Little Angel

Chapter 8

The house was alive with excitement as Ella made her way down the stairs with Aiden, her little fingers curled tightly around his. Tonight was movie night, and her five older brothers had set up the living room with blankets, and fairy lights, and even the popcorn was already popping in the kitchen. She couldn't wait; she had been talking about movie night all week.

Ella skipped along beside Aiden, her small legs moving as fast as they could to keep up with him. She looked up, her face glowing with excitement. "Aiden, guess what?" she asked with a big grin.

"What, munchkin?" he answered, looking down with a smile as he matched her steps.

"I'm going to stay awake the whole time this time!" Ella declared with a confidence that made Aiden chuckle. He knew she always fell asleep halfway through the movie, her head curled up on one of their shoulders, but he didn't tell her that. He loved that she was so hopeful.

As they started down the stairs, Ella's mind was still buzzing with thoughts about the movie and the treats they were about to have. She was so caught up in telling Aiden about her plans to stay awake that she didn't notice how quickly her little feet were moving. Suddenly, her foot slipped on the edge of the step. Time seemed to slow as she lost her balance and tumbled forward.

"Ella!" Aiden's voice filled the stairway as he lunged forward, desperately reaching for her. But her hand slipped out of his grasp, and she tumbled down several steps, her small body bouncing painfully on the hard wooden steps until she came to a stop.

She felt a sharp, throbbing pain shoot through her leg, and a cry escaped her lips, high and shaky as she clutched her leg. Tears filled her eyes as she looked up, seeing Aiden's panicked face hovering over her.

"Ella! Are you okay?" His voice cracked with worry, and his hands were trembling as he gently touched her shoulder.

The pain was overwhelming, and the shock of the fall made her feel so small and afraid. She could only manage a whimper as she held her leg, the tears streaming down her cheeks. Her whole body felt heavy, and she curled up instinctively, clutching her leg tighter.

Aiden's face was filled with horror. "Oh no, oh no, I'm so sorry, Ella," he murmured, his voice thick with guilt as he leaned over her. "I should have held onto you better."

"Aiden!" she cried softly, reaching out a trembling hand to him as her lip quivered, the pain making her feel as if she was wrapped in a fog. The tears blurred her vision, and her breathing was rapid and shaky.

Just then, the sound of footsteps thundered from upstairs. Lucas, Noah, and the twins came rushing over, their faces painted with worry as they saw Ella lying on the steps with Aiden kneeling beside her, his face stricken.

Lucas knelt down, his voice soft yet firm. "Hey, sweetheart, where does it hurt?"

Ella sniffled, clutching her leg as she pointed to it. Her leg was throbbing, and the pain was more than anything she had ever felt. Lucas's gentle eyes were on her, full of worry and care.

"We'll take care of you, Ella," he promised, his voice a calming whisper. Noah was beside her in an instant, a gentle hand resting on her back as he spoke soothingly, "You're going to be okay. We're all right here, Ella."

Aiden's face was filled with guilt as he looked down at her, his hand running through his hair as he kept whispering, "I'm sorry, Ella. I'm so sorry. I should have held on better."

Ella looked up at him, her heart breaking to see her big brother so upset. Even though her leg hurt, and tears kept falling down her cheeks, she managed a small, brave smile. "It was an accident, Aiden. I'm okay."