Powerless

Locked in Limbo

CH 17

Locked in Limbo

[Leah POV]

I watch as Ariel's still body lies on the soft cushion of her mattress. I am huddled up in a chair next to her, waiting. Waiting for what? I'm not really sure myself. If she really is in a coma, wouldn't it be a while before she woke up? 

All I know is that I want to be there. I want to prove my new found loyalty to her. I can only hope that she can forgive, and learn to trust me again. 

"Ariel, I promise I will always be by your side..."

I jump as a branch hits the window, leaving a ringing in my ear in the place of it's sharp screech. The storm has been getting lighter, as if it were about to pass. 

I watch Ariel's serene face. (I) why can't I remember? (NI) I have a past... It is indisputable. But why can't I remember? Is this what happens when you get changed? You forget the memories of your past? It would be so much easier to just remember... Remember so that I could just (I) know. (NI) know if it really us true.

I still hold onto the glimmer of hope... The part of my irrational brain that tells me that Ariel is the sister that I don't know if I ever had, the one that I have always wanted. But it just isn't possible. We are two different people, from two different worlds... Or at least two different sides of Jupiter. But still... That glimmer of hope burns on, like an open flame almost completely extinguished by carbon dioxide... Except this carbon dioxide is my unwilling mind.

[Tristans POV] 

(30

Minutes later.)

I sit in the chair next to Ariel's limp body and hold her hand. I only leave this spot when I must sleep, which has only Been a couple hours... and when Maria or someone else wants to see Ariel privately.  

I let my eyes glaze over as fatigue finally set in and takes me

To the one place where everything is perfect.

I watch as Ariel cooks pancakes in our tiny apartment. Its early, because Leah has to get to her third week of Sophomore year and me and Ariel must get to work. I watch her smile as she tries to flip it, but ends up sending the gooey batter to the other end of the pan. Leah laughs at this, and I watch her face that seems so happy and content, even in this small apartment with only her older sister and her boyfriend to look out for her.

"so Leah, do you want to go dress shopping after school? I know that homecoming is soon and I want you to go have fun!" Ariel says with a smile. 

"but Ariel, we can barely afford to pay for my education and housing, how can we afford a dress for a silly dance? I should get a job..." Leah rambles on. 

I go up to Ariel and hug her from behind, folding my hand over hers on the handle of the pan. I help her flip the pancake, you see, Ariel isn't the best chef when it comes to breakfast food. Her and Leah had pretty much just eaten cereal and top roman since her mom passed. She turns her head and I give her a quick peck on the lips before going to sit by Leah. 

" I pulled some extra hours." I say nonchalantly. I see her face light up and she stands up and hugs me tightly. she jumps up ad down and squeals. 

"oh my gosh Tristan! Seriously?! I will love you FOREVER!" she yells. Now those late nights at the office seem to have all paid off. 

Leah goes over and hugs Ariel tightly. Ariel wraps her arms around Leah and lays the side officer head on The top of Leahs. I smile at there sisterly moment. I really could live like this forever...(I:)