Chapter 136

ONE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX

COAL MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL

Ellie pushed at the nurse's hands as she was wheeled into the hospital entrance. "Cord, did you call the parents?"

He squeezed her hand. "Yes, they're on their way. Now they're taking you to the exam room."

"I'm fine," Ellie said, irritably. "I want to make sure the girls are treated first. And Barbara."

"They're in good hands," Cord said. "But I'm worried about you."

"No need. Find out how Derrick is," she snapped.

"Okay, okay."

Ellie scoured the doorway for the girls and families coming in. Medics first pushed Ivy and Mazie in on a gurney, clinging together. Thankfully both girls seemed physically okay, although there would be emotional scars.

Her heart melted as Loretta and Michael ran in and raced to Ivy. "Baby, are you okay?"

"I love you, Ivy," Michael said. "Did he hurt you?"

Ivy's parents surrounded her in a family hug, and Ellie sensed they would be okay.

"Where's Mama?" Mazie cried.

Barbara stroked the girl's back. "She's here, honey, in the hospital."

"I talked to the nurse," Loretta interjected. "She's going to be okay."

"I wanna see her," Mazie said.

"You can, just as soon as the doctors check you out." Barbara lovingly smoothed down Mazie's tangled hair. "Then you and your mom are going to live with me until she gets back on her feet."

Ellie smiled, even though the movement made her face hurt.

As much as she hated hospitals, Cord was right. Her head was about to burst and every bone in her body ached. She'd fought for the girls and their mothers.

She wouldn't be any good to anyone if she didn't fight for herself.