Page 124 of Introvert

"What do you mean, not you?" I said.

Freya hesitated, chewing on her lip.

"Frey, I just had the weirdest conversation with my mom.You're in a hospital. Please, just tell me whatever it is. I'm thinking the worst here."

With a tired sigh, she said, "Okay, but I'm not supposed to tell you."

"So? When have you ever done what you're told?"

"It's your dad."

My stomach dropped.

"He's in the ER."

I felt like I couldn't breathe. "Is he okay?"

"He collapsed at practice," Freya said then hurried to add, "but the doctors think he'll be fine. Probably."

"Probably?" I said weakly.

"They're running some tests and keeping him overnight to be sure.They want to rule out a stroke."

"I'm coming home."

"No, no, no," Freya said, "that's why no one wanted to tell you. You're on tour. It's—"

"Not as important as my family," I cut in. "I'm coming home, Frey. Thank you for telling me. I'll see you soon."

"Be safe, Ror."

I hung up and stood there frozen.

My dad was in the hospital.

I was miles away in a totally different state.

I had no car.

Not a lot of money.

Even if I did rent a car, I needed a fast one. I wanted to be there for my dad. And Mom. Oh goodness, that's why she'd sounded sostrange. Wehad a few days off before the next performance. Technically, I wasn't supposed to leave until the tour was over. It said so in my contract, but this was my family.

Nothing else mattered. I had to get back, and I'd hitchhike if I had to.

"Aurora."

I looked up to find London and HERS staring back at me. Felix was conspicuously absent.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Everything," I said then shook myself. "Do any of you have or know someone who has a fast car? Iknow I'm not supposed to leave, but I need to get to North Carolina, quick as possible. It's a family emergency."

"I know someone who can help."

London looked to Hayden who nodded.

"Ask her for the Bugatti," Santino said.

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