The Fight

Chapter 19

Charlie's P.O.V.

Arriving at the hospital, we could only wait. The doctor couldn't tell us anything, except that her leukemia was the cause, and Anabell was in critical condition so no one could see her.

I had long ago called Amber and Daniel with the news. Amber's mom wouldn't allow her to come to the hospital this late if all she was going to do was sit in a waiting room but Daniel had come. He was staring at the wall across from him, his eyes glazed over. I was pretty much the same way.

After a while, mom took the twins home. They needed sleep and honestly were too young to fully realize what was going on. Daniel went out to get some fresh air and I followed. We were leaning against the wall of the hospital when I decided to speak.

"How are you holding up?"

"Awful. You," Daniel replied.

"Same. I hate this. I find out I have a sister, a twin none the less, and she could be dying. I hate my mom for keeping this a secret from me."

"I think your mom was keeping it a secret because she was trying to run from her past. Don't get me wrong, it was terrible what she did but I kind of see why she did it," Daniel reasoned.

"I guess. So how long have you and Anabell been dating?" I asked.

"A few months. I still can't believe it happened. Ask anyone, I used to be her bully. Then her accident happened, we kissed, and BAM! were together."

I was silent for a while, then said, "You're good for her, you know. She goes on and on about you all the time. She really likes you, you know."

"I know. I see it in her eyes when we're together. Ok, wow, cheesy line. But while we are saying cheesy stuff, between you and me, I'm falling for her. Hard."

Lightly laughing, I replied, "It's ok, man. You make my sister happy so I will let you live."

Now more serious, I said, "But you break her heart and I will personally break every single bone in that body of yours."

Holding up his hands in surrender, Daniel muttered, "Ok, ok!"

"What do you say we walk across the street and get a coffee. I don't know about you, but if I don't get some caffeine, I will pass out or possibly go crazy," I said, now back to my normal voice.

"Deal, and we can talk about all those hot girls at school that are already head over heels for you," Daniel replied. " You have plenty of choices!"

"Thanks, but I have eyes on someone else."

With that I started walking across the street, not letting Daniel say another word.

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Walking back into the hospital, Daniel and I knew something was going on. I found my dad and asked, "What's going on?"

My dad replied, "Anabell is going home. They decided to keep her off of medication and she is going to live at home. She had a reaction to the cancer and that's what made her have that panic attack. They thought it would be best if she stayed home her last few months than cramped in a hospital."

My dad then walked away. Daniel was frozen. I was pacing back and forth again, breathing hard. Anabell was supposed to be getting better; not worse.

After ten minutes, dad had reappeared, bringing Anabell in a wheelchair. She no longer had the tubes near or on her. Anabell was going home but she was dying.   

Daniel and I came up to her and gave her a big hug.

"We're so glad to have you back," I said with a sad smile.

"Thanks," Anabell said hoarsely.

We then went to the car and drove off. After my dad dropped a reluctant Daniel off, we made it home. Anabell immediately went up to her room, with me in tow.

"Do you want to have a sleepover," I screeched in a high pitched voice, trying to make Anabell laugh.

Succeeding in my goal, Anabell replied, "Sure but I get the top bunk."

"Fine!" I huffed.

I then went to get my stuff from my room. When I returned, Anabell was already tucked into bed. I put his stuff on the bottom bunk and laid down. After about five minutes I said, "So how are you feeling?"

"Please don't play dumb Charlie," Anabell replied. "I know I am dying. The doctor told me. That's why they kept me off chemo therapy."

"I'm sorry, Anabell."

After a few minutes had passed, I asked the question that had been bugging me since I had heard that Anabell was coming home from the hospital.

"Are you afraid to die?"

Anabell thought about this. She finally said, "No, not afraid. Just sad. I am sad because of everything I will miss like Daniel, mom and dad, the twins, Amber, you... I mean your my twin for God sake's. But I know that when I die, I will be happy. And that's all I could ever ask for."

Anabell yawns and then says, "Goodnight Charlie. I love you."

"I love you too, Anabell," I replied but Anabell was already fast asleep.