He recalled pulling his girlfriend Vanessa Bender into his arms dancing the night away. He remembered looking across the dance floor to see his older brother, Frank, holding his longtime girlfriend, Callie Shaw, close to him as the music played in the background.

He was glad the school held a junior-senior prom since the classes were not extraordinarily large and that everyone was friends with everyone else. Joe had also been glad that he and Frank were able to share this night together since they were so close, even though they were a year apart in age.

Joe knew that in a few months time, Frank would be heading off to college and they would be spending less time together. He was determined to make this last summer the best for the both of them.

Figuring it was late and having no recollection of returning home and climbing into bed, Joe figured he should get up before someone came to get him.

He opened his eyes and was startled to see a sterile white ceiling above him. Unsure of what was happening or where he was, Joe looked around and realized he was in a hospital.

Joe sat up quickly, groaning in pain from his chest. Leaning back against the pillows, he touched his chest and felt the tape there. He then became aware of the throbbing in his left leg. He could see the cast on his leg and realized it was broken.

What happened? Joe thought. How did I end up here? And where are the others? Are they all right?

At that moment, the door to the room opened and Joe saw his parents come in. They moved over to the bed.

"What happened?" Joe asked as they reached him, forgetting a greeting. "What am I doing in the hospital? Where's Frank?"

"Son, you need to calm down," Fenton Hardy said.

"If you tell me what happened, I might calm down."

"Joe," Laura Hardy began. "There was an accident last night."

Joe stared at his mother. "I kind of figured that out."

"Son, there is no reason to be sarcastic," Fenton warned.

"Just tell me what happened."

"From what the police said, the limousine you were riding in was broad sided by another driver on your way back from the prom."

Joe looked at his parents and fear started to wash over him. "Please tell me the others are all right. Please tell me they didn't get hurt."

"I wish we could do that," Fenton said.

Joe closed his eyes and wished he could squash the sick feeling in his stomach.