A Ship Without Sails

Chapter 33

Later, after their parents went in, Daisy and Shayna talked more. Shayna learned more about the murder of Kerry. Daisy had began hating her sister because she was always being outdone, even though she was older. At the same time, she had begun to make friends with the dropouts, who were most certainly bad influences on her. Over the course of the year, Daisy had learned many ways to kill someone and yourself. It was more recently that she had let them pressure her into doing drugs, driving the motorcycle, and reckless, stupid things like that.

Then Daisy suggested to her mother that the baseball team have their picnic. That way, there would be lots of witnesses to validate that Daisy wasn't with Kerry. It was perfect.

"I can't forgive you," Shayna told Daisy after hearing the whole story. "I accept your apology, but that doesn't mean I forgive you." Daisy lowered her head but said, "I know, and that's okay."

Shayna leaned back in her chair, her crutches leaning on the wall next to her. "We should go. The doctors say you can come home for tonight. You should take a nice bath and relax," she offered, already standing up. Daisy agreed and called a nurse.

"Thanks for helping me, Shaye," Daisy called after Shayna as the nurse helped her out of bed. Shayna turned and said, "Of course. We're sisters, aren't we? I love you, Daisy."

Shayna had never seen Daisy look happier as she replied, "I love you too, Shayna."

Shayna felt warm inside as she joined Julia, Astrid, and her parents. After a few minutes, Daisy followed.

"Ready to go home?" Mrs. Blackburn asked as they got into the car. Daisy nodded, then rested her head on the window. "I'm so ready for a rest," she said, gathering her short blonde hair and letting it fall over her right shoulder. Shayna thought that Daisy looked pretty, with the faint moonlight coming through the window and the blurry reflection of Daisy's tired face. Shayna quietly took out her phone and took a picture. It was perfect. Daisy glanced at Shayna right as the picture was taken and smiled slightly, lifting her head a little bit. Shayna took one picture of that, and when Daisy giggled, another. It was the evolution of Daisy finding her own happiness.

"We're home!" Mr. Blackburn exclaimed when the car pulled up to the driveway. Shayna helped Daisy get out of the car and up the stairs.

"It feels good to be back," Daisy sighed as she sat down on her bed. Shayna took a change of pajamas out for Daisy and said, "Here, do you want a bath first?"

Daisy had a small smile on her face that unnerved Shayna, just a little bit.

"A bath would be great. Let me just take the meds the doctors gave me," Daisy said, reaching for her purse. Shayna nodded, but said, "I don't remember them giving you any medicine."

"You think they'd send me away without painkillers? Honey, I ache right now. Besides, the doctor gave them to me after you left the room, while the nurse was helping me stand. I don't know how you stay sane with that cast on your leg, Shaye, I hate this." Daisy tapped the multiple casts on her in frustration. "Could you get the water in the tub? I'll be right in."

"Sure," Shayna agreed, turning the faucet on in the bathtub. "Do you need help getting in? Or when you're done?"

"Nah, I'll be fine," Daisy said, shaking some pills out onto her open palm. "You'll know when I'm done."

"Okay. Night, Daisy."

Daisy's smile widened. "Good night, Shayna."