I woke up to my phone ringing somewhere in the covers. I struggled to open my eyes and patted the bed around until I felt it. The bright screen hurt my eyes and I let out a groan. It was Alice and there's only one reason she would be calling at three in the morning. I answered and sat up in the bed. "Hey, Lacey. What's wrong?"
"She's doing it again, Y/N. You're not here, so I don't know what to do." Our mom has been having these episodes since our dad died. I never can truly help her, but I try to do all that I can. He was a great man and died a great man, saving a life. He was a firefighter and he was damn good at his job. I just wish things didn't go so wrong that one Tuesday morning. I remember it so vividly and so does mom, but her more than me. She thinks about it from time to time and wakes up clothes drenched, mouth dry. Sometimes she's in such a panic she doesn't even know I'm the one helping her. I just wish things were different. That we could be a normal family. Dad never left and spreading his joy. Mom not having to worry about a single thing, but a girl can only dream.
"Okay, Lacey just calm down. I need you to be calm for her. Okay?" She mumbled a quiet yes. "Did you get her anything? Some water?" I reached over towards the small lamp on the nightstand and flipped the switch. Ashley grunted and turned away from the light. "Yes, I got her a glass of water and a cold towel."
"Good. Can you put me on speaker?" I could hear her move around on the other end of the phone. "Okay, I did." I took a deep breath and tried to keep my voice steady. "Hey, mom? I know you can hear me. Can you just take some deep breaths? I might not be there, but I'm holding you in spirit." I could hear a hushed voice. "When you feel better, try to walk around the house until your mind eases up. I'll stay on the phone."
"Thanks, Y/N. I miss you. Please come back soon." I let out a small laugh. "I will Alice." I got out of my bed and walked over to Ashley. We've already been to Ohio, currently in Michigan. It's been a stressful few weeks and now this. Everything's too much. I sat down next to the sleeping girl and poked her arm until she swatted my hand away, facing me. Her eyes still half closed fluttered open and she yawned. She mouthed what's wrong and I mouthed a short response back. She understood and sat up, pulling me close to her. "How's she doing, Alice?"
"She's walking downstairs. I'm going to sleep in her room tonight. She's better than she was. I'll call back if anything else happens." I could feel tears well up in my eyes. "Yeah, okay. I love you and tell mom the same." I tried to hide the quiver in my voice. "Love you too, Y/N. I promise will. She loves you too. Goodnight." I hung up and once I did the tears I was holding back made a trail down my cheek. I held on to Ashley, wishing she was Dinah. I'm so tired and I just need the goofy blonde. "It's okay. She's okay. You might not be there, but Alice is and she's responsible." I roughly wiped my tears on her shirt. "She's ten, Ashley. Responsible, where?" She looked up and we both laughed.
She got up from the bed and I laid my head back on the pillows, pulling the covers up to my chin. "What are you doing?" I looked towards her. She was standing next to the door about to leave the room. "Doing you a favor." I raised my eyebrows and twisted my lips. "Okay, Ashley. That favor better include cake." She laughed and the door clicked closed. I reached for the lamp switch and turned the dim light off. I figured Ashley went to Bella's room and left me alone, which is not what I need right now. I've been in my head way too much. This tour is fun, but I need to get back home soon. It'll be best for my mom and Alice.
As I was letting my mind wander the door cracked open. I couldn't see who walked through. I guess Ashley came back. "I thought you went to your boo, but hey if you brought me, sweets. That's great." From the figure, a sweet giggle filled the room. I rested on my elbows and a smile spread on my face. The girl walked closer, making the white shine of the moon through the windows shine on her beautiful features. Dinah smiled and raised her hand to block the moonlight, squinting her eyes. I laughed. "Hey, cutie." The blonde smirked and I hoped she couldn't see the blush on my cheeks, but I noticed a tint on hers. "Hey." She sat next to me and I tucked the loose strands of hair that blocked her eyes from mine away. "You came when I needed you most. You must be psychic." I let my hand rest on her cheek and she held it. "Actually, Ashley got me, but let's go with the psychic thing. It's much better." I got lost in those chestnut eyes. I could just stare at her forever, she's art come to life. "What's wrong, Y/N?"
