Under Our Care

Chapter 22

Chris's Pov

I sat beside Aliyah, watching my siblings in amusement. Isaiah had finally found some courage and come to visit Aliyah. He had been so nervous and fidgety that I had to double-take if it was the same person. Ezekiel still needed some time, I understood his perturbation and did not force him.

"You so grumpy, you look like Snake," Aliyah mumbled to Isaiah who rolled his eyes.

"I don't look like a snake," Isaiah muttered glaring at a drowsy looking Aliyah.

" 'course you don't. You look like Snake," She said pressing on the world snake.

Maverick was rolling with laughter in the background. There hadn't been one dull moment since he entered. He had been taking full advantage of a mellow Aliyah and had been recording it all. I knew he would use this against our sister in the future to annoy her, after all that was his way of showing love for his siblings.

"Givin' me headache, dick," Aliyah said pointing at Maverick. Isaiah snickered as he took the recording phone to capture Maverick's reaction.

"What are you doing man?" Maverick huffed in annoyance snatching the phone.

"Whatever you had been doing before," Isaiah said shoving Maverick with his elbow. I was almost on my feet to interrupt them if things escalated.

"Fuck off, Snake," Maverick said flipping him off and I smacked Maverick's head seeing Aliyah had been paying close attention to the bickering.

"She means Snape, stupid." Isaiah bit.

"How would you know, Snake? She is high and is confusing words, she could mean anything."

"Yes, exactly. At least she isn't calling me dick." Isaiah said nonchalantly making Maverick scoff.

I could see Aliyah being just seconds away from falling asleep so I ushered both my brothers out. I could see the reluctance on their face as they tried protesting weakly knowing this was a hospital policy. At this moment I wished I was at Grandfather's hospital where policies were bendable when you held power and a position. I gave them a sad smile and assured them that I would take good care of her.

As soon as I stepped out of the room to see them off I was met with a worked up Ezekiel. He looked up at me with concerned eyes. I frowned at his frazzled state and raised my eyebrows questioningly.

"I couldn't find the courage but I don't think I will ever find it till I keep waiting, I think I am just going to do it." He said, I could see the doubt filling in his eyes as soon as he said this.

But before he could back out I nodded and opened the door to the ICU. He followed behind closely. I felt his breath hitch as he saw her. I turned briefly to see him rubbing his forehead in distress. Pain and worry were written all over his face but it seemed to vanish as soon as Aliyah's eyes met with his and she gave him a lousy smile.

She beckoned him towards herself lazily lifting her hand but they dropped as soon as they were up. Reduced motor skills were one of the many immediate side effects. I just wished they would disappear and not leave a prolonged effect. Ezekiel rushed in long footsteps towards her. It seemed like all his earlier perturbation and hesitation had left him and all he could see was his sister waiting for him.

"I missed you so much. These were the most excruciating few hours in my entire life." Ezekiel whispered, I could see his eyes welling up and I felt those emotions rise too. I would never wish to go through this again. It was as if my heart wasn't with me and was lying with Aliyah in the operation theatre for those hours.

"I missed you too," Aliyah said stretching the word too for long making Ezekiel and me laugh. I sat on the other side of her bed rubbing her cold arms. They were exceptionally cold and now when I looked closely her hands had a slight tremble and her voice seemed shaky as if she was cold.