Finding Maddy

Accident

Cecelia

As I drive my freshly washed sports car I spot that girl. Amanda. Ugh. Even after she left school, he wouldn’t give me a second glance. No matter how many times I tried to talk to him no matter what I wore. Why was he so interested in that stupid fat cow. My day was going so well until I saw her.

‘That b***h. Why did Dom pick her over me? Can’t he see how much better I am? ‘ for a moment I contemplate hitting her with my car, but why would I want her blood and pig grease dirtying my shiny baby? As I drive past, I see a car swerving across the road. Some annoying people really shouldn’t be allowed to drive. I roll my eyes and suddenly hear a loud screech. I slam on the breaks and get out of my car. As I turn, I see Amanda sprawled on the ground, blood slowly pooling around her head. I grab my phone to call for help, but then I remember, it just her. So I get back in my car and drive away.

Dom.

I burst through the hospital doors frantically trying to find her. She can’t leave me. I haven’t had enough time with her. 50 years wouldn’t be enough time. My parents are close behind and my mum holds my arm as Dad goes to the nurses station to find out where she is. He gets directing and we head over to the emergency waiting room. Mike is already there. Tears in his eyes, legs shaking.

“how is she?”

“they are working on her now. A driver fell asleep at the wheel. The Doc said she will come out once they have more information.”

As we sit and wait, minutes feel like hours. Hours feel like years. Finally the Doc comes out and over to us.

“How is she?”

The Doctor looks at us with a grim look on her face. “there is severe swelling in her brain. The next few days are critical. At the moment, she is in a coma. And until she wakes, I am afraid we won’t know more. Once she is settled into her room, you can visit.”

Mike slips down to ground and I stand there in shock. Mum goes over and holds him. She helps him up as a nurse comes over and guides us to her room. My parents give us some space and go see if they can take care of the paperwork. Mike and I each walk over to a side and hold her hands in ours. She is so cold. So still. Their are wires and tubes and i can barely hear her heartbeat among all the beeps and hums of the machines.

We refuse to leave her side. After a few days, my mum can’t help herself. She turns on the mother voice and makes us leave with her. We need something to eat, a shower and a sleep. We are no good to Maddie if we put ourselves in the hospital. She takes Mike and I back to his place for a break after we get the nurse to promise to call us if there is any change.

Dom

It’s early morning when the phone rings. We get the news that she is awake and bolt back to the hospital. As we burst into the room, I see her beautiful face staring at me.

“who are you?” my heart drops as I hear her say those words. I look over at Mike and seeing his confused face staring back at me, we walk together up to the bed.

She is so pale. Humans are so fragile. I just want to bring her home. Surrounded by the pack where we could keep her safe. I gently pick up her hand and as I bring it up to my lips, she pulls out of my grasp. I feel my heart break as she looks at me as if I am a stranger.

As the faint sound of footsteps echoes the hallway, I turn my head to see the Doctor come in.

“I see everyone is here. Well, let’s discuss Amelia's current diagnosis. The shock of the accident has caused some of her memories to be jumbled. At the moment, we are hopeful that this is temporary, and after some time and the brain heals, the memories will resurface. However, there are no guarantees. I don’t want anyone to panic or worry at the moment. We are going to take this one step at a time and I am sure that we can work through this together. Ok? Amelia, I will be back later to run some tests. At the moment, I will leave you with your family so they can answer any questions you have foe them. “

And like a whirlwind, the Doc was gone. Taking my hope of a quick fix with her.

I turn back to the bed. Mike and Maddie are hugging. I hear her softly whisper “big brother" as a tear rolls down her silken cheek. I take a deep breathe and sit down.

“Maddie, do you know who I am?” when she says no, I can’t stop my head from dropping down. I lift my gaze, run my hand through my hair and then across my mouth. “We have been dating for a while now, after you graduated, you started working for my dad. We are even planning on getting engaged.... do you.... do you remember me at all?”

“ I'm sorry, I don't.” She looks at me with such sadness in her eyes that I cant help but want to too comfort her. But I know that I can’t. Not now. It would just scare her. “It’s going to be ok. We will work through this. I got you to fall in love with me once, I think I can do it again.” Seeing t smile that brightens her face gives me hope. We sit and talk for a while. Mike does most of the talking. It makes everything less awkward. Finally, we can see that she is getting tired. So we decide to go. We say our goodbyes and promise to visit again soon.

Mike looks over at me “you gonna be ok?” “I will be"