Page 76 of UnLucky Christmas
“It was a car accident. I don’t have any details,” he says. “A nurse just called and told me he was brought in by ambulance.”
“I’m on my way,” I tell him and end the call. “My dad’s in the hospital.”
“You go,” Janelle demands. “I’ll pay and meet you there.”
“Thank you.” I grab my bag and race out of the restaurant.
As soon as I get in the car, Emme calls me. “Ben asked me to check on you.”
“This is all Mom’s fault,” I shout. “She blindsided him with this divorce and has already moved on. I knew he was struggling, and I’ve been so preoccupied with my own life that I haven’t been checking on him regularly.”
“Ben just saw him the other day and said he was doing well,” she assures me. “He was unpacking and getting settled.”
“Yeah, but you know how he is,” I remind her. “He’d never tell anyone if he was having a hard time.”
Fear ripples through me. “What if something happens to him?”
“Don’t think like that,” she demands. “We don’t know anything yet.”
“Are you coming to the hospital?”
“Yes, I’ll be there as soon as I finish with my last patient,” she tells me. Emme is a physical therapist. She brings a level of calmness to our family, and I know Ben will need her.
“Thank you, Emme. I’ll see you soon.
My mind immediately goes to all the possible worst-case scenarios. I know it could’ve been a random accident. Maybe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I also have no doubt he’s been preoccupied. I could see it when I was with him. His whole world has been turned upside down.
As soon as I get to the hospital, I park in the first parking spot I can find and race into the emergency room. I don’t see Ben anywhere. There are two people ahead of me at the front desk, and I’m trying desperately to be patient. I fumble with my phone as I search for my brother’s number. I’m about to text him when I hear him call my name.
I run over to him. “How’s Dad?”
“He’s stable.” Tears begin to fill his eyes, and he pulls me in for a hug. “He’s okay,” he whispers. I can feel lots of eyes on me as Ben leads me to an empty chair.
“Do you know what happened?” I ask.
“The officer I spoke with said there were only two cars involved. Dad’s had the worst damage.”
I put my hands to my heart.
“He has a concussion, bruises, and some broken ribs. They are getting him settled, and then we’ll be able to see him.”
I exhale as the relief pours through me. “He’s been so distracted with this divorce. I felt so bad for him when I went over there.”
“He was doing okay when I saw him,” Ben says. “Although he could’ve been putting on an act. It’s Dad we’re talking about.”
“Exactly,” I insist. “This is the first time we’re not spending Christmas together as a family. Even if their marriage was over years ago, it would still be difficult for him knowing that some other man was celebrating with his family in his house.”
Ben nods in agreement. “You’re right.”
Ben’s phone rings. “It’s Emme. Are you okay?”
“Yes, answer it.”
“I’ll be right back.”
I rest my elbows on my knees and cover my face with my hands. There are so many feelings swirling within me. I’m still a wreck even after hearing my dad is stable. A few seconds later I feel a hand on my shoulder. I look up and see Grant standing next to me. I leap to my feet and into his arms. His grip tightens around me as an explosion of tears and emotions release.
“How did you know I was here?”
