Tale of Two Hearts

Pilot

Sounds filled the cool morning air. A day like no other was about to happen with little to no notice. Life truly is a crazy thing, and you never know what is about to change. The changes that do appear to happen can have such a large impact on your life, in a good way... Or a bad unexpected way. Personally I don't know how to determine this change. Clearly it is not a good one, but the turnout is unlike any I have ever heard of. Well I am sure you don't want to hear me run on, and on, and on about this story. I can see you want me to jump straight into the details.

"Awex wake up right now! I demand it!" A small non matured voice rang through my right ear. I slowly opened my eyes, rolling towards the sound.

"What is it?" I groaned, sitting up and taking a long, glorious stretch.

"Mommy weft for work, and I want breakfawst" The voice spoke, a little sweeter, less demanding. I chuckled at his request and gave a nod.

We walked downstairs together, him running a little ahead of me. He was my little brother, Gabe. He was only 2, but he was practically my whole world. We lived with our mother only. Sadly two years ago our father passed away. My dad was rushing to the hospital to see Gabe being born, we had no idea the kid would come early. Dad especially didn't know so he was at work when he got the call. I was at college in Orlando which is obviously a good distance from Tennessee. During the rush to get to the hospital a diesel flew out of the four way, running a red light. I'm sure you can pick up what happened. I took the earliest flight back home and was devastated. My baby brother was born healthy and beautiful, but that same day I lost my father. It hurts to this day, but I try to not look at is as such a bad thing. Instead I more look at it as my brother was given a new life and my father had completed all the goals in his. Sure that is not fully true, but now my brother has the chance to follow in my dad's shoes and be as great as he was.

It was so hard on my mother losing her husband, and now having a newborn to take care of. I moved back home to help her out, and changed to online courses. Luckily for me I was already so far ahead in the semester that an online course would be nothing. Also I would be finishing school a year earlier than I was supposed to. I could have done online either, but I wanted to go to college and have the full experience. I've been home now for almost two years helping out my family. Mom has been wanting to move back to Alabama to be around the other relatives, but personally I love it where I am.

"Sissy!!!" Gabe cried out, tugging on my hoodie.

"Yes?" I said quickly, snapping out of thought. It's harder to stay focused now without thinking of everything that has happened.

"Can we go to Ihop? I weally want pancakes! OH AND BACON!" He shouted with cheer. It was so adorable how excited he would get about things.

"Sure, just let me go get ready and we can leave in about 30 minutes, okay?" I looked down at him with a smile, waiting for a response.

"Yes! I'm going to go get ready too!" He said with a small mocking tone. He really looked up to me, and enjoyed doing everything I do. Well at least he acted like he did.

We both went to our rooms and got ready. I slipped into some simple black jeggings, a white t'shirt with a wolf printed on it. I grabbed my black converse and met Gabe downstairs. He already had my keys and shoulder bag ready by the door.

"Thank you good sir" I spoke with a very proper, silly tone. He gave a large smile and we headed out to the car. Car rides were always fun with him. We would dance, sing, and talk about bizarre things. Well the things you can talk to a 2 year old about at least. We finally made it to Ihop, it really is not that far of a drive.

"How many seats, ma'am?" A tall older man asked with a kind smile.

"Only two, please." I responded as he nodded, taking us to our table.

"What may I start you off with?" He said, pulling out his notebook and pen.

"Just some chocolate milk, and a coke please." I responded, picking up the menu he had laid out in front of me.

"No problem, I'll return shortly." The man walked away casually, and I looked over the menu.

When he came back we ordered. Gabe got his usual of chocolate pancakes with a side of bacon. I got the blueberry pancakes, side of bacon, and two eggs. Don't judge me, I really like my breakfast food. Breakfast was nice, as usual. I checked my emails for any homework I needed to get done. I was finishing school in less than three months.

"May I sit up front in the big boy seat on the way home?" Gabe asked with a large, hopeful smile. I looked at him, not quite sure what to say.

"I don't know Gabe.. It can be dangerous for you to sit up front. I mean what if something happens?" I questioned with fear. I didn't want to lose him too. It was hard enough on mother and I.

"Nothing will happen I pwomise!" He said to me, and for some reason I believed him. We finished up breakfast and headed out to the car. I let him sit up front, still nervous about it. I took a few deep breaths, assuring myself that everything was going to be just fine.

The car ride seemed like it was taking forever. I mean it was only a 20 minute drive. Well it was only longer because I was taking a back road. I was far too scared to drive upon any main roads. I did not want anything to happen to my brother. Was that so wrong of me? I worry about those I care for. I glanced at Gabe for one second before focusing back on the road. A small dog ran out in front of me and I slammed on my breaks, swerving to avoid it. I pulled over on the side of the road, my heart was out of my chest.

"Are you okay?!" I asked in a panic to Gabe, putting my hand comfortably on his shoulder.

"I'm fine, I pwomise. Is the puppy okay?" He asked in the sweetest voice. He was so calm about the situation. I was glad, but it also upset me. I knew he was too young to understand what could have happened.

"Okay, good." I said with a calming sigh. I put the car in drive and went to pull on the road. Life was flashing before my eyes, without me fully knowing what was going on. *Loud crash, almost like an atomic bomb.*

Everything was black, silent. Suddenly there was ringing... People's voices were slowly coming into focus.

"Get her out of the car now!" One voice yelled.

"The young man is gone! How's the little boy?" Another voice responded with the same panicked voice.. Little boy? GABE! Is Gabe okay? What happened! Tons of questions rushed through my head, I tried moving and yelling. Nothing... It was like an awful dream where you are just laying there, paralyzed. Wait... Was I paralyzed?

"He has a pulse! It's not the best, he needs to be at a hospital right now!" The first man cried.

I could feel someone lifting me up onto some bed like thing. I was not fully sure of everything going on, I just was hoping Gabe was alright.