"I'll give you something to help that. In the meantime. I want you to drink some water and then we'll make sure you're fine, okay?"
I nodded.
She was very nice. Mother would like her, I thought. Ian might even trust her.
"Where's Great-aunt Frances?" I asked.
"We're taking care of her." she said. "Don't you worry. Your name's Jordan. right?"
"Yes."
"I'm Alexandra, but everyone calls me Alex."
I heard more noise just outside the living room and sat up to see other paramedics carrying a stretcher on which Great-aunt Frances lay. They had one of those bags with what looked like a wire going into her arm, just the way my mother had. Oh no, I thought, she in a coma, too. I felt the tears filling my eyes.
"Great-aunt Frances is in a coma."
"No, she's not. She needs medical help, but she's not in a coma. Don't worry."
Everything started to come back to me. I rattled it off. babbling. Alex seemed to be pleased. though. Another paramedic arrived and spoke with her, and then he left. I saw Lester Marshall for a moment talking to what looked like a policeman this time.
"Is Alanis back?" I asked.
"Alanis?" Alex asked.
"She's Mr. Marshall's granddaughter. She ran away."
"Oh. I don't know. I haven't seen anyone, any other girls about."
"Where's Miss Puss?" I asked. "Miss Puss? The cat?"
I nodded.
"Oh. I saw a cat in the hallway. I think she's just hiding from all the noise and people. I'm sure she's fine." she said. smiling.
The other paramedic returned to the living room doorway. and Alex went to speak with him. Then she returned to me.
"Well now, someone is coming for you. so I don't want you worrying any. Jordan,"
"Who's coming?" I asked.
"Your father's coining." she said. "He'll be here as soon as he can."
"My father?"
"Uh-huh. Evervthing's going to be fine," she said. "Drink some more water for me. okay?"
I started to drink when I remembered
something important.
"What about the ants?" I asked.
"Ants?"
"In the attic. Ian's ants:'
"Oh, there weren't many ants. No problem," she said.