Free Scar by Kelly Favor Page A

question is Elijah Daniels, from Boston Massachusetts.” The anchorman shuffled some papers and sighed. “And we’ve been told that at the time of the fire, Mister Daniels was the subject of a statewide manhunt.”
    The anchorwoman cleared her throat and raised her eyebrows. “So this hero was also a criminal, and he was wanted in two states?”
    “Yes, that’s the official story we’re getting at this time.”
    “Is there concern that he may have started the fire?”
    “Tina, we don’t have any more information right now. All we know is that Elijah Daniels is in police custody and currently being treated for injuries he received as a result of the fire.”
    “That is one strange story,” the woman said, chuckling.
    “It is, and I for one, hope that this young man was trying to sincerely do something good and not involved in anything sinister.”
    The channel cut to a commercial and Caelyn was left wondering just what else could go wrong. Now the people on the news were speculating that Elijah had purposely started the fire—for what reason? Just so he could then break in and risk his life to save that family?
    It didn’t make any sense.
    But she knew from past experience that it didn’t have to make any sense. People would make assumptions based on their own beliefs and what they wanted to be true. Nobody cared what had really happened. All they cared about was justifying their own ridiculous theories about things that occurred in life.
    She got off the couch in a bad mood, thinking that perhaps she’d try and sneak into Elijah’s room. Or maybe they’d allow her to visit if she asked nicely enough.
    But before Caelyn had even reached the hallway to go to the elevator, she heard a very familiar voice calling her name. “Caelyn! Caelyn!” the voice called.
    “Oh my God,” she muttered, turning to see Deena coming in the front doors of the hospital.
    “Mom and Dad are right behind me,” Deena told her, smirking. “They’re pissed.”
    “Don’t come near me,” Caelyn warned her.
    But Deena didn’t listen, she just kept walking towards Caelyn. “You really stepped in it this time,” Deena said.
    “How did you know I was here?”
    “The police called,” Deena replied, stopping a few feet away and rummaging through her purse. “God, I need gum so bad right now. I have the worst taste in my mouth.”
    “It’s probably what happens when you lie all the time,” Caelyn told her. “You get that bad taste in your mouth. Or it could be from your extra curricular activities.”
    “Very funny,” Deena said, taking out a stick of gum and unwrapping it. “And don’t even think for a second about trying to take me down with you. I never told them I knew that you’d left. And because of me you were able to escape the police as long as you did.”
    “You didn’t do it as a favor,” Caelyn reminded her. “You did it because you were scared I’d rat you out to Mom and Dad. And I still will, if you give me even the slightest reason to.”
    Deena’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t threaten me, Caelyn. And don’t make me prove to you just what a bitch I can be. Because honestly? You haven’t seen anything yet, but if you try and hurt me—I will make it my job to hurt you much worse.”
    “Honestly, I couldn’t possibly care less. I just wish you’d stay away from me, Deena.”
    “They brought me here. Thanks to you, Mom and Dad are scared about me all the time now.” Deena rolled her eyes. “By the way, you really could use a facial and some makeup right now.”
    “Go screw,” Caelyn muttered.
    A moment later, her mother and father passed through the entrance to the emergency waiting room. When they saw Caelyn, they came running to her with their arms out.
    Caelyn was shocked and surprised to be hugged so thoroughly by her parents. Especially her mother, who grabbed Caelyn and held her tightly, whispering in her ear, “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
    Caelyn hugged her bag, stunned by the