Unlocked by Margo Kelly Read Free Book Online Page B

The next day, those three irritating girls had told everyone at school about it. I had never been a part of any clique back then, and so it didn’t really matter when they all snubbed me. I already knew what loneliness felt like, because I usually sat by myself at lunch anyhow. When we moved to Idaho, Mom was determined to help change things. She bought me all the right clothes, shoes, and accessories. My debut as the new girl was still awkward, even with the best jeans. But after a few days, and a few great outfits, the popular crowd invited me into their world. Lily and I had been friends ever since.
    Mom lifted a pair of leather sandals from the bag and dropped them on the floor in front of me.
    “No spiders,” she said and moved to the door.
    “Leave it open a little,” I said. She nodded and left me alone to dress.
    I dropped my towel and reached for the underwear. My skin itched. I positioned myself next to the sink to keep an eye on the shower stall while I dressed. If that creature crawled back out of the drain, I wanted to see it before it saw me.
    • • •
    Several hours later, Mom dozed in the corner armchair, and I sat in the bed, tapping my fingers against the bedrail. I pushed the call button.
    Audrey came into the room. “Yes? What can I do for you, Hannah?”
    “I need to see Manny.”
    “I’ll let you as soon as possible, but right now I’m pretty sure he’s still down in radiology.” She checked my vitals and left.
    A few minutes later, I pressed the call button again.
    Audrey returned, but she paused at the doorway.
    “Can I see Lily?” I asked.
    “She’s still in recovery. Later they’ll move her to ICU, but I doubt you’ll get to see her today.”
    I pressed the call button a few more times over the next couple of hours, but Audrey always had an excuse why I couldn’t see them yet. Meanwhile, Mom had woken from her nap and was replying to messages on her phone.
    “Please find out what rooms they’re in,” I said to Mom.
    “Sure, honey.” She stepped out to the hallway to talk to the nurses, but then returned when another doctor came in to examine me.
    “You’re a lucky girl,” he said. “You’re the only one who came out of that accident unscathed.” Right. Lucky. He discharged me, but before we left, Officer Stephens came into the room.
    “Based on the information I’ve gathered from you, the doctors, and your friend, I need to suspend your driver’s license.” He lifted one unkempt eyebrow and passed me a citation to sign.
    My hand trembled, and the pen wobbled. Mom reached out and stroked my arm. Shudders ran through my body, and I began to cry again.
    Officer Stephens stepped forward and patted my shoulder. “You can request a re-examination when Dr. James writes a letter to the judge on your behalf. Plus, if the doctor clears you to drive, the judge may simply put an expiration date on your suspension. But Hannah, you drove recklessly last night, and it resulted in a fatality.”
    I breathed deeply through my nose, signed the form, and returned it to him.
    “She’s a good kid,” Mom said.
    “I can see that.” He tore off the back copy of the citation and gave it to Mom.
    I wiped my face and shook out my hands.
    “Ready to go?” Mom asked.
    “I need to see Manny and Lily first,” I said.
    “The nurse said we can’t see Lily today,” Mom said.
    We stepped into the hall and spotted Mrs. Santos coming our way. “Manny is asking for you.”
    She led us to Manny’s room, and my spirits lifted as I stepped over the threshold. Sunshine flooded through the window, and the fragrance of flowers overwhelmed me. Bouquets and balloons adorned the room. Manny’s mom probably brought them to cheer him up. Manny propped himself up in bed, and a smile lit across his face when we made eye contact. I ran and threw my arms around him.
    “Careful!” Manny said. His body clenched. “Two cracked ribs.” I leaned back, and he flushed red with pain.
    “Sorry.” I