Definitely not the Little Mermaid

What happened after

Chapter Thirteen

The white washed walls of the hospital, the constant static murmur of noise and the chemical stench was starting to make me feel sick. I drowsily lifted my gaze from my lap at the sound of approaching footsteps. I was expecting to see Mom but was disappointed to see some random nurse, who gave me the standard sympathetic look as he passed by.

I yawned and rose. I stretched and looked over at the empty seat beside me. I couldn't remember when Austin had left it but it seemed like it had been hours ago. I slipped my hand into my pocket and dug out my phone. The screen lit up, the bright light attacking me.

6: 03 am.

I collapsed back into the chair. Six hours. We've been here for six hours and still haven't seen a trace of our parents or Gareth. I nibbled on my lip and consulted my phone once more.

"Here." A can of soda was thrust into my face. I let out a pitiful squeak of surprise and blinked at my brother.

Austin looked terrible; his eyes were red and puffy and he was unnaturally pasty. I wisely chose not to comment on his dishevelled appearance, deciding that I probably didn't look much better. Instead I clasped my hands around the can and rested it on the arm of the chair.

Austin plopped down into the chair he vacated hours ago and let out a shaky sigh. I pretended I didn't hear it. There was a faint hiss from Austin's can. I leant my head back and regarded the ceiling.

"Anything?" asked Austin finally.

I shook my head. Austin grunted and started slurping noisily from his drink. Wordlessly I tucked my legs underneath myself and stared at the opposite wall.

"Mom or Dad come yet?" asked Austin, lowering the can. I pretended I didn't hear the anger in his voice. I shook my head once again and shifted, pulling my legs up to my chest. A tiny sigh escaped me and I rested my forehead against my knees.

Tiredness seeped into my bones. Right now I wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. To sleep and find out that this entire night had been a dream. I tentatively threaded my fingers through my hair and was disappointed to find that it was still damp and stringy. I sighed and lifted my head, delicately propping my chin in my hands.

"Did you call them?" Austin asked.

I gave a tiny nod. Austin grumbled loudly and got up. He crushed his can and hurled it against the opposite wall. It bounced off and hit the floor with a loud clank. I flinched and ducked my head down. Austin collapsed back in his seat and glared at the can.

"Pick that up," came Dad's voice from the end of the corridor.

Austin jumped out of his seat and whirled around to face him as he approached us. I picked myself off the chair and sidled up beside my brother. Instinctively I reached for his hand and was surprised to find that it wasn't there.

"What happened?" asked Dad, running his hand over his face tiredly.

"Gareth was shot," said Austin through gritted teeth.

"How?"

"We were jumped...didn't the nurses tell you anything?" Austin practically spat out. Dad gave him a disapproving look.

"Why were you out so late?" he questioned.

Austin scowled and turned to glare at me. I dropped my gaze to the floor, refusing to meet his eyes. Austin let out a loud, angry growl and hissed, "Angelica wanted fries."

I snapped my head up, a protest ready on my lips. It died before I could even open my mouth. I stood there limply, staring in awe and horror at the completely furious look on Austin's face. Lamely I reached out to him. Austin jerked out from under my touch, fixing me with an accusing look. Dad sighed and gave Austin a disapproving frown before turning to look at me and nodding, waiting for me to add something.