Getting Busted Will Ruin Everything

 

 

I couldn’t shake the security guards! Neck Tattoo and Muscle Guy Guard stepped off the elevator onto Mac’s floor. Their heads swiveled this way and that way.

I spotted them from the waiting room. They would’ve spotted me, too, if it hadn’t been for the Morton gang standing between us like a human forest. Five or six Mortons left the hospital. The other Mortons stayed behind and said they’d text the deserters if Mac’s conditioned changed.

Using the Mortons’ oversized bellies and butts as cover, I slipped away like a girl ninja down the hall.

Glancing back, I saw Neck Tattoo and Muscle Guy Guard making a path through the Morton forest. No way was I going to let those chuckleheads nab me. Mom’s stress level was already at DEFCON One. Me getting busted by hospital security guards would make her go nuclear.

The stairwell was the answer.

I speed-walked toward the door until someone grabbed me from behind.

Mom. Her eyes were wet but bright.

“What’s wrong, Mom?”

“Nothing at all.” She pulled me into an embrace. “Finally, a bit of good news!”

Howard and Tabitha were behind us. “Thank you, Tabby.” Howard said to his daughter. “What a fantastic idea. You did such a wonderful thing.”.

“Cool,” Tabitha said, uncertain. “Now tell me what I did so I can do it again.”

“The race car, Tabitha. You brought Mac’s favorite Hot Wheels car to him. He’s been holding it on his own. It’s a huge step in the right direction.”

“He is? That’s great!” Tabitha beamed at the good news. “But I didn’t bring his race car, Dad. It was probably one of the cousins who did that for Mac.” She gave me a look that said, speak up and take credit, and I will end your life.

“Really?” Howard said, showing a skeptical look. “But which one?”

I didn’t want to take credit for four reasons.

One: No one would believe me.

Two: I was just happy that they were happy, and that Mac was holding the car.

Three: I wasn’t in the mood to be murdered by Tabitha.

Four: The security guards would be coming around the corner any second.

The stairwell was five steps away. Freedom, here I come.

“She did it.” Uncle Dennis waddled out of Mac’s room, pointing at me. “Bernice brought him the car. I saw her place it in Mac’s hand.”

“Is that true?” Howard said, stepping closer.

Great. There goes my quick escape! I wasn’t sure which was worse, everyone thinking I was some sort of hero, or getting busted by the guards.

“I thought it might help Mac remember his home, that’s all,” I said.

“But how did you know to bring that specific car?” Howard asked.

“How did I know? Honestly, Howard, the car told me. First, it started to glow, then it spun a few laps around Mac’s desk. It was kind of show-offy, actually.”

Howard, Mom, Tabitha and Dennis stared at me. Apparently, they had no idea what to make of what I’d just said. Who could blame them? It didn’t matter. I was done lying.

“All I can say to that is hallelujah and God bless!” Howard smiled. “That particular car, Bertie, it has a story. It was the last gift Mac’s mother bought him. It’s not a grand story; they were just standing in a Target checkout line when Mac spotted the car. Some other kid had decided to not buy it. Anyway, Mac had to have that little car. Normally, Mac’s mom, Sandra, wouldn’t have given in. She had rules, strict rules, but on that day, she broke them. And Mac made a special place in his heart for that tiny three-dollar race car. A month later, Sandra … she passed on.”

Howard kept smiling, but I could see it was more difficult for him. “Forgive me for rambling, Bertie. What I’m trying to say is … thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” I said. My eyes flew wide. Neck Tattoo and Muscle Guy Guard were getting closer. Ten steps away from me. I had nowhere to run. Those guys were nearly on me like a flea infestation.

Five steps away from getting busted. What to do?

“Howard, can I give you a hug?” I said.

“Sure you can!” he said.

I jumped to Howard as Tabitha fumed and Mom beamed. Clinging to Howard’s chest, I hid inside his hug. Neck Tattoo and Muscle Guy walked right past me.