Running Through Rivers

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen - Cassidy's POV

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Sophie was released from hospital a few days later and, after some debate, went back home to Aunt Frankie's with the condition that we could see her whenever we wanted. It was either that, or get Social Services involved, which was the last thing anyone needed considering we didn't know how long she had left.

It still didn't seem real, that Sophie could get worse at any moment. 'Years, months, weeks', that's what Dr Howard had said. That's why my next decision was a whole lot easier.

"I'm not going."

"Yeah, you are."

"No, I am not."

"Yes, you are!"

I glared at them as they stood opposite me, facing the sofa. Alfie had called Austin in as back up, standing shoulder to shoulder and blocking my view as I tried to watch the new episode of Glee. This was the first time I'd seen them united and what did they do? They chose to gang up on me.

Typical.

"Come on, Cass. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's not going to happen again."

"I know, thats's exactly what once-in-a-lifetime means." I sassed, trying to peer around my brother.

He shifted slightly, forcing me to look up at him. "Stop being a smart-arse and take the damn scholarship!"

"I can't! Sophie's days are numbered! She may not live another Christmas. She might not even make it to next month! I can't loose anymore time with her. And anyway, they're only offering it to one of us, so I'd be up there all alone, scared to death about Sophie's health. It just wouldn't work." I snapped, giving up on the Tv and putting it on mute.

I got up and marched over to the kitchen, pulling open the cupboard and grabbing a glass.

Alfie caught my wrist as I turned towards the fridge. "But that's the thing, Cat. Blake thinks we can afford a year's fees! That means that you take the scholarship, and I can still be with you the whole year." Alfie took the glass off me, putting it on the counter and placing his hands in mine, "You deserve this, Cat, you know you do. Just take it."

"But...Sophie..." I still wasn't convinced.

I shook my head, picking up the glass and turning to the fridge.

A whole year? Sure, it would be amazing, especially now that Alfie would be going too. I just wasn't sure I could be away from my sister that long, regardless of her health.

"Don't worry about Soph." Austin appeared in front of the fridge.

"What is it with you and blocking things?"

He ignored me. "She wouldn't want you to miss out on things like this just because of her. We can't put our lives on hold just incase she doesn't make it to the new year. We should be spending the time we have left with no regrets. Dropping everything will only make it harder to pick up the pieces when she does leave.

"So go, have an adventure, do crazy shit. It's what I've been doing most of my life, and you've always been there to clean up after me. Now it's my turn. Now I'll have to take responsibility for a change."

I sighed, a small smile creeping onto my face. "Fine! You win. I'll go."

Austin grinned. "Finally!"

I turned to Alfie. "Crescent Bay, here we come!"

~~~

I sat down in a seat by the window, dropping my bag beside me. From the corner of my eye, I could see a couple having a passionate goodbye kiss, completely oblivious to the people around them who were trying to board the train.