Libby opened her eyes and realized she's at the hospital. She can see people in the room. She has a dextrose and feeling a slight pain in her shoulder. She tried to touch it, she knew she'd been shot.
"Libby, you're awake, baby," Melinda, Libby's mom said. In seconds, her bed was surrounded. Mimi, Dan, Ashley, Kate, May, Jon, Martin, Libby's parents, Martin's parents, Dan's parents, her sister Joana, the school Headmaster, and Detective Zapanta is there. "How are you feeling?"
"Sore mom. I can feel a slight pain in my shoulder," answered Libby weakly. She looked around as if trying to look for someone. "How's Miss Jimenez? I remember that when Coach Bradley aimed the gun at us, she pushed me aside. Is she okay?"
"She underwent surgery baby," Melinda answered. "But she's stable as of now. She's in the recovery room and as per her doctor she will be transferred in a private room tonight. Her mom is waiting outside the recovery room."
Libby's eyes became teary. She remembered being terrified when Coach Bradley pointed the gun at her.
"Baby, Detective Zapanta is here," Libby's dad said softly. "He's asking if they can get your formal statement. Can you do it? If not, they'll come back tomorrow."
"I'll do it Dad," Libby said while trying to sit. Her mom helped her be comfortable. She closed her eyes and tried to remember every detail. "I remember going to school that morning to check on the final preparations for our Prom," she started. "At the school, I went directly to the gym where I was greeted by the events team. Ms. Mitzi, assured me that everything is already in placed, and urged me to go home to prep myself. When I was satisfied with what I saw - decorations, tables and chairs, performers, program, all okay, I decided to went home. Outside the school, I received a call from me asking where I was and told me to hurry up because they're already waiting for me at the salon. We - Mimi, May, Ashley and I, planned to meet there for our hair and make up. I told her I'm on my way. I was really going there and waiting for a cab that time. But, when I ended the call, I saw Miss Jimenez walking towards me," she stopped for a while to catch her breath. "At first, my first instinct was to run. At the back of my head, I was thinking of Coach Bradley and his threat for revenge. But when she called me, she sounded so sad. And she didn't stopped near me, she gave me distance so I won't feel threatened." Libby felt her mom's hand squeezing hers. She looked at her and saw that she's nervous. "Mom, I'm okay," she said reassuringly.
Melinda sighed. She can't help it. Her daughter almost died. "I'm just worried baby, but you may continue. Your story will help a lot."
When Libby saw her mom calmed a little, she continue telling her experience. "Miss Jimenez told me that Coach Bradley is planning something big and that I need to be careful. She told me she was sorry about the scheme but that she needed money that time. But as she was leaving, a van suddenly stopped and Coach Bradley emerged. We were both shocked so we frozed for a while. I was about to run back inside the school when I saw Coach Bradley dragging Miss Jimenez towards the van so I came back to help Miss Jimenez but Coach Bradley was so strong we were both in the van in minutes. He then put a hanky in our nose and I remembered passing out in the van. When I woke up, Miss Jimenez and I were tied to a post inside a warehouse. Miss Jimenez told me to stay still and to be calm. We can hear Coach Bradley talking on the phone with someone. I think he's planning to get out of the country. Miss Jimenez was able to untie her hands but pretended she was still tied because we're waiting for a chance to escape but then we heard Coach Bradley's panicked voice asking us who called the police. He said that there's police everywhere and he said he won't go down without a fight. We can hear footsteps outside the warehouse. And when the first team went inside Coach Bradley started firing his gun. When he felt that he's cornered he shouted at us that it's all our fault then pointed the gun at me. I remembered Miss Jimenez shouting then throwing her body at me," she finished her story with trembling voice.
Melinda hugged Libby. Her eyes became teary. No mom would want her kid go through a horrifying experience like that.
"Mom," Libby said softly. "Miss Jimenez saved me. I hope we can do something in return for her."
Melinda touched Libby's face. "Of course sweetie. We'll think of something. But first, focus on getting better, okay?" She fix Libby's hospital bed so she can lie down comfortably.
"Thank you for your statement Miss Morales. I will go to the station first to file this. I heard that they are still holding Coach Bradley in a cell there while awaiting for trial," said Detective Zapanta. He signalled to Headmaster De Jesus to meet him outside. "I'll go ahead then. I'll update you once I reached the station."
"I, also, need to go to school to report to our board members. The owners, as you know, already talked to their lawyers and they are currently building a case against Coach Bradley," said Headmaster De Jesus. "I will come by again later."
"I'll go with you up to the hospital exit," said Libby's dad. "Baby, I'll just see Detective Zapanta and Headmaster De Jesus to their cars okay? I'll be back." He kissed Libby's forehead. "Do you need anything Dear?" He turned to Melinda. "I can drop by the convenience store."
Melinda shooked her head. Libby's room is full of flowers and food from her friends, the school, different organizers, that wishes her well. "It's okay Dear," she told Gerry.
Detective Zapanta, Headmaster De Jesus and Libby's dad went out. But contrary to what they said at the room, they didn't leave the hospital. They went to the cafeteria and sat there, all looking serious.
"We will post a twenty four hour security for Libby and Miss Jimenez," said Detective Zapanta. "Will go to the station later to check the list of police officers that we will send. I think two guards per room with a shift of eight hours, so three batch of officers."
"How can this happen?" Gerry asked.
"I don't have the exact details yet but from what I gather, the car where Coach Bradley was, was ambushed. Fortunately the officers who was with him at the time didn't die. From their story, two vans intercepted them and eight gunmen started shooting their car. They took Coach Bradley and continued shooting at them."
"I need to go to school immediately, meet the security officers, inform our owner and the school board and our students and their parents. I think we need to suspend school until Coach Bradley isn't caught yet," said Headmaster De Jesus worried.
"I agree, Headmaster. As soon as I have all the info, I will report it to you," said Detective Zapanta.
"Okay, I'll go ahead first," said Headmaster De Jesus. "Will call you later Mr. Morales." He stood up and went his way.
"Inform your wife Mr. Morales," said Detective Zapanta. "And if you think Libby can handle the news, you must also tell her. I'll call you once I arrive at the station and will deploy security immediately. But for now, stay vigilant."
"Okay," said Libby's dad.
"I'll go ahead now. My service is already outside," said Detective Zapanta. "Please keep your lines open at all times. Expect my call within the hour."
Libby's dad nodded. They shook hands then Detective Zapanta went out. Libby's dad stood up and walked towards Libby's room. But he's deep in thoughts. He's worried for his daughter's safety. He almost knocked over a guy standing outside Libby's room that ran away immediately upon seeing him.
"Hey, wait!" he called when he saw that something fell from the guy. When the guy just continued running away, he picked up the thing that fell from it. It's a wallet. His eyes widened and chills went through all over his body upon seeing an ID inside the wallet. It's Coach Bradley's.