“Pinckney, report.”


The four men had retraced their steps and were now standing in the middle of the food court area. All four flashlights were whirling around.

“I don’t see anything, Me-guell.”
“Shut up, will you. Listen.”

The four men stood still listening… for anything.

*****


There were the voices again. She couldn’t be dreaming. Not this time, not the same dream. The sound of footsteps crept closer. She had to do something. She had to let them know that she was there.

Evan couldn’t feel her body at all. And even though her voice was nearly gone… it was her only action. She swallowed several times trying to coat her throat with saliva. She took a deep breath and let it out.

*****

“Oh *****! What was that?”
“Over there. It came from over there,” Weiner pointed.
“Damn, I can’t hear it anymore,” Kensington said.
“Quiet! Shut the ***** up!” Miguel yelled.

And they all listened.

*****


One more time. One more time. She repeated the ritual and then…


*****


“Here…it came from over here,” Miguel said rushing over to the overturned metal cabinet.

Without waiting for the others, he climbed over the scattered tables and chairs. He shone his flashlight down on the cabinet and saw a foot.


“Someone is underneath this,” he shouted.


A low moan could be heard.


“Help me lift this,” he ordered.

Four pair of hands each grabbed a corner and lifted the hundred plus pound cabinet off the body.

And there she was…


*****


There was more activity then before over by the staging area. Three more firefighters had ran inside the complex this time carrying a stretcher and a medic bag. Fifteen minutes later, seven firefighter existed the building four of which carried the alive body of a teenage girl.

*****



Days later…


Evan-Marie Porter-Kennard fidgeted in the hospital bed desperately waiting for the word from the doctor saying that is was okay to go home. Hospitals were never her thing…whether it was the antiseptic smell or the sound of death walking the halls, Evan-Marie didn’t want to spend another day in one if she could help it. She could hear footsteps coming closer and anticipated seeing the handsome doctor’s face not someone else. The door opened to reveal the smiling face of Miguel Vasquez.


“These are for you,” he said holding out a stack of the lastest cd’s.

A huge smile graced her face.

“I know you were expecting flowers but your mothers told me that you really aren’t a fan so, I thought to myself what would a girl your age want… music. And I know this because I asked my little sister and she said that that would be what she would want…so.’
“Good choice,” Evan said taking the stack.

She glanced at each of them and noticed that they were all her favorite bands.

“Great choice.”
“Thank you. So when will you be getting out of this place?”
“I’m hoping tomorrow. But I have to wait to see what the doctor says.”

The door opened again bringing in her mothers and all of her aunts.

“Hey, Miguel,” Tina greeted.
“Hi,” he shyly replied.

The hellos made they way around the room.

“Great news… you can go home tomorrow!” Bette shouted saddling up beside her daugher.
“All right!” Evan shouted her excitement throwing her arms above her head.

It was the wrong move.

Evan hissed in pain. To much activity to soon.

“Keeping jumping around like that, you won’t be going anywhere,” Tina warned.

Bette helped her settle back against the pillows while Tina ordered everyone out.

“She needs her rest if she’s to leave early tomorrow morning,” Tina stated.
“See you later, kid,” Shane waved.
“Bye,” Alice kissed Evan on her cheek followed by Dana.
“Baby girl,” Kit kissed her forehead, “I’ll try to sneak some of my pie in later, okay?”
“Okay,” she whispered.

After everyone had left, Evan tried to cover a yawn with her hand but both Bette and Tina saw it.

“Lights out,” Tina said reaching for the switch.
“No! Leave them on, please.”
“Sure, baby.”

Tina looked at Bette and Bette at Tina. It going to be awhile before Evan would be able turn off the lights.

“Stay with me, please.’Til I fall asleep?”
“Of course,” Bette answered settling beside Evan, wrapping her arms around her.

Tina sat back in the chair and watched her daughter slowly relax. A small smile spread across her lips with thoughts of finally having Evan home. And being a pain in the butt!