Against All Odds

Chapter 34

Eve

My eyes squeeze tightly shut as I take in the scene around me. Max is lying in the chair beside Benji's bed, sleeping softly. I don't wake him; he'd barely slept a wink these past few days.
Taking a deep breath to console my overwhelming emotions I open my eyes and look at my little brother.
He's pale. Deathly pale with tubes all over the place. These tubes are keeping him alive. He appears so small and vulnerable. A sob escapes my dry lips and I cover my mouth with my hand, keeping my emotions contained.
I can't break down. I can't lose hope. I can't give up on him.

~~~

"Come on Eve, it will be good for you to get out of this hospital for a bit." Alfie says softly from beside me as I stare at Benji who hasn't moved a muscle.
"I can't leave him." My voice pained and chocked with emotion.
"You should go with Alfie." Max gives me a weak smile from beside me. "I'll call you if there's any change."
Silently I nod, taking my big brothers hand and squeezing it tightly. I allow AJ to whisk me out of the lifeless room and pretty soon we're out of the hospital, walking under the darkening sky.
"I know this is a stupid question," AJ glances sideways at me, face etched with concern. "But how are you doing?"
I halt, staring at the ground in front of me. What am I supposed to say to that? Oh yeah, I'm doing great thanks! I just witnessed a father beating his son (and my friend) to pulp and then my little brother being shot right in front of my eyes!! I let out a shaky breath and lift my eyes to meet my best friends.
"Shit...I'm doing shit." I answer honestly, my voice breaking. Alfie nods, lips pressed together tightly. "All the doctors are saying is that he's relatively stable but nothing about when he'll wake up! I have to stay strong and believe he'll make it through but what if he doesn't? Max and I...we can't loose him! He's our beacon of sunshine..."
And then I start sobbing. I feel Alfie wrap his warm, comforting arms around my shaking shoulders, soothing me as gently as he could.
"The bullet didn't pierce any vital organs Eve, that's extremely lucky." Alfie reminds me as I sob into his shoulder. "He's got a good chance and, knowing Benji, he's not going down without a fight."
His calming words carry on, but I don't take too much notice. I focus on his voice. The fact that he's here for me. He knows what I'm feeling.
Not only does he view Benji as his own little brother, but Alfie lost his sister.
"T-thank you for b-being here." I manage to get out and AJ let's out a sad chuckle.
"I've got your back, always."