Broken Vessels

| Chapter IX- Veronica |

| October 30, 2017 |

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Yo yo yo! What's this? An update? You bet it is! I do apologize for not posting anything last week like I usually would have but I legit had the craziest week last week. Had a bunch of homework to catch up on since I kinda fell behind ^^'  and I did have a test and speech to prepare for (which was done today Hallelujah!) 

Now, enough about me. It's time to go more into Veronica's story. Please enjoy!  

Warning, may cause some tears to slip unknowingly from your eyes. 

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| Chapter IX- Veronica |

* Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow. -Swedish Proverb*

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The next few hours were torture. Or so it felt like a few hours. In reality, it's only been about an hour. I got the call from Cindy around the time second period would begin. Or rather, a text message since she wasn't sure if I was in class or not. I had to excuse myself to see what the issue was. Cindy never contacted me during school hours unless she was on break. 

Turned out my over-active brother of mine had a small accident during soccer tryouts during the time. Nurse said it was a sprain but that it should be checked out at the ER. So here we were, Cindy and I, waiting for the results.

I paced forward and backwards with the pad of my thumb being pressed against my lips, a trait I've had since I was younger during a stressful situation. And the whole situation sucked because this called for parents. Or at least a legal guardian which I was most definitely not. Crap.

"Ronnie? Will everything be okay?" Cindy asked in a small voice.

"Oh baby yes it will," I responded as I knelt in front of her. Poor girl looked worried sick.

"Then why do you look so scared?" she asked. I saw the tears swimming in her eyes. Not good. I took a deep breath in and gave a small smile while massaging her hand.

"I'm just hoping he isn't as hurt as I think he is. I know the school nurse said it was just a sprain but she could only look at so much. I'm just hoping it is just a sprain," I replied. In honesty, that was true. But that was just the surface of it.

The real problem lay in them finding out that I'm not old enough to be here and then they demand the parents to come and sign the papers. The other issue was the billing. Going to the hospital was expensive, even if there was nothing really wrong. The slightest check-up could cost quite a bit even though it could've easily been done at home.

Usually I would just take him home but as I told Cindy, I wasn't sure if the nurse was right or not. For all we know, he could've pulled something or fractured a bone just a bit. And I was no medical expert.

"Miss Dayton?" a voice called out and I immediately stood up.

"Yes sir?" I replied as I stepped forward.

"Are you a relative of Caleb?" he asked.

"Yes sir. I'm his older sister," I answered.

"Well he's just fine. He sprained his ankle pretty badly. I gave him a boot and some crutches but he should be off that foot for about three weeks. I would give some pain medication but he seems like a tough lad and declined it. So just have some ice put on his foot twice a day. I would also recommend keeping him home for a few days to let his foot rest up a bit before exercising himself and going out," he told me.

I nodded at his instructions just as Caleb hobbled out of the room with crutches under his armpits. He gave me an apologetic smile as he joined Cindy on the chairs. I looked back at the doctor and smiled.

"I can't thank you enough sir," I said. He smiled and I followed him to pay.

Turned out about as pricey as I thought it'd be but as long as Caleb was fine, I didn't care. Also, lucky for us, they just needed a signature. Well with a little white lie on my part. They wanted our parents but I said they were occupied with their jobs and couldn't make it. The only reason I could was because I was closer to them location wise. They didn't question any further.

We were currently on our way home while Caleb profoundly apologized to me. It was starting to get annoying really.

"I know we're tight on money but I thought I could do it. I don't think soccer is for me," he was saying.

"Oh stop that you. Just because of one little accident doesn't mean you give up already Caleb. You are fantastic at soccer. From when you were younger you were always kicking a ball around either alone, with Cindy, or Michael," I responded. I then realized what I said and the atmosphere in the car grew thick.

"Yeah well Michael is gone," Caleb whispered. I looked at my siblings in the back and felt my heart shatter a little bit more. Every day it shattered but those two, they shouldn't have that look on their face. It wasn't right for thirteen year olds to have them.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"Well don't be. You're just stating a fact. Michale used to play with me. He used to be there! As well as mom and dad! But you know what? They're gone! Buried away in our memories because the people in our basement aren't them!" he shouted as tears streamed down his face. "So no don't feel bad sis. You're the only one who cares enough for us. You're the only one around. Stop feeling bad for something you have no control over! And don't worry too much about us either. I know you try to put a brave face on for us but we aren't deaf nor blind. You're hurting more than us, " he added.

Tears slipped down my cheeks as I pulled into our driveway. We sat in silence, letting the words of outburst Caleb had seep into our minds. And I don't know why but I felt relief.

I turned around to face them after wiping away my tears. "Look you two. I apologize because it isn't easy living this life. I apologize because even though I didn't make the choices, our parents and brother are rotting away right under our noses. I apologize because I'm trying everything in my power to make sure we stay together. I only want what's best for you both and I swear, as soon as I turn eighteen, we are out of this place. I can't promise the best life but I can guarantee you I will make it worth living," I concluded.

Both reached forward and clasped my hand with theirs. "We love you so much Ronnie. We know how hard you try and we love you even more for it. From now on, let's work together to keep our lives together. Caleb and I could start helping more. Whatever you need, don't try to burden yourself with it," Cindy told me and I gave a teary chuckle.

"Okay you two. I'll keep that in mind. Now let's get Caleb on bedrest shall we?" I asked and Cindy laughed while Caleb groaned.

"I'm not sick! Just a sprained ankle!" he complained as we got out of the car. I chuckled as I unlocked the door.

"Whatever you say sir," I teased as I had them walk in front of me. I then closed the door shut, shooing them up the stairs quickly when I heard voices. Not this. I hopped from one worry to another. Just. Freaking. Fantastic. Time to deal with my family's dealers. Again. 

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*Hands a tissue* My bad if you guys did tear up a little bit. But it had to be done. I believe a strong connection between these three siblings is a mandatory and watching them lash out after being tied down for so long feels appropriate, even at a young age. The twins may be young but they are mature thirteen year old's because of their situation. 

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