Fight For Life

chapter two: washed away

"So," Gem taps her nails on the table, clack clack clack. The incessant noise, makes me clench my teeth.

My patience has been wearing thinner and thinner for the last couple weeks. Acting as a parent, is not exactly my strongest suit. I dropped out of school, I need to hunt everyday-something I'm not even good at-, and i need to watch out for my little sister now. Sixteen year olds are not made for this.

"What do you want?" Actually, I know what she wants. She's asked me over and over since she's found out about our parents. She wants answers, ones that I don't have.

"What do you think happened to them?" I don't want to answer this, but Gem's still watching me.

"I don't know. Don't bother me." Gem turns away, looking hurt. What am I supposed to tell her. They're skipping around in a land of magically swirled sugar? That would be an insult to her intelligence. "Look, Gem. I'm sorry I have no idea."

"I'm only looking for a guess!"

My patience snaps. These questions on top of everything else is just too much. Really? I'm going through just as much as her, if not more. I don't have time to sit around trying to figure out where our parents went. "I don't think you understand Gem. Just Let. It. Go." My voice has risen to what could be classified as yelling by now. I emphasize each word, i want it to resonate in Gem. "I. gave. up. everything. for. us. The least you could do is not bother me about things for your entertainment." I sigh, exhausted. Of course I feel awful about yelling at Gem, but i can't help myself. When was the last time I didn't have to worry about big things. I'm made for trivial worries. Boys. Hair. Clothes. I'm not shallow, but sometimes it'd be nice to just be a kid.

Oh shoot. Gem is looking at me, tears in her eyes and acting dejected. Why does she do that? I hate that look, the look that I'm a horrible person. Whatever, I just need some time alone. I walk away, leaving Gem there. I slam the door, she'll just have to fend for herself for a little while.

I shiver as snowflakes drift down, coating my hair in white. Footprints get erased as they are made, people are running home, and women are meeting with their kids. All around it's a time for family and friends. That luxury is not mine. Why not? Really, why not? Thoughts are flooding my mind, but one sticks out. I can have friends. Being a caretaker doesn't take that away from me. None of this is Gem's fault, I just need a girls' night out every now and them. I shuffle home, I need to be home. I've cooled down, and I need to apologize.

Succulent scents greet me as soon as I open the door. What the heck? I stand in the doorway, silently frozen. Gem is not in her room, sulking, like I thought she would be. She has been cooking the entire time, giving me a warm meal as soon as I get home. I'm ashamed, I was cruising the icy roads, while Gem was thinking of me. I'm amazed at my little sister.

"Gem," Smiling she turns, waving me in.

"I'm sorry." Astounded I watch her, along with my voice saying those words, so are hers.

"What?" I'm perplexed. Obviously my sister has been replaced with an angel, or I'm just very blessed.  Whatever it is, I'll take it.

"Look, I just realized something." Gem hesitates, "My life hasn't changed at all. You've given up everything." She sits down. "Whew, that was exhausting. Apologizing is hard work... like making this meal."

I almost cry. My sister gets it. I manage to choke out "Thank you." But, personally, I think my gratitude's pretty tangible.

"Just a question." Of course, more questions. I turn to glare, but stop. Gem looks like she's walking on thin ice. "Why don't you get help?"

Wait... she doesn't know? I think back... right. I'm not supposed to know this either. "Gem, if anyone finds out we're alone, we'll get taking away. Orphans... they." Do I really want to tell her this? Eyebrows are raised, so I continue. "They're taken away for the Royale army. They're brainwashed into killing machines."

Speechless, Gem stares wide eyed and I pull her close, stroking her hair. Finally she squeaks, "Thank you."

I hold her face in my hands, looking into her eyes. "Gem, I will never let your mind be washed away. I promise."