BFB High (with a continuous plot wow)

Chapter 12: In Denial

"Look, whatever, I'm just going to give these flowers to Penelope now," Connor told the three girls, but before he could open the door, Nadia interrupted.

"I don't think my cousin is in the mood for visitors, Connor," Nadia warned him.

"What, why?" Connor asked, before catching himself. "Ah right, the accident. Still, I'm her friend. If I don't come visit her, wouldn't I be heartless?"

"That's exactly how I felt," Leah muttered.

"Well, if you really want to try, then sure, go ahead," Nadia sighed.

As Connor went ahead into the room, Teddy saw Leah gaze at the door, lost in thought. She tapped Leah's shoulder. As soon as Leah turned towards the smaller girl, she removed her hand from her shoulder and started speaking in ASL. "Hey, let's go," Teddy signed. "Want to talk at my house?"

"Sure," Leah replied, before turning to Nadia. "See you later, Nadia."

"See you, Leah and Teddy," Nadia responded.

Teddy waved goodbye to Nadia as she and Leah went over to Mrs. Lemon. After the adults said their own goodbyes, the three women headed back to the garage and the car.

"Mom, can I stay at Teddy's for a while?" Leah asked before they got into the car.

"Are you sure you don't want to go home?" Leah's mom asked her daughter.

"Yes, I'm sure. Teddy's okay with it and her parents told me that I could drop by anytime," Leah explained.

"Well, alright..."

Teddy was surprised to find that Leah didn't talk at all during the car ride, but it seemed Leah wanted to save the talking for later when they were alone. Even though Mrs. Lemon had to focus on the road and thus couldn't see what Teddy was saying, it seemed Leah didn't want to talk in front of her mother, who could still overhear Leah. Teddy didn't mind. It gave her some time to think.

The car slowly rolled to a stop at Teddy's house before Leah and Teddy both stepped out, Leah telling her mom goodbye and Teddy just giving a wave farewell.

As they entered the house, Teddy heard her dad ask her about their visit to see Penelope, as she had texted her parents right after lunch to inform them of what she and Leah were doing after school. Upon seeing Leah's expression upon the mention of Penelope, Teddy reassured her that it was okay to head upstairs on her own and that she would follow later. After Leah excused herself and went upstairs, Teddy explained to her dad that Penelope had to have all her limbs amputated.

Teddy's dad was horrified. Not only was it hard to hear that such a thing happened to someone only two years older than his daughter, but due to Leah, Eve, Teddy, and Penelope being the only kids in their quiet neighborhood, their families were very close.

"How is Penelope holding up?" Teddy's father asked in concern.

Teddy paused. Come to think of it, other than the amputations, Penelope seemed to be physically fine. She didn't know how, but she didn't appear to be hooked up to anything nor were there any bruises or bandages. Then again, she could only see a limited amount of Penelope's body due to her laying in the hospital bed. Still, Teddy was more worried about the mental and emotional toll on Penelope.