When Everything Goes Wrong

8. Struggling

I look up, my vision blurred with tears. In front of me is Brandon, who is crouched on the floor facing me, to my left is Charlie and my Dad who are hugging and sobbing into each other's shoulders.

I can't believe it. I stood there, beside my Mum as she whispered her last words and slipped away into the eternal darkness.

My promise has been broken. I wanted to believe I would be able to keep it but I couldn't. Brandon gently wrap his arms around my waist and lifts me to my feet. He holds me to him, keeping me standing and supported as I sob uncontrollably into his shoulder.

"I'm here, okay? I'll always be here." He whispers in my ear, "No matter what happens I'll stick by you."

I nod slightly and nuzzle into his neck. The only thing keeping me on my feet is his arms around me, holding me tightly to him. I raise my head and look up into his eyes as he carefully brings his hands to rest on my hips. He lifts one arm up, gently wipes my eyes and, although there is a constant stream of tears running down my face he leans down slowly and gently kisses my forehead. At any other point I would have felt extremely disappointed that he hadn't kissed me properly but just now I am grateful for his choice not to rush me.

The nurse comes out of the room and closes the door behind her saying, "Can you please leave the area while we move the body, a member of staff will contact you when we have finished."

My Dad nods and motions for me to go over to him. He holds his arms out and I rush over, hugging him tightly. He pats my back and we break apart. Brandon appears beside me and we start walking back to the children's ward. When we arrive there's nurses and doctors dashing in and out of Jaz's room suddenly Cody and Ryan are pushed out by a nurse.

"We were just about to come and find you," Cody tells us, "She was in the middle of telling us what she's wanting to get for Christmas when she said she had a really sore head. Ryan went to get a nurse and I was about to give her a drink of water but she passed out and her machine started beeping. The nurses came in with Ryan and then we were both sent out."

A nurse comes out the room looking solemn, "Please come with me," she says.

"What's happening to my baby sister? Is she going to be okay? What's going on?" I fire rapid questions at the nurse.

"Your sister came in with a mild concussion and a broken wrist and we believed no surgery would be necessary but recent developments mean she is currently being prepped for surgery."

"What is it that's happened?" My Dad asks, he's trying to act calm but I can tell he's terrified.

"There's bleeding in her brain."