Page 36 of Dear Mr. Vampire
“Yes, he is.” I agreed. Craig, being involved in a road rage accident, just seemed ludicrous.
“The police said there was a white pickup truck driving erratically, and some witnesses said Craig was trying to get away from the truck when he drove into the semi.”
“Let’s just focus on getting him better.”
“Right.” Morgan noticed Zand standing a few feet away. “Oh, he’s with you?”
“Yeah, he drove.” I mumbled.
“Good. I didn’t want you driving here all by yourself.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m good.”
We hugged another again and this time Morgan’s body was more at ease. Our embrace was interrupted by the static over the hospital’s intercom system.
“Dr. Ramadi, Code Blue. ICU.” A peaceful voice rang out from the overhead speakers.
Morgan’s face got tense. “That has to be Craig. He’s in ICU. Dr. Ramadi, that’s his doctor.”
Morgan sprinted toward the bank of elevators, and I hurriedly followed her. There was one open elevator and without hesitation, we dashed into it. Morgan pushed the button for the floor. As the doors closed, I looked out at Zand standing there in the visitor’s waiting room. I lifted my hand slightly to him right before the elevator’s door closed.
When the doors opened on the third floor, we were ushered into a room by Mitchell. I knew what that room was. It was the room where doctors brought you bad news. Craig’s parents werein the room, along with his sister. Our mutual friend Donna was there, too. I briefly wondered why I didn’t think she would be. She was Morgan’s friend just as much as I was. Maybe even more now that I was away. A pinch of jealousy hit me and I quickly swiped it away. This wasn’t the time for those types of negative feelings.
I walked over and gave Mitchell a hug. Donna stood and hugged me tightly. Which made me feel worse for having envious thoughts. Donna grabbed my hand and pulled me into the chair beside her. We all sat in silence, but Craig’s father paced the carpet under his feet. I didn’t think Craig had any brothers. He was his father’s only son. This had to be heartbreaking and tragic for Craig’s family.
I fished my cell phone out of my bag. I’d left Zand downstairs, and I didn’t know what he was going to do while I waited. I pulled up his last text message to me. I could feel Donna’s eyes all on my lap as I looked down at my cell screen. I would normally scold her, but this wasn’t the time and place for me to check her nosy ass.
[Are you still here?] I texted him, even though I was sure he was right where I’d left him.
[Yes, how’s it going?]
[I’m going to be here for a while. I think there’s going to be bad news coming soon. I believe Craig coded again.]
[That sucks. I really hope he pulls through.]
[I do too.]
[I’ll go get us a hotel for the night. Text you when I get the room.]
[Thanks.]
[No problem. Call me when you need me to come pick you up.]
[I will.]
[Are you okay?]
[Yeah, I’m fine.]
[Ok.]
[Give me a call when I need to come back.]
[I will.]
Zand texted me three red hearts. I hearted his emoji and slipped my cell phone back in my purse.
“Is that your boyfriend, you’re texting?” Donna whispered.
