Rainbows after Hurricane

4. |p r e s e n t|

>>c h a p t e r  f o u r<<

|p r e s e n t|

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Zach stared at Meredith with hooded eyes, barely containing his anger.

                   "What do you mean 'her pulse rate is dropping'?" Zach gritted his teeth, doing his best to keep his temper in check. He didn't even understand why he was so angry—was it because his sister was hurt, or because his sister was hurt because of him?

Meredith looked at Zach and cleared her throat, trying to steady her voice despite how shaken she felt inside. "I mean she needs medical attention. I couldn't see any visible injuries on her body, but she vomited blood, which means she's hurt internally. That's even more dangerous because I can't determine what's wrong with her until she's thoroughly examined."

                 "Fuck!" Zach cursed, banging his palm against his forehead. "Then let's get her to the hospital."

Asher nodded and started to pick up Dianna in his arms when Zach stopped him.

                "Oh, no! You are not touching my sister." Zach bellowed.

                 "Zach! Not now, please." Asher pleaded with exasperation.

                  "If you think I am letting you go near my sister just because she is hurt, you are wrong. I am her brother and I can damn well take care of her." Zach argued further.

Asher let out a breath and closed his eyes to calm himself. "Seriously, Zach? You really want to do this now, when your sister's life is on line?"

                  "Listen—" Zach started but Asher cut him off rudely.

                  "I always knew you were a dickhead, but I never thought you'd be a dickhead to your sister," Asher shouted, wrapping his arms protectively around Dianna. "Look at her, Zach. We both know that if we want to save her, we'll have to work together. Look outside—it's a fucking hurricane, and we both know it's going to last at least three days, if not more. And this is just the beginning."

Zach tilted his head, his gaze shifting toward the chaos outside Asher's house. He took a deep breath. As much as it pained him, he had to admit that Asher was right. There was no way to get Dianna out in this storm without backup. He would need help, and there was only one person who could offer it without a single word being said—and that was Asher.

Yes, they were far from being on good terms, and he hated Asher with every fiber of his being, but he couldn't deny that Asher was the best ally he had if he wanted to save Dianna's life.

Back in high school, Zach and Asher were always up to notorious pranks, and not once did they get caught. That was how good they were as a team. Zach trusted no one when it came to carrying out something important, and back then, it was pulling off pranks.

Things may have changed, and Asher may be the last person Zach wanted to turn to for help, but he couldn't deny the truth—only Asher could help him in this situation. Only Asher could help him fight the storm.

It had been just five hours—or less—since the storm started, but it had already wreaked enough destruction in parts of the town. It wasn't the first time a hurricane had hit, but this one felt more dangerous than the others, and Zach was afraid. For all he knew, the storm was just beginning, and it would only get scarier from here.

Zach turned back and looked at Dianna's pale face—he could still remember the day she was born. Although he was only five, he understood the responsibility and role of being a big brother the moment he held her in his small hands. He had promised himself then that he would never let her get hurt and would protect her from everything.

He gently caressed Dianna's cheek and met Asher's expectant gaze. From the look on Asher's face, Zach knew he already had his answer.

                "Fine, but only this once," Zach muttered.

Asher gave a curt nod and lifted Dianna in his arms. "Let's go."

               "Wait!" Meredith cried, leaning forward to gently shift Asher's hands a little back from Dianna's stomach. "I'm not sure, but she might be hurt in those areas near her stomach. Don't press too hard."

Asher nodded in understanding.

Jason returned carrying a few torchlights, umbrellas, and a backpack. Meredith raised an eyebrow. Jason sighed. "I like to be prepared. We're facing a hurricane. We might need a few things."

               "You're right," Meredith agreed. "Let's go, then."

Zach nodded, glancing at Dianna before turning to face the hurricane.