Chapter 1: Is She Going To Be Okay

Amelia's POV

"And first place is awarded to... Amelia Reed!" The announcer says.

I gasp and start jumping with excitement. The announcer hands me a check for $1000, and I freeze for a quick photo. I spot my parents cheering, and I blow them a kiss.

Everyone in my division congratulates me, and I take pictures with the other winners. When I finally meet with my parents, they smush me into a hug.

"We're so proud of you Ami!" My mom whispers.

"How does it feel to be rich?" My dad asks playfully.

"Amazing! I can't wait to put it in my bank account." I say excitedly.

"Why don't we make a quick stop at the bank, and then go out for some ice cream?" He asks.

"Let's go!" I say, grabbing their hands and dragging them towards the exit.

After my dad deposits the check, we head towards the ice cream shop. While I look out the window, I randomly ask, "How come I can't take out the money in my account?"

"You'll have access to your savings account when you're 18. That way you'll have a lot of interest. What would you need all that money for at 9 years old?" My mom asks.

"Don't say candy." My dad says.

I giggle and mumble, "Candy..."

"We're here!" My mom says excitedly.

We all rush towards the entrance, and get in line to order. "What would you like Ami?" My dad asks.

"Cookies and cream please." I answer.

"Mint chocolate chip." My mom adds.

The worker scoops my ice cream and I beam with happiness. "Best day ever!" I say.

"You deserve it Ami. Your mom and I know how hard you worked on that dance routine." My dad says.

"Doesn't hurt that you guys graduated from that shippy college. I have the best coaches." I say laughing.

"Feels like decades ago." My mom sighs.

"Now you sound like an old lady." My dad teases.

My mom laughs and kisses my dad. "Gross guys! I'm eating." I say.

They laugh and I smile. "I love you guys."

"We love you too." My dad says, squeezing my arm.

"When we get home would you like to see a movie?" My mom asks.

"Of course! Family movie nights are the best." I say.

A few minutes later, we decide it's time to head back home. My dad opens the door for me, and I say with a funny accent, "Why thank you kind sir."

"You're very welcome My'lady." He answers back.

15 minutes later, we finally start to merge off the highway. I can't wait! What movie should you pick?

Before I could think, a car swerves into our lane, and crashes into our car. My eyes widen, and I scream. The car gets flipped onto its side, and I feel my head crash into the window.

All of a sudden, I feel a strong headache, and start to cry. I try to move but instead i see blood, then I become unconscious.

*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*.*

I wake up to a bright piercing light, and automatically squeeze my eyes shut. Are we in heaven?

I hear a beeping noise, and slowly open my eyes. I glance at my body and see needles in my arm. I began to panic and hear the heart monitor speed up.

A nurse comes in and injects me with another needle. Why are there so many needles?! I start to calm down and fall back asleep.

A few hours later, I wake up feeling less groggy. This time, I try not to look down at the needles. I try to ignore the pain I feel in my head, and survey my surroundings.

I saw my dad sleeping in a chair beside me, and he looks terrible. Rude much? He has a bunch of bandages and a sling.

I force my arm to tap his hand, and he automatically wakes up. "You're awake!" He says gratefully.

He presses a button on the side of my bed. "Are you okay? Where's mom?" I rasp out.

He quickly fills up a cup with water, and brings it to my lips. "We were in a car accident." He explains.

"I fractured my shoulder when the car tipped over. I think you hit your head on the side, so they had to deal with that. You also have a concussion, but the doctor said you should recover quickly." He says.

"What about mom?" I ask.

"She's in surgery right now..." He says.

"Is she going to be okay?" I ask.

He pauses and looks away. "I....l don't know. The car rammed into her side of the car, so she was impacted the most."

I nod and try to stay positive. My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She'll pull through. She has to...

A nurse arrives with a clipboard to check on me. After she asks how I'm feeling, she hands me some pills to take. While she talks to my dad, I drink more water.

A few moments later, a doctor walks in with a sad expression. When the doctor announces that she passed away, my dad breaks down.

I start to shake my head, and feel my stomach drop. She can't be gone... She's my mom. There was so much we were supposed to do together. When I process that she won't be able to see me grow up, I start to sob.

Thanks for reading!