Page 95 of Always

She nods nervously.

Addie seems shaken.

Maybe this is reminding her of another time. A lifetime ago. When she was the one getting loaded into an ambulance.

And I was the one deathly afraid…

Skye doesn’t speak as I help her into my car. She doesn’t speak as I call a cab for Addie.

She doesn’t speak the rest of the way to Mass General.

She doesn’t speak as I hand my keys over to the valet and we go into the ER.

I look to her, give her a second, but then realize she’s in shock. I’ll do the talking.

I walk to reception. “Tessa Logan was just brought in. How is she?”

“Are you a family member?”

“I’m Braden Black. My girlfriend is Tessa’s best friend. She’s the one who called 911.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Black, but I can’t give out any patient information unless you’re a family member.”

I consider waving some substantial cash around to get answers, but I don’t.

We’ll find out soon enough, and Skye needs me. I return to her and sit down.

“I have to call her parents,” she says numbly.

I nod. “You mean you haven’t?”

“No. I… I couldn’t think. I have no idea what to say to them.”

I take her phone from her. “What’s the number?”

“It’s in my contacts under Dan and Carlotta Logan.”

I find the contact and press call.

“Hello,” a male voice says.

“Hello, Mr. Logan? I apologize for calling at this late hour. My name is Braden Black, and my girlfriend is Skye Manning. I’m sorry to tell you that your daughter Tessa has been taken to Mass General ER.”

“What? Is she okay?” Panic laces his tone.

“She was drinking, and Skye found her passed out and couldn’t wake her. That’s all I know because they won’t give any information to non-family members.”

“My wife and I will be there right away. Thank you so much for calling.”

“No problem. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. We’ll see you soon.” I turn to Skye. “They’re on their way.”

She nods.

I take her hand, rub my thumb into her palm.

I wish I could fix this for her. For Tessa.

But I couldn’t fix my mother.

---