Take 2

~Chapter 3~

I slept, but it wasn't good. I ended up waking at 1:36 a.m, as though I didn't have anything else to do. The hospital was almost completely silent, as the lights were off. Slowly I put my feet on the hard, cold tiled floor. Putting my weight atop my feet little by little, I stood. I stopped for a minute, asking myself what I was doing. Each second pounded in my head. My heart beat began to take flight, but I went with whatever my body wanted to do. I quickly tiptoed across the hallway to the rooftop doors. Easing the handle open, I tried to create as little sound as I possibly could. There was a sudden squeak from the twist of the handle, and I swirled around to see if it disturbed anyone around me. A slight cough was heard, but nothing else. I continued to pry open the door and quickened my pace up the flight of stairs. The night was cold. Colder than yesterday's weather. Bare foot travelling wasn't the smartest, but I could care less. I leaned over the bars to see the city lights. It was truly mesmerizing. I wish I could share these moments with someone, but as far as I know, it won't happen. I could tell my face had red cheeks and nose, because I couldn't feel my face anymore. Still I stood in the rooftop observing the city. For this early, there was surprisingly a lot of cars roaming 'round. I could see the University of Alberta from the view, and felt a pang of sickness. I wanted to pursue my career and studies, but I haven't really been in the spirit. Still I stared at the lights Calgary had displayed for a long while.
"Kinda cold isn't it." Startled, I recognized the voice.
"Hannah what are you doing here."
She moved closer. "Well, I heard a squeak, and I knew you're the only one that goes up here."
"Sure." I snorted. "I asked what you're doing here."
"There's no harm of me being here is there?" Hannah questioned firmly.
I sighed, looking back at her. "I'm sorry, I suppose you're right. Come over here, the view is breathtaking." After all, why was I tense about her? Was it the incompetence I had? Or was it because of something else? Or both? Hannah peered over the ledge. She seemed hesitant, being all balled up and eyes wide. Her hands were clasped on the bars tighter than I'd ever seen.
"You alright?" I asked.
"To be honest," she said quietly "I'm afraid of heights." Then she staggered back, and took a deep breath. I followed her, and put my hand on her back.
"I guess you're really afraid of heights."
"Yeah. I have bad memories from it."
"It's fine. Loke is also afraid of heights." Hannah drew attention to the 'Loke' part.
"Loke is my brother." I said, half expecting her to ask me.
"I see." She said. There was uncertainty in her voice. But I assumed it was from the heights.
"So," she started "that James guy, you guys have something between you guys?" Hesitant to answer, I gave her some information.
"He hit me with the car, that's all." From the corner of my eye, I saw the sides of her mouth perk up.
"Oh that's all?" She giggled to herself.
"... I mean I guess so." I said, fading my tone.
"He's really handsome."
"Yeah." I replied
"When is he gonna come by again?"
I paused. "Maybe tomorrow." I turned to face her. "Why."
"No reason really." She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Ok." I lowered my gaze. "I think I should go head off to bed. You should too."
"Oh yeah, of course." She went to open the old door. I nodded and descended down the flight of stairs. Hannah escorted me to my room and said thanks before hopping to bed. It was still a sleepless night for me, but I got a couple hours of shut eye to have me function for the day.

