The Curvy Road *On Hold* See Profile for Info

Prologue

I stood there, behind the glass wall, watching the doctors’ bustle about. The frigid air of the sterile environment had the hairs on my neck and arms standing at attention.

Blake’s pale and limp body seemed a bright contrast to the crimson liquid falling down the side of her lips. The drops staining the white sheet covering her, as well as the blue plastic mat all hospitals used –passing their weak support and non-existent comfort off as medical equipment- that held my 18 year old baby sisters’ form.

Things were getting worse.

The hospital stays, the treatment sessions, the medical bills…all were piling up so quickly. I had nearly emptied my savings over the last 3 months.

3 months.

$16,000.

That still didn’t include half the charges. I didn’t know where I was going to get the money to continue to pay for her treatment, but I was damned sure I would find it somehow.  

“Miss Addis? I’m Dr. Jimburt”

A short balding man, who seemed to be in his early 50’s, with a round belly looked at me expectantly.

“Yes. How is she? This was worse than the others…will she be ok?”

My tone filled with panic and worry, the weak smile the doctor gave me did little to sooth my concern.

“I’m going to admit her. Her cell count has lowered substantially, tonight’s attack has taken a lot out of her and I want to keep her here for observation for a few days. Things look to be progressing at an alarming rate. We stabilized her but we won’t know much more until the other test results come back –round midday tomorrow- I think it would be best for you to go home and get some rest. Once we move her, there won’t be much else you can do.”

His eyes showed sympathy and it took all I had not to break down on this poor doctor. Things weren’t meant to be like this. My baby sister should be worrying about picking out one of the many colleges that had accepted her, not fighting for her life.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We had gotten the diagnoses 6 months ago. I kept a brave face for Blake, but inside I was a right mess. Cashing in my bonds, savings, and even dipping into my 401k was nothing compared to the pain of possibly losing my sister.

With the money dwindling faster than I could even think to replace it, something had to change for the better soon. I wasn’t ready to lose the last family I had. At this point, I would do anything to ensure my sister’s health.