Chapter 15

Howie and Kevin just looked at each other for a moment, not sure what to say. Finally, Kevin spoke.

"Well, AJ hurt his back and neck a little," he said, trying to make it sound not as bad as it was. "He's gonna be okay though."

"What about Brian?" she asked, anxiously.

"Brian broke a few ribs and hurt one of his lungs, but he's gonna be fine eventually. He had an operation this morning to fix him up."

"What about my brother?" she asked. Kevin took a deep breath.

"Nick hurt his head pretty bad, Angel," he said. "He's in a coma right now. Do you know what that means?" Angel nodded, her eyes filling with tears.

"Is he gonna die?" she asked, her voice small and frightened sounding.

"I don't know," Kevin said. "I hope not."

"When can I see all of them?" Angel asked.

"I don't know. Probably not for awhile. You just had surgery," Kevin told her. Angel looked down, letting her dark hair fall over her face, hiding her tears. Howie noticed this and immediately put his arms around her.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he said, trying to comfort her. "It'll be okay."

He and Kevin stayed with Angel for another half hour, comforting her until she finally fell asleep.

***

By the next day, everyone's families had arrived in Nebraska. Brian's parents had gotten there as soon as they could get a flight. Nick's parents had taken awhile longer to get a hold of, since they were both touring with Aaron and Leslie. But they had finally been reached, and they, Aaron, and Leslie had arrived early that morning. Kevin's mother had flown out to Nebraska with Brian's parents. Howie's and AJ's mothers had also come. All the families were staying in the same hotel, but they spent most of the day at the hospital.

AJ's condition had not changed at all. He had no movement of his limbs yet. He had begun to realize that it might not just be a temporary thing too and became extremely depressed.

Nick was still the same as well. He remained in a coma, unable to even breathe on his own.

Angel seemed to be doing better. The doctors were sure she was going to heal quickly. It would be awhile before she was able to eat solid food again though. For now, she was getting nutrients through an IV.

Brian had opened his eyes the night before briefly, but he had been too out of it to stay awake and realize what was going on. The doctors assured everyone that he would eventually come around. They all hoped so.

***

 

 

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