Episode 17
1011 Words
I wake to a knock on the door. I try to sit up but I am pinned by both Cole and Zav. I hear the door open.
“Cole? Cole? Are you awake?”
I remain quiet.
“Oh Emma! I'm so sorry. I didn't know you all 3 were in here.” She says while leaning over Zav looking at me.
I can only stare at her.
“Did you sleep with both of them? Like s*x and everything?”
“Penelope! Get out!” Cole yells at her.
She runs out.
“Both of you get dressed and get downstairs.” Cole orders.
Zav gets dressed as I shower. I get dressed and go downstairs.
“Emma?!”
I look up and see Collin standing there.
“Emma what happened? Did they hurt you?” Collin asks.
“Excuse me? You think we did that? Her bastard father beat her before we ran him off!” Cole says.
“Oh Emma… I'm so sorry.” He walks towards me pulling me into a hug.
“Who the hell are you?” Cole asks.
“I'm sorry. It was rude not to introduce myself. I'm Collin Jacobs. I was seeing Jackie. We met at work many years ago but started seeing each other 2 years ago.” Collin explains.
“I'm sorry for your loss. What can we help you with?”
“Well actually, I came to speak with Emma about her mother's funeral, will and Ellie.”
“That's already taken care of. Emma already read the will and we are taking her to see Ellie today.”
“Oh…. I didn't know Jackie's updated will was in the house. It must have came in before she passed. She changed a couple of things with her funeral. I was hoping I could help you Emma?”
“I would love all the help I could get.” I tell Collin.
“Thank you Emma. I stopped by the lawyers office for an updated copy of Jackie's will. You can make the changes and call the funeral home. Or I could.”
“I will take care of it Emma.” Cole says.
“Thank you Cole. You have been a big help.” I tell him.
“Emma, come look this over with me, please.” Cole asks.
I follow Cole to the study. He shuts the door after I enter glaring at me.
“What the hell are you doing?” He asks grabbing my arm.
“Look, he has been part of my life for years. My mom loved him. He is like a father to Ellie and I. I can't take his goodbye away. Besides, he would get suspicious.” I tell him.
“f**k! Fine!”
We head to the living room. We sit and call the funeral home making a couple of changes. The funeral is tomorrow.
“Emma, do you want to head to the hospital with me to see Ellie?” Collin asks.
“Penelope would like to see her as well. Can she come with?” Cole asks.
“Yes. I'm sure Ellie would love all the company. Awake or asleep. She loves people.” I reply.
We head to the hospital to see Ellie. There really isn't any talking. We are in our own thoughts. I am excited however. I finally get to see my sister.
We head into the hospital, Collin going straight to the elevator and Ellie’s room. I finally see my sister since I found out she was here. She has bruises all over her face and arms, her leg in a cast but she really looks like she is sleeping. I hold her hand and tell her I love her and just sit with her. I don't feel comfortable talking to her with Penelope here. Penelope sits on the other side of the bed, just looking.
“Collin, can you see if her doctor is available to speak with us?” I ask him.
“Sure Emma. I'll be right back.”
“Thank you.”
“Penelope, why don't you tell Ellie about yourself while I speak with Collin and the doctor?” I ask her.
“Why? She won't be able to hear me.” She replies.
I go to say something but stop when I hear a voice
“Actually, a lot of studies prove that people in comas hear a majority of noise around them. In fact many remember quite a bit. Talking to her is good. It might wake her sooner.” The new person tells her.
“is that really true?” I ask.
“Studies have shown proof. My personal opinion is also that as well. Sorry to interrupt you. I was told you wanted to speak with me. I'm Dr. Karen Jackson. It's nice to meet you Emma. Don't look so shocked, Collin visits every day and had told me about you girls and your mother. He also briefed me about what your father did. We will be putting a restraining order on him.” She tells me.
“Thank you. I just want my sister safe.” I tell her with tears in my eyes.
We walk to the corner and Dr. Jackson tells me about Ellie and the treatment she will require. If Ellie doesn't wake soon, they want to move her to a long term care facility that specializes in caring for kids. I ask about adding Collin to guardianship for her, telling her he would better understand medically how to proceed than I would. She asks a nurse to get the paperwork and tells me to fill it out and sign. When she leaves, I start to speak to Collin in a low tone so Penelope cannot hear. I tell him everything that has happened. His face at times betraying his emotions.
“I can't take you back knowing they have and will continue to hurt you.” he tells me.
“You have to until tomorrow. After the funeral, tell Cole the lawyer wants to meet with you and me. By then I will have the paperwork from mom's safe. You work on getting me cash and I will run until I figure out what they want and why. Just take care of Ellie for me.”
“Emma, I don't like this. There has to be another way.”
“please Collin?! For mom, Ellie and me? Please!”
“fine. But I don't like it.”
“I love you. We all love you. Thank you for everything.”
With that, he reluctantly takes Penelope and I back to my home.
- Writer
