Night Of The Hunter

Oh Brother.

17.

I rushed through the halls of the hospital to find the room Skye texted me. My heart was stammering in my chest the entire way here. My big brother was injured, and I didn't know how bad. Skye, being the master of suspense, assured me he was going to be okay, but I couldn't help but worry  when it comes to Bryan.

I push open the heavy door to see my four year old niece sitting in the chair in the hall, Maria sitting besides her, coloring on her lap. I let out a breath, if it were that bad, I doubt Skye would let Penelope see her uncle in the state he was in. As soon as I stepped into the hallway, the tiny human looked up curiously and grinned as she saw me.

"Aunt Bella!" She yelled happily and jumped from her seat as I continued walking towards her.

"Hey baby!" I greeted happily, feeling the smile appear on my face as she ran towards me, her coloring book fell to the floor. I caught her as she reached me, picking her up and hugging her tiny frame tightly and spun around once, making her giggle.

"I missed you!" She said, hugging me as tight as she could, her head curling into the crook of my neck as I snuggled her.

"I missed you too, munchkin." I said, kissing the side of her face and continued to walk towards Maria, who looked up at me.

Penny finally raised her head from my neck and looked down at me with a teethy smile and her long blond curls in pigtails. "Uncle Bryan isn't feeling well. Maria and I are making him a picture to make him feel better."

"Oh?" I raised my brows and looked at Maria who showed me the unfinished work of art. "Very.. colorful. I think it needs more pink." I looked at Penny with a wink.

"More pink?"

I nodded and patted her little butt. "Yep.. and maybe a touch more yellow for the sun. Why don't you finish up that masterpiece and I'm going to see how Uncle Bryan is, okay?" I put her down, not missing the sad look that flashed on her little features.

"Okay. But don't tell him I'm making this. It's a surprise." She put her finger to her lips before padding over to her seat.

"I won't." I crossed my fingers. "Promise."

Skye came out from the door next to the seats and flashed me an annoyed look before that changed and looked to Penny. Her motherly facade taking place.

"Mama, Aunt Bella is here!"

"I know, baby. I see." She glanced up at me with a smile. "Maybe you'll have better luck."

I shrugged a shoulder and walked passed her, squeezing her shoulder as I walked by before I entered the hospital room and closed the door behind me.

The sound of beeping from the monitor at his bed side filled my ears, but becoming distant once I took in the state of my big brother. I felt my jaw drop when I saw his bruised face, filled with dark circles. His face was swollen, his lips, his nose, and eyes. His body was covered with a hospital sheet and blanket, but I saw the cast around his foot as it stuck out. I let out a breath as I walked to his side, clenching my jaw.

"Should have seen the other guy." He muttered, smirking at me.

"And just who might that be?" I asked, raising a brow.

He stayed silent, staring up at the television that was mounted to the wall, news channel was on, talking about this week's weather forecast.

"What happened?" I asked, doubting an honest answer.

He glanced over at me and let out a sigh. "I don't want to repeat myself, ask Skye."

"I'm not asking Skye. I'm asking you. And I want the truth, Bryan." I grabbed the remote out of his bruised hand and shut the news off. "I can't even recognize you right now."