"Oi, wake up you lazy butt." I heard. I was slightly offended, but knowing the speaker I knew I couldn't get mad.
"Loke what are you doing here." I rhetorically asked.
"I'm visiting my big sis as you should know." He replied, popping his gum in his mouth. He changed over the past 6 months. I was quite mad about him not visiting me for almost 6 months, but relieved to see him again. His hair was longer, but neatly styled, the way his eyes rested were as though there was something wrong in his heart. I felt concerned but didn't bother to ask.
"How long have you been here?" I questioned. He glared at me.
"Longer than 30 seconds Ms. Sleeping Beauty. You made me wait for nearly a minute." He tsked and kept blowing bubbles.
"Why are you popping your gum?" I asked, slightly annoyed.
"Cuz I can do whatever I damn want to." He said, aggravated.
"What's with your language and tone?!" I yelled.
"Shut up Alicia." He said, spitting the gum out across the room. "You haven't been there for 6 months."
"You didn't visit me for 6 months!!!" I yelled.
"So?"
I sat there, hurt by his words. How could my own brother say that? We were merely 3 years apart, but our relationship was 100 light years apart after my accident.
"Sorry I got it by a car and got cancer." I said rudely. I shouldn't be apologizing, he should.
"Whatever." I glanced at Loke. He was on his phone, texting someone.
"Who are you texting?"
"None of your business." He quickly sent the message and turned off his phone. Suddenly Hannah came in.
"Alicia! I've just had an epiphany," she stopped in her tracks as she noticed Loke. "-who might this be?"
"My brother Loke." I replied.
She laughed, twirling her hair while walking towards him. "Hey, my name's Hannah." She giggled and showed her gummy smile. Loke was the type of guy who plays around with girls' feelings. He approached her and kissed her hand.
"Hey Hannah. The name's Loke. Loke Stan Katre." He gave a mischievous grin and let go of her hand. "How do you know my sister?"
Hannah replied blushing. "I'm her nurse. Your sister is nice to me. I hope we can become close." She bit her lip and held stares. I became very wary and broke it up.
"Hannah what's for lunch today?"
Hannah came back to earth, and stuttered. "Oh y-yes." She coughed to clear her throat. "It's mashed potatoes and rice for today. I think there's some gravy as well." She examined the plate, afraid to be certain of the substance sloshing around the potatoes.
"Thanks." I went to grab the platter, wishing Hannah would dismiss herself. She began to leave, but Loke called out to her.
"Aye girl," he said, wiping his face. "What's yo numba." He left his hand out, expecting a piece of information. Hannah whipped around almost too eagerly, and handed her phone. They exchanged digits, and without another word, Hannah left.
"Loke!" I exclaimed. "Don't you have a girlfriend!?"
He glared. "A girlfriend? You must mean some girlfriends."
I pierced him with my eyes. "Don't do this."
"I can do whatever the hell I want Alicia." He spat.
"LOKE YOU OWE ME BIG TIME-" came a voice, louder than ever before. The man barged in, with anger in his eyes. He locked eyes with me, and immediately turned shy. "I-I'm sorry for the intrusion." The guy said.
"Bruh. Bro, come here." Loke called out.
"Dude no. You owe me for ditching me at the frosh last Friday." He sneered.
"Oh that was you? Right, sorry Aidan. You're my main bro, I was too drunk to function. But dude, listen to this; I got you a gal. Real nice; I think her name was Briana." He used many dramatic gestures while talking.
Aidan peered at me. "Who's this?"
"My name's Alicia."
"Dude is she one of your girls?" Aidan asked, directing his look at Loke.
"Aidan. Are you daft?" Loke stood up from the chair he was sitting on. "This is my sister, man."
Aidan backed up. "Oh I'm sorry." He turned towards me and did a little bow. "Sorry Alicia, I didn't mean anything bad."
"You don't need to say sorry to her. She should be the one apologizing for ruining your eyes." He riveted his gaze at me. I stared back, threatening him.
"Don't talk to me that way Loke." I threatened.
"Loke, man, that's not cool. Your sister's pretty hot." Aidan said, putting his hand around the back of his neck.
"What are you?" Spat Loke. He slapped the back of Aidan's head and shook his own.
"I'll see you around?" Asked Aidan.
"Hah. That's almost no way possible." I replied, covering my mouth.
"Bro let's go. I heard there's a sick mall where there's some good ones there." Loke said, slapping Aidan's back.
"Ye, just a sec. go ahead first." Aidan looked towards me. I looked away to avoid his gaze. Loke left hesitantly, and quickly exited the hospital. At this time, I finally observed Aidan. He was definitely a taller guy, maybe in his senior high school year or freshman in University like me. He had a hint of Asian ancestry and something else. Probably a mix. He didn't seem like a rough tough guy, but neither a calm, shy one. I should say he was like a classic drama boy role. His hair was shortly cut, but he looked pretty decent. He wore casual clothes; hoodie, sweatpants, and I'd imagine there's a T-shirt underneath. He looked fit, even though he didn't display that.
"Hey."
"Hi." I said, breaking off my train of thought.
"Sorry for randomly barging in on you."
"It's fine."
"You know," he coughed, clearing his throat again. "Your brother Loke talks about you a lot."
I looked over. "In a bad way?"
"No. He really misses you. He started to develop those weird habits; drinking under age, going with girls, and doing bad riot stuff."
I softened after hearing that. "Really?"
"Yeah. Actually, he always talks about wanting to go visit you at the hospital every day." He stared directly into my eyes. "I think... his heart hardened after you weren't there anymore."
"I-I don't know what to say." I said, tears forming in my eyes.
"I think if he visits you more often, he'll become what he used to be. I really miss the old Loke." Aidan leaned on the wall, an angle away from my bed.
"He won't go by himself." I replied. I knew that boy better than I knew the back of my hand.
"I'll come along." He said hurriedly. "I mean, only if you don't mind."
"Of course not."
"Great," he breathed out. "Then if you don't mind, may I have your number?"
I suspiciously examined him.
"I mean, only for if there's something going on with Loke or something." He said, trying to reassure me.
"Ok."
Aidan slowly went to get his phone. "Umm, do you want me to read my number or you read?"
"You can read it out." I said.
"Ok." He went into his phone and got the numbers. "It's xxx-562-1028."
I noted that in my head and smiled. Aidan smiled back, and stood back up.
"I should head to Loke. He'll be hella suspicious about what is going on if I don't go now."
I simply nodded and waved goodbye. He scurried through the door and turned the corner. I watched until I didn't see him anymore.