Chains of the Crescent Moon

Ch. 7: Perspective and Planning

Orion's Perspective

"Edward, I need you to wake up. Dad sent Kevin to make sure you were behaving. What am I to tell Dad? This isn't going to look good. Please wake up!" Orion begs as he looks at his little brother lying on the Nurse's station bed. Group leader Justin keeps pacing around to ensure he is okay. But my focus is locked on Edward as his skin continues to sweat as he shakes with Night Terrors. The pacing fades away as one of the group comes to get Justin to help host their events for the day. My group left this morning. It seems their pack had an emergency.

I keep wiping his brow with a cold washcloth and holding his hand. Nurse Adam said that Edward came down with a severe panic attack. He should wake up before lunch. Kevin keeps coming by to Make sure Edward is okay. However, he keeps asking me if I have responsibilities to take care of. Why is he being so pushy?!

A soft, shallow groan sounds through the room. I look over to see Edward's eyes flutter a few times before he opens them. I was startled by the look of pure terror in his eyes. I can only remain silent so as not to spook him.

"Umm, big brother Orion. What happened?" His voice shakes with each word. Fear grips my heart. Is he afraid of me?

"You seem to have passed out from a panic attack. Are you okay? Do I need to call the Nurse?

"Can you just sit with me and keep everyone out of here? Has Justin been by? Did he freak out?"

I can't help but tilt my head at that. Why does he care if Justin came by?

"I'll have to call the Nurse before too long, she said you need to eat and drink something, but she didn't leave me with anything. I'll keep anyone out of here that you don't want in here. But you should know that Kevin said he has to talk to you."

That did it. Edward started to freeze up at just hearing Kevin's name, his breathing getting shallower and shallower. What happened with Edward? "I'll keep him out as well, as long as I can. Okay? Please calm down?" My eyes start to water as I glance at him, visibly shaking. I keep holding his hand until his breathing slowly calms down.

"Please, no Kevin. Please!" Edward's eyes seem to be spilling tears like a leaky faucet.

"I promise, if I can, I'll keep Kevin out. You asked about Justin, he was here for a long time, just pacing. Said something about making sure you were okay. Eden finally came and got him when they missed two of the activities for today, the rest of the kids are annoyed at him."

"Glad Justin calmed down and is doing something. I hate him worrying about me." A blush. A blush is all over Edward's face. What's going on? I feel like I missed so much in a week. We haven't been close since Dad told me I had to be strict with Ed and make sure he is strong alone. "Ed, you don't have to tell me. But I do need to know what happened this week and why you are panicking. I can't protect you if you don't tell me. Please?"

Ed swallows, unable to meet my eyes as I stare intently at him. Ready to not miss a second of what is about to transpire. "Ori, will you promise not to tell anyone? I'm not fond of what happened to me and really don't want anyone to know my shame. Please promise me?"

This is startling. Ed mentioned my old nickname. But with a quick nod and firm look, he knew I wouldn't break his promise, even though I can't speak from fear about what I'm going to hear.

"This all started when I turned 4. I think you had just come back from the leadership camp with Dad. But Dad didn't look at me that whole week you got back. Only one that did pay attention to me was Kevin. It started then with just simple touches and stuff but soon I found myself alone-"