Legend Series AU

Chapter 6-Day

"What, what do you mean who gets custody of him? He's not going anywhere. You can't just barge in and say stuff like that!" My mind is trying to comprehend what she is saying, trying to comprehend the fact that Eden might get taken away from me. "I can't lose anybody else," I whisper.

Eden curls up into me and I can tell he is already about to cry. I wrap my arms around him and try to think of something comforting to say but my mind won't work. "Now hold on Daniel." says Michelle, "I'm not trying to take your brother away from you, but we do have to figure something out. You're 16 is that correct?"

"Yes," I say

"And would you like to try for custody of your brother when you are old enough to do so?" I look down at Eden in question and he nods vigorously back at me.

"I guess you have your answer. Yes, I would."

"Alright then, we need to figure something out until you turn 18. Let's talk about your situation. Both of your parents are dead, yes?"

I gulp "Yes, that's correct" Eden begins to cry quietly against me and I pull him closer.

"Your older brother is also not with us anymore, is that correct?"

I nod

"Alright, do you have any other family member who might be willing to take you in for a few years? I will of course check that myself but I want to hear from you."

I think, we don't have any aunts or uncles and no grandparents left alive, "There isn't really anybody left."

"Ok, then hear me out, how about something like a live-in nanny. Someone will come and take some of the responsibilities off of your shoulders until you turn 18 and even then if you'd like, they can continue to care for you."

"Can we talk about it for a bit in private please?" I ask

"Sure, take however long you need."

I nod in thanks and they leave the room, I can still see them standing close-by out of the window in the door though.

I reach down and wipe the tears off of Eden's face. "How does that sound to you? Someone will come help out and then as soon as I can, I'll get full responsibility for you."

He nods "D, Daniel, I miss mom. I, I had to watch her, watch her bur- she tried to come to me but the fire was too big." He starts crying again and I'm speechless. He just admitted that he watched our mom burn to death.

"Eden. If you want to tell me what happened at home, then I will listen, I will always listen to you, but if you don't, don't ever feel obligated to tell me. Ok? I can't even begin to imagine what you saw, and I want to help you in every way that I know how to. I miss mom too." I ruffle his hair and he nods against me, sniffling. "Should we take Michelle up on her offer?"

"Yeah" he whispers, "I think that's a good idea."

"Ok. Can they come back in now?" He nods. "June can you tell them to come back in please?"

"Sure"

When both Michelle and Dr. Jameson are back in the room June closes the door. We all sit in uncomfortable silence for a minute until I say "I think your plan will work."

"Good to hear!" says Michelle cheerfully. "Now, do you mind if I talk to Eden alone for a minute?"

"I don't know if that's the best idea..." I say. Eden doesn't even acknowledge her. She scoots closer and tries to meet his eyes reaching out to take his hand.

"Eden I want to help you, as much as I can, but I need to talk to you without anybody else in the room. Think you can handle that?" She sounds genuine enough. He gives a slight nod and I begin to let go of him, making my way off the bed.

I grab his hand and say "If you need anything, just call for me, I'll be right outside the door, yeah?" he nods again whimpering. I cup his cheeks and kiss his forehead then walk out. It takes all of my self-control to leave him in there with Michelle but I know it's for the best in the long run.

I slump down against the wall and lay my head back. June sits down next to me grabbing my hand in hers. "Hey, it'll be ok," she says comfortingly and I realize I'm crying.

"I just can't believe it. Yesterday I went to school and everything was fine. Now I'm in the hospital talking about custody because my mom and brother are dead. What am I gonna do June?"

"Well, you're gonna keep your head up and you're gonna be ok. Everything will be ok in the end. I promise."

"How can you promise that?"

She smiles, "I just can" I lay my head on her shoulder, grateful for her words and company. "You've always been there for me, now it's my turn. Let me be here for you."

"Thanks, June. You really are amazing." I say

She flips her hair and smiles, "I know." I giggle and continue to talk, passing the time and distracting myself from my anxiety.

Soon the door opens and Michelle walks out smiling. I jump up and go over to her. "What did you need from him?"

"I just wanted to let him know that if he needs anything from me, he can always ask. I gave him my number too."

I gulp, "Thank you" She smiles at me.

"It's my job to be helpful" I nod and walk into the room. Eden is laying on the bed, eyes closed. He looks peaceful. When he hears me come in he pats the bed. I go and lay next to him and he snuggles up close.

"When can we go home?" He asks then sits up suddenly, eyes wide. "Daniel. We don't have a home! What are we gonna do?"

I try to remain calm for his sake, "I'm not sure right now kid, but I can guarantee you the adults here aren't going to let us go homeless. We'll probably stay with June until we figure something else out." He nods seeming at least partially relieved. "Besides, that's not for you to worry about anyways."

"It's not for you to worry about either" he retorts.

I shrug, "You look as exhausted as I feel, I think we're both due for a nap."

Time skip

I wake up to a knock on the door. I'm in bed next to Eden, who is still out like a light. "Come in" I whisper "but be quiet about it, yeah?"

Dr. Jameson walks in and I almost groan, she's going to wake Eden up in a second. "I need to talk to you about Eden's discharge." She says. I think she's trying to whisper but it sounds like normal speech.

"Ok but can we do it out in the hall, I don't want to wake him up"

"Fine." We go outside and I shut the door as quietly as I can.

"Ok, here's how it's going to go, because of his rapid healing I'm going to discharge him this evening, but I need you or your caretaker to bring him in 3 times a week for follow ups and check ins. I know this seems excessive but I want to keep checking his eyes. Once I'm sure that the scars have completely healed I want to see what we can do to improve his vision."

"What do you mean improve his vision, I though he was stuck like this."

"Well, there are a few things to take into account for example, the outer layer of his corneas were severely burned which caused a bleeding reaction underneath, but I believe the with the right drugs, blood thinners and surgeries, we can improve Eden's vision."

"Hold up, did you say surgeries? I'm not sure about that."

"There's nothing we can do for a while so that gives you and Eden time to think about it."

I nod, "Ok"

I move to go back inside but she speaks again "Oh, one more thing, your friend had to leave but she told me to tell you 'goodbye and everything will be ok. We got this'. She seems very nice" Dr. Jameson gives an almost creepy smile.

"Uh thanks I guess" With that I go back inside and wait for Eden to wake up.