Dark Mercy

Chapter 25

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My hands reached to pull open the hospital door that my sister was behind. I took a deep breath, and tried my best to look strong in front of her. She always displayed the strength in the family, and now it was my turn.

I glanced back down the corridor and spotted my mother crying in my father's arms. Well whoever he was. He wasn't my father, but I still was having a hard time understanding the whole situation. I wanted desperately to ask my mother for an explanation, but now was not the time.

I pushed open the door and peered inside. Graham was seated next to Lindsay's bed, his hand in hers. His thumb rubbed reassuring circles on her knuckles, as he whispered soothing words to her.

Once my eyes fell upon my sister, I choked back a sob. Her hair was messy and tangled, her once lively blue eyes seemed to be a sad gray, and her body looked fatigued and fragile. Tons of wires were hooked up to her body, and the heart monitor was slowly beeping, assuring me that she was still living.

I finally realized why no one wanted to tell me her condition. My sister didn't look like she was going to make it.

"Oh Lindsay." I gasped and covered a hand over my mouth. Graham's eyes snapped up to meet mine and he shook his head sadly.

"Graham. Can you please give my sister and I a moment?" Lindsay asked quietly, he voice raspy and harsh, not at all like her bubbly tone.

"Of course sweetheart. Let me talk to her first though, okay?" He planted his lips on her cheek and pulled me out into the hallway with him.

I jumped when his arms were around me and his face was buried in my neck. I could feel hot tears leaking down my shirt and I rubbed his back as loud sobs erupted from him. I bit my lip to keep from crying as my best friend crumbled in front of me.

"Hey, shh it's okay." I said, trying my best to soothe him.

"I'm tired of being strong for her Melony. I can't do it, I just know she's going to die and I can't just sit here and act like it's okay. Because it's not." He said, furiously wiping at the tears that fell upon his flustered cheeks.

"You don't have to be strong Graham. You have every right to cry." I said, rubbing his arm. I spotted Jake coming down the hallway and he softly took Graham from my arms and led him back to the waiting area.

I frowned at them and turned back to face my sister in her hospital room.

I pushed the door open once again, and sat down in the chair Graham recently occupied. I grasped her hands and her red, puffy eyes looked over to me.

"Take care of him. Please." She whispered, her voice cracking.

I shook my head frantically and pulled her into a hug. "You're not going to die Lindsay. I'm not going to let you." I hushed her.

"Melony. They found silver in my bloodstream. The rogue attacked me with it. I lost too much blood and the blood I already have is poisoned. There's nothing we can do." She explained and turned away from me.

"I'm so sorry Lindsay. I wish there were something, I would do anything for you." I said wishing my magical powers weren't just for nature purposes. Even if I did have them, there's no chance it would work. She's already dying.

"I've been such a terrible sister." She said suddenly and fresh tears fell down her face. I reached my thumb across his skin and wiped them away.

"No Lindsay. You've been the best sister. Don't you ever think that you haven't."