Lab Rats: The New Addition

Finding A Cure

  "It's okay," I whisper, resting my head on Chase's belly. "You're gonna be okay. I promise." It is quiet for a moment and we are aware that everybody is watching us. "Lyrica," Chase asks. I look at him, "Yes?" "May I go to sleep," he asks. "I'm really tired." I almost say yes until I realize that it is quite possible that he could have hit his head, and if he goes to sleep, he may never wake up. "No," I burst out. He jumps, looking stunned and confused. "Why," he asks. I stutter for a moment, "Uh....b-because...I just-"
He looks at me, confused. Then, I decide to tell him the truth, "Because...if you go to sleep...you may never wake up."

  He looks mortified, "What?" I sigh and continue, "When my father shocked you, it caused you to not be able to move without hurting yourself. Eventually, you'll be permanently paralyzed or disabled." He turns his head away and stares at the ceiling with a blank expression. "Oh," he says. "Okay." He is depressed. I can tell that he is already starting to give up on life. "We'll find a cure," I blurt out. He looks at me, just a sliver of hope in his eyes, "You will?" "We will," says Bree, kneeling down and resting her hand on Chase's shoulder. "We won't rest until we find a cure," Adam says. "Whatever it takes," Leo adds.

  "You guys are the best," Chase says, his eyelids drooping. I quickly pick my head up. "No," I squeak, patting his cheek, causing him to jump. "Don't go to sleep," I say. "Stay awake. Stay. Awake." I squeeze his hand, "Please?" I look into his eyes, waiting for an answer. He looks sad for a moment. Then he whispers, "Okay." I sigh and bury my face in his neck. "A cure," Daddy asks. "It could work," Uncle Donny says. I look up and see Uncle Donny running to his computer, followed by everyone except Chase and I. I turn my attention over to Chase, who looks exhausted and in pain. "May I go to sleep now," he asks, practically begging me. I sigh and turn my head to look at Uncle Donny.

  "Uncle Donny," I call. He turns his head to look at me, "Yes?" "Chase wants to go to sleep," I say. "Would that be okay?" He thinks for a moment. "Well...it should be okay," he replies. "There wasn't any damage done to his head, so he may go to sleep. Just...keep an eye on him, okay?" I nod. "All right, Little Genius, you may go to sleep," I say, turning to look at Chase, only to realize that he is already asleep and lightly snoring. I smile to myself and watch him sleep. Every minute or so, I run my fingers through his hair. A few minutes later, I hear Uncle Donny say, "Got it!"

  I immediately turn my head to see him walking toward me. As soon as he reaches me, he gives me an immediate explanation, "The shock gave Chase a disease called Black Bone. This disease poisoned Chase's bones, causing to him to be unable to move without breaking his bones, which are now softened and full of poison. If we don't find a cure soon, he could be permanently disabled...or...possibly... die." My stomach churns at just hearing this. I'm suddenly really glad that Chase is sleeping and can't hear what we are talking about. The poor thing would be scared half to death.

  I glare at Uncle Donny, "You mean you haven't found a cure yet?" He cringes, "No, but that's where I need you, Adam, Bree, and Leo. Stay in your mission suits. You all are gonna go on a mission to find a cure that will save Chase." I start to feel a tad excited. "So, does this mean that I'm part of the team now," I ask, hopefully. Uncle Donny sighs and looks at the others surrounding him with hopeful smiles on their faces. He sighs and turns to face me. He smiles, "Welcome to the team, Lyrica."