"What happened?" Derek asked after a few moments of silence.
"She was shot," Dad whispered. "Now let's go Maddy."
I nodded and followed my dad to his car and we sped away to the hospital.
***
I have never had a phobia of hospitals until that day. I felt like the walls were closing in. I wanted to scream, but I managed to stay quiet. A few moments later, Derek arrived, holding his sister's hand, and his mom behind him. He immediately sat beside me and clenched my hand.
"She'll be okay," Derek mumbled.
"Derek, you know how fragile my mom is," I mumbled.
"And she's a fighter," Derek retored.
"I guess you’re right," I said, sighing.
"No tears?" Derek asked, raising an eye brow.
"I need to stay strong," I replied simply.
"Well if you need a shoulder to cry on, you know where to find me," Derek said. I looked up at him and smiled.
"Thanks Derek, that's really sweet of you," I stated.
"Ugh, tough guys aren't sweet," Derek grumbled.
"Who said you where sweet?" I asked.
"Shut it redhead," Derek mumbled, crossing his arms in a grumpy manner.
