sitting beside Conner. “She’s going to be just fine, son.”

  “Can we see her when she’s moved into a room?” Callie asked.

  “You sure can. Andrew said to give them about an hour so why don’t we all go down to the cafeteria and get some dinner while we wait?” Leslie said and everyone rose to their feet. When they all walked out of the room Leslie fell in step beside Conner. “She’s going to be alright, Conner, but she’s going to need all of our support to completely recover.”

  “I will give her whatever she needs.” Conner vowed as he stepped into the elevator.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  “I want to go home.” Karla said for the hundredth time.

  “You won’t rest at home.” Andrew gave the same response as before.

  “I promise to rest. I just want to go home to my own bed.”

  “You can go home tomorrow.” Andrew told her and she flopped back down onto the hospital bed.

  “Ugh. You are such a doctor sometimes.” Karla said in an overly dramatic voice.

  Andrew chuckled at her words. “I was a doctor before I was your Dad and as both I am keeping you here until tomorrow. I want you to get some rest and I can’t guarantee you’ll get that at home.”

  “Fine.” Karla said and attempted to cross her arms over her chest. When she bumped her left arm and cringed in pain it was all Andrew could do not to give in to her demands.

  “Be careful, sweetheart. Dr. Carpenter will be in later to look at your arm and see if it needs surgery or just a cast.”

  “I hope it doesn’t need either.” Karla said in a pouty voice.

  “That would be great.” Andrew said with a smile. He doubted that would be the outcome, but he was not going to be the one to take the look of hope out of her eyes. “At least it’s your left arm.”

  “That is the only good thing about this entire situation. Why can’t I go home tonight? I have a Chemistry test tomorrow and I really need to be in school.”

  “You can take a make-up test. Karla, I really want you to rest and I know if you’re home you’ll be doing some kind of school work. You can’t do that here so I know you’ll relax, or at least I hope you will.”

  “You should know me well enough to know that I’m not going to rest as long as I’m worried about school. All I’m going to do here is raise my stress level and go absolutely insane from boredom. Please let me go home. I’ll stay home from school tomorrow and I promise not to study more than two hours. Please let me go home.”

  “Tell you what, if Dr. Carpenter says you don’t need surgery and can cast or brace your wrist today I’ll sign the release forms so you can go home. Is that okay with you?”

  “Sounds great. Now where is Dr. Carpenter?”

  “I’m right here.” Dr. Carpenter said as he entered the room. “I’ve been reviewing your x-rays and I’m happy to say that you don’t need surgery. You have a compound fracture just above your wrist, but there are no breaks in the wrist itself. Now we have two options here. I can cast it or I can but you in an immobilizing brace. The brace will be removable, but I want you to wear it all the time, except when you shower, for four weeks. I want to see you in my office in two weeks for more x-rays. Do not use your left arm at all for the next two weeks or I will put you in a cast. Do we have an agreement?”

  “Yes, sir.” Karla answered with a grin. “I’m sure Dr. Daddy here will make sure I follow your orders to the letter. I just want to go home and if this is what it takes to get me there I’m all for it.”

  “Okay then. We have an agreement.” Dr. Carpenter said with a grin as he turned to Andrew. “Dr. Daddy?”

  “My beautiful daughter is being sarcastic and ill-tempered this afternoon.” Andrew explained. “She thinks I should stop being a doctor and be a dad. Her comment is because I told her I was being both.”

  “Ah, now I understand. I have to explain to my children that just because I’m their father doesn’t stop me from being a doctor
too. It’s kind of an ingrained habit.”

  “They will all understand someday. Until then I guess I’ll be dubbed Dr. Daddy.” Andrew said with a grin. “At least she didn’t use that brilliant brain of hers to come up with something more clever.”

  “The pain medicine is making me think slower. Give it time to get out of my system and I’ll think of something else, but for now you’re Dr. Daddy.”

  “On that note, Dr. Daddy, I’m going to get the brace and the care instructions for the kind of fracture Karla has. Then I guess she can go home.” Dr. Carpenter said and walked out of the room.

  “Dad?”

  “What is it, sweetheart?” Andrew asked.

  “Can you text Conner and let him know I’m going home? He was going to stop by after school, but I’ll probably be home before then.”

  “Sure I can. Remind me to get you a new phone tomorrow. I got your phone and purse from the car this morning, but your screen was shattered. They can transfer everything from your phone to a new one, but you need it back as soon as possible.”

  “My car is beyond repair too, isn’t it?”

  “It is, but we aren’t going to worry about that right now. You couldn’t drive with your arm in that thing anyway so let’s worry about your car after the brace comes off. Okay, sweetheart?”

  “Okay, Dr. Daddy.” Karla said. She was heartbroken over her car, but she knew there was nothing she could do to change that. “Dad, how is the girl who hit me?”

  Andrew took a deep breath, he knew she was going to ask this eventually, but he just wasn’t ready to talk about it. He knew he had to answer her though. “She isn’t doing well. She wasn’t wearing her seat belt and when she rear-ended you her airbag deployed and the impact has damaged her spinal cord. If she makes it she may never walk again.”

  “Can you tell me her name? Conner said she is our age.”

  “She’s sixteen.” Andrew confirmed and sighed. “Her name is Candice Emmerson and she goes to your school.”

  Karla’s head popped up and she locked eyes with Andrew. There was no way it could be the same Candice she’d had the run-in with a couple of weeks ago. She took a deep breath. “Dad, what does she look like?”