"Crime?" I asked in alarm.
"Someone broke into that dance studio around the corner from the house and burned another someone to death. They said on the news that they'd had the shit kicked out of them beforehand." She shuddered. "And then they left a stolen Subaru Brat right out front. Who would do such a thing? Do you remember when you used to dance there, honey?"
"I remember." I shivered, and then winked at Fredward.
"I can stay, baby. I can stay all night long," my mother said, trying to be comforting
"No, mom, it's okay. I'll be fine. I'll have Fredward with me, and the dance studio's pretty far away from here."
She looked like that might be why she wanted to stay. "I'll be back tonight." It sounded as much of a warning as it was a promise, and she glanced at Fredward again as she said it. "So no funny business."334
I waved my hand, brushing the idea away. "I love you, Mom."
"I love you too, Bella. Just try to be more careful when you walk, honey. I don't want to lose you."
Fredward's eyes stayed closed, but a wide grin flashed across his face.
A nurse came bustling in to check all my tubes and wires. My mother kissed my forehead, patted my broken leg, and left.
The nurse was checking the paper readout on my heart monitor.
"Are you feeling anxious, honey? It looks like your heart stopped for a moment."
"I'm fine," I assured her. "I was just so surprised to be alive after falling out of a hotel window and into a dumpster."
"I'll tell your RN that you're awake. She'll be in to see you in a minute."
As soon as she closed the door, Fredward was at my side.
"You stole a car?" I raised my eyebrows.
334. Please see thought question #13 for more.