My brother's best friend

A Mission Trip

Jason's pov

I go up to the hospital. Luke was sitting next to her, feeding her soup since she couldn't move her arms or hands very well from burns. "How did this happen?" He asks. I shrug and sit down beside him. "I saw smoke a few miles from my house so I followed it and found her car wrecked." "Doctor says it's medically impossible for her to still be alive. The smoke messed up her voice she can't talk anymore." My breath catches in my throat. "I'm gonna go get J.J." He says then walks out. "You do know what happened right?" I ask. She nods and looks to the ceiling. She gets a notepad and writes, 'God.' I shakily nod. "I'm so glad you're okay, sweetheart." She writes, 'I shouldn't be.' "But you are!" I say. 'Thanks to you.' She writes.

*later*

I pack up my suitcase. Taylor walks in the room. "New tour?" She asks confused. I shake my head, biting my lip. How do I tell her this? "Then where are you going?" "Mission trip in India." "Huh? Why?" I can't tell her. She'll freak on me. "Because I want to do this." I say hugging her. "I'll be gone two weeks. Just think of it as a tour." She stares at me worriedly. "Be careful." She whispers. "I will. Keep an eye on Miranda for me." "I promise." She says, forcing a smile. I pick my hat up and Kevin runs in. "Daddy, what's with the suitcase?" I smile and set my hat on his head. "Daddy's going on a trip. I'll be back in two weeks. Look after your mama and baby sister for me?" He smiles and nods. I hug them both and walk down to the nursery. "Hey princess." She swats at a toy hanging over. I smile and pat her little head. "Love you sweety." I kiss her head and tell Taylor to tell the others after I've already left. I throw my suitcase in my truck and drive for the airport.

*later*

I land in India and am instantly glad I decided to wear shorts. It's hot as hell out here. The rest of the people on this mission trip scout out. I requested the boys' home because I love working with kids. "I'll help them." I whisper determined. I get to the boys' home and knock on the door. A woman appears. Two boys huddled at her feet. "Hi ma'am, my name's Jason. I'm here to help you and the youngins." "You must be with the church?" I nod and she opens the door wider. I walk in and there's at least a dozen orphan boys. First thing on the list I was given, I need to work on a well. Then I spread the good word. That's the whole reason I'm here anyway!

*later*

After everyone had a good meal, we crowded around in the living room. I'm excited. I've been wanting to tell my story all day.

Miranda's pov

I cheated death. I saw Mom and dad. Luke walks in. "Need anything?" He asks. I open my mouth to speak but then I remember my vocal cords were burned beyond repair. I hate not being able to talk. I cover my eyes with my hands and cry silently. Luke wraps me in a hug. "I'm so glad you're alive." He whispers. I stare into his eyes and mouth I love you. He smiles and kisses me. "I love you too." Taylor walks in with Kevin, Rachel, and J.J. My son crawls up and hugs me. "I'm so glad you're okay mama." I mouth me too but he looks at me confused. "Mama can't talk anymore." Luke says, making me want to cry. "For how long?" Taylor cries wide eyed. "Permanently." He whispers. She covers her mouth with her hand and I break out in silent sobs that leave me weak.

Luke's pov

Me and Taylor go out in the hall. "Does Jason know?" "Yes." "My goodness that poor girl." "All the doctors are shocked she is even alive." I say, crossing my arms, worry in the pit of my stomach making me nauseous. "Jason's in India." I freeze. "Come again?" I gape looking at her. "He's in India. On a mission trip." Wow I'm shocked.

Jason's pov

Ugh the mosquitoes are horrible here. I slap my arm where I felt one land. One little boy is shaking and scratching at his face. Poor kid. I decide tomorrow I'll make mosquito nets for the kids. That'll make it alot more comfortable at night.

*the next day*

As I'm working on the nets, my mind keeps drifting to Taylor, Rachel, Kev, my sister... Everyone. I wonder how she's doing. The little boy that was itching last night walked over. I smiled when he asked what I was doing. "Kiddo, I can tell those mosquitoes are driving you crazy." He nods, his eyes widening. "I'm making nets. You wear them at night and the mosquitoes can't bother ya." "Oh thank you!" He cries hugging me. I smile and pat the kid's head. He's gonna feel alot better tonight.

*later*

I wish I could call the family back home but I don't get any service way out here. "We're doing great here. But watch out you guys. There's been cases of yellow fever all over Western India." We're in the east. I hope it doesn't come here. I read about yellow fever in the textbook she gave us the first day. Transmitted through mosquito bites! Oh man. I hope that kid is okay. Symptoms are hallucinations, vomiting, dizziness, obviously a fever. "Please Lord protect those kids." I say, nervously glancing that way. I get to the boys' home and set everyone up with nets. "God bless you." Angelina the woman running this place says hugging me. I smile. "He already has ma'am. Now get in your net. I don't want you gettin' yellow fever too." I read the kids a story from the bible. Daniel and the lion's den. Perfect for this situation. "God will protect us from this fever. Don't y'all worry." I turned the gas light off and went to bed.

*the next morning*

It was super hot today. Ugh I hate this heat. It's almost as bad as the mosquitoes were last night. Oh crap! There was a hole in my net! Ok stay calm! I'll be okay. I shakily walk out where the kids were playing. I smile and grab my guitar and play a few hymns. They gather around. I get ain intense headache halfway through Jesus loves me. I rest a hand against my head.

Angelina's pov

I watch Jason with the kids but he looks to be in pain. I walk over. "Are you alright?" "Just a headache darlin'." A headache! "You should lie down."

Jason's pov

I shakily stand up, my head now spinning. "God how hot does it get here?" I mutter, shielding the sun from my sweating face. "It's only 73° out." Uh oh. I go inside and lay down, feeling cruddy. I think I got yellow fever.