gave
Chapter 175
Mirabella had tried to reach Jenna earlier, but there was no answer. Maybe Jenna was busy, or perhaps she had left her phone behind. Mirabella didn’t call again but sent Jenna a text instead. It wasn’t until the second period in the afternoon that Jenna finally replied. (Sorry for seeing this late. My dad’s been in a car crash, and I’ve been taking care of him.]
After reading the message, Mirabella waited until break time and stepped out of the classroom to call Jenna again. This time, Jenna picked up quickly. Through the phone, Jenna’s voice came, choked with sobs, “Mira, the doctors say my dad’s really bad off. He might… he might end up in a coma…”
Holding her phone, Mirabella listened to Jenna’s cries until she had poured out her fears. Mirabella asked, “Which hospital is your dad at?”
Jenna’s voice was on the edge of breaking as she gave the details. Just then, the bell rang for class. Mirabella was brief, “Don’t be too down, Jenna. Your dad’s going to pull through. I’ll come by after school. Got to go. Class is starting.” She hung up and returned to the classroom with a thoughtful look.
Jenna put away her phone and managed a wry smile, looking over at her mother, who had been standing outside the ICU, rooted to the spot. She desperately wished for her dad’s recovery, but the doctor’s words had shattered all hope for her and her mother.
After school, Mirabella hailed a cab straight to the hospital. She found Jenna sitting outside the hospital room, looking pale and drained, her eyes red and swollen. It seemed that Jenna’s gaze only focused when Mirabella appeared. “Mira, you came.”
“Yeah.” Mirabella reached out instinctively to pat Jenna’s head, then asked, “So, tell me what’s going on with your dad.”
Jenna looked into Mirabella’s bright eyes, finding some comfort in them. While clutching Mirabella’s hand, she started to recount what the doctors had said about her father’s
condition.
Mirabella listened, her expression easing somewhat. The situation didn’t seem as dire as she had feared.
That was when Kayla, Jenna’s mother, approached. Upon seeing her daughter talking to at tall, slender girl about her husband’s injuries, she swallowed her sadness and interrupted, “Jenna, maybe ease up a bit. Don’t make your friend upset, too.”
Then, turning to Mirabella, Kayla paused, recognizing the girl her daughter often raved about at home, the one she called Queen Mira. Her husband had even jokingly suggested inviting Mira over sometime. The thought of her husband made Kayla’s throat tighten, but she managed a polite smile. “I’m sorry, Jenna is just too upset. Thank you for coming to see her dad.”
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After a brief pause, she added, “We can’t really visit him in the ICU right now, but I appreciate you making the trip.”
Mirabella nodded in understanding. I’m sorry. I’m sure he’ll get better.”
Kayla felt tears welling up again. She didn’t want to break down in front of the kids, so she simply said. “You two chat. I’ll leave you be,”
With that, she walked away, her steps heavy with concern.
