Part 14
For an emergency room, things were extremely quiet as the guys arrived. There were a couple police cars, an ambulance, and in the distance, they could hear the sounds of a helicopter.
"God, this is creepy!" announced Nick as he gave a full body shiver.
"Creepy? How is this creepy?" questioned Brian.
"This is an emergency room. It should be really busy…you know, like on TV. This is just…..dead." All five pairs of eyes turned on Nick and he realized what he’d said and shrunk back, mumbling, "Sorry."
Shaking his head, Kevin said, "Let’s go find Annie and Chelsea."
The six men made their way across the parking lot not sure of what they were going to find. The only thing that they knew for certain was that Annie and Chelsea were a part of their ‘family’ now and they would do whatever it took to help them.
Approaching the door, the men were met by two Virginia State Troopers and Kevin asked, "Could you tell us if the people from the accident on I-264 have been brought in?"
"Are you relatives?"
"I’m Kevin Richardson. My daughter and her mother were involved."
"Are you the one the EMS was talking to on the phone…who calmed the little girl?"
"Yes sir. Is she okay?"
"She’s a very lucky little girl and you should be sure to thank your wife. Because she was securely strapped in a booster seat, she didn’t sustain any life threatening injuries."
"Wife. They think Chelsea is my wife," thought Kevin. "Why aren’t I correcting them?"
"The news said there was a fatality. Was it someone in the car?" asked Howie.
"The fatality that was reported was the driver of the pick up truck but one of the ladies who wasn’t wearing her seat belt is in critical condition.”
“Do you know which one it was?” asked AJ.
“I’m afraid I can’t give you any more information. I can tell you that the next-of-kin for both ladies have been contacted and should be here with in the hour.”
“Thank you, officer,” said Kevin.
Passing through the sliding doors into the waiting room, Marcus said, “I wonder who they called for Chelsea.”
“If they can’t get it from the victim, they run a background check,” said Howie.
“That would mean they’d call her parents,” said Kevin remembering what Chelsea had told him.
“Most likely.” Seeing the expressions of Marcus and Kevin, Howie asked, “Is that a problem?”
“It might be. Chelsea told me earlier that her dad kicked her out when she told him she was pregnant, after calling her a two-bit whore. I’m not sure having her dad here is such a good idea,” explained Kevin.
“What about the rest of her family?” asked Brian.
Marcus shook his head, “The Major made sure Chelsea couldn’t get to her mother or her grandparents but her brothers have stayed in touch the best they could. I’ve done what I could to keep her grandparents up-to-date on her and Annie.”
“What are we going to do?” asked Nick. “If her father is going to upset her, shouldn’t we stop him or at least warn her he’s coming?”
“Nick’s right. We can’t let him come in her and upset her, especially if she’s seriously hurt,” said Howie.
Kevin was trying to figure this one out when AJ spoke softly, “The police thought Chels was your wife, Kevin. Maybe the doctors will too.”
Shaking his head, Kevin started to protest, “But…”
“If it’s the only way for one of us to get to her, then I can’t argue. We need to make sure she’s okay.”
Howie spoke up, “You don’t really need to use that card.”
“Why not?” asked Kevin.
“You’re Annie’s father so you’ll be able to go back there with her. Naturally, Annie’s going to want to see her mother so you’re going to have to take her to Chelsea.”
“I hadn’t thought about that.” Glancing at AJ, he knew the younger man was reeling from all this. He’d fallen hard for Chelsea and Kevin completely understood that feeling. Putting his hand on AJ’s shoulder, he said, “As soon as I can, I’ll get you to Chels. She wants to see you, bro…she made that clear.”
“Thanks, Kev.”
Reaching the desk, Kevin was greeted by a friendly young lady who obviously recognized him. “Hi, I’m looking for my daughter.”
“Your daughter?”
“Yes, Annie Richardson. She was involved in a car accident.”
“She’s YOUR daughter?” questioned the receptionist in complete shock.
Smiling, “Yes, surprised me too. Can I see her now?”
“Right this way.”
Jumping on the fact that this girl was a fan, AJ spoke up quickly, “What about Chelsea?”
“Chelsea?” questioned the girl.
“Whitlock,” finished Kevin. “She’s Annie’s mom….and AJ’s girlfriend.”
Frowning, she said, “I’m afraid only family is allowed in.”
All five guys poured on the charm as Nick put his arm around her, “Come on…” he paused to look at her name tag, “Delores. Can’t you slip my man here…”and he put his hand on AJ’s shoulder as AJ gave his best sad puppy eyes, “in to see his woman? Haven’t you ever fallen in love the first time you laid eyes on someone…you know, love at first sight? That’s what AJ and Chelsea have going on…they just met tonight and he’s crazy about her.”
Delores was melting as each one begged her, especially AJ. She conceded, “I’ll talk to the doctor and see what I can do.”
“Thank you,” smirked AJ giving her a kiss on the cheek.
Kevin patted him on the shoulder, “Hang tight.”
AJ watched as Kevin made his way down the hall, his thoughts drifting to Chelsea. She’d called HIM, not Kevin. Now if he could only see her. He had to keep telling himself to be patient. He’d be with her soon.
