Andrew came into the kitchen to get his mind off packing. He knew that Mark was waiting up for Aislinn. He walked into the room smirking.
"After nineteen years, you're still waiting up for her," he shook his head.
"Damn right I am," he retorted, "she's my baby, it's my job to do this."
"Dad," Andrew said, "She's not a baby. Aislinn is a smart and responsible girl. She knows when to take charge, don't worry so much."
"Ya know, Andy, you're right."
Andrew had always been especially fond of his baby sister, as well as being protective of her. He trusted her judgement.
Around midnight, Andrew turned in for the night. Mark was still waiting up. He glanced at the clock.
The man Aislinn had met and clearly fallen for without hesitation, was Rick Hillard. He was twenty-two years young, with short, light brown hair, hazel eyes, and he was a perfect six feet tall. She spent nearly the whole reception talking and dancing with him.
A half hour later, Mark gave in to his son's advice and went to bed himself.
...Three hours later, while everyone was asleep, the phone rang, disturbing and alarming Mark.
"Hm...hello?" he mumbled, in a sleep manner.
"Is this Mark Calaway?" a woman asked.
"Yes," he said, slowly.
"Hello, my name is Judy, and I'm calling from Houston Hospital."
Suddenly, Mark realized that Aislinn still hadn't come home, and when he glanced at the clock, it was three-thirty in the morning.
"Oh my God, Aislinn," he exclaimed, "my daughter; is she alright?"
"I'm afraid I have some bad news, sir. Your daughter has been brought into our facility by paramedics. She suffered a harsh beating and is in critical condition. We need you to come down," she explained.
"Right away!" he said, and hung up immediatly.
Mark already had on pants, so he threw on a shirt, and ran to Andrew's room. He did not want to wake up Jessica, but once they heard him ranting down the hall, it was too late.
"Dad, what's going on?" asked Marcus, who had entered Andy's room. Andrew was sitting up in bed now, looking highly confused.
"It's your sister, she's been hurt!" Mark cried, "I have to go to the hospital right away."
"I'm going with you," Andrew insisted.
"Me too!" Marcus said, but Mark protested that idea.
"Marcus, you are staying here with your wife. She can't afford anymore stress right now, and we can't just leave her here alone," said Mark, sternly. Marcus nodded, without any further arguement.
"Andy or I will call you when we know something."
"Okay, dad. Be careful."
TBC
