A Complicated Love

(10)

I stared back at Chris as he shakily drank his water.

After his breakdown, I took him to the town's diner for some privacy and for him to tell me this big secret.

"So.." I began. "What's up?"

He looked at me reluctantly before replying. "My mom told me some news last night." I stayed quiet and waited for him to continue. "Emily has lung cancer."

That was the most shocking news I've received in a while and I didn't know how to react to it. I wanted to cry as I saw the tears filling his eyes.

"How?" My voice cracked.

"When mom took her to the doctor the other night, they told her Emily had asthma and she was fine with using the pump every second but then she fainted and mom had to rush her to the hospital. They scanned her body and found lumps on her lungs. Mom found out the news yesterday." He explained.

"Where Emily now?" I asked.

"We have a home doctor now but Mom is still there with her." He sighed. "I just... I feel pain for my sister. And I want to be strong for her...but it's just...hard." I've seen Chris cry only a couple of times but seeing him cry now, makes my heart ache for him. And Emily is so sweet and hasn't even started the enjoyment of a childhood. She doesn't deserve this.

I placed my hand on his as a tear rolled down my cheek. "Chris, we all need to be strong for her. If she sees you sad, she's going to get sad but we need her to be happy." I kissed the back of his hand. "I love you so much.

****

That night, I couldn't sleep. I could only imagine the pain Emily was in. And how much Chris was also hurting.

I sat up in my bed in my dark room with just a little light from the moon.

Emily shouldn't be going through this at her age. She doesn't have the strength to go through all the pain now and in the future. All I have to do is keep her in my prayers.

My phone began to ring, knocking my thoughts aside. It was a unknown  number and normally I don't answer to those, but I somehow swiped to answer before putting it at my ear.

"Hello?" My voice was low but I didn't care.

"Hey, Vanessa." I thought for a second after the raspy male voice replied. I know that voice but I can't put my finger on who it is exactly.

"You are?"

He chuckled. "So rude of me not to introduce myself. It's Tai." Oh it's him.

"Oh. May I ask why you're calling me in the middle of the night?" I asked.

The line went silent. "I just found out something but I need to tell, you something."

"Okay what is it?" I asked.

"Can I drive you home after school tomorrow?" That question was unexpected.

"No. Chris always drives me home." I informed him.

"Right." He answered. "Can we meet somewhere at school tomorrow?"

I thought for a moment. Should I really meet up with Tai? If I do and Chris finds out, that another problem on his shoulders and I didn't want that to stress him out.

"Sure but it better be something important." I said in a warning tone and he chuckled.

"Yes ma'am. The science lab at lunch hour." He instructed.

"Alright." I yawned. I really needed to rest.

*****

The next day at lunch hour I quickly made my way to the science lab so I could get this over with and the group wouldn't be suspicious.

The door opened with a screech and I entered. Tai was seated on top of the teacher's table looking around but his eyes land on me when he heard the door shut.

"I like a girl with perfect timing." He smirked and jumped off the table, approaching me.

I don't know why, but his intense eyes always seem to fascinate me. And how is messy brown hair looks perfect without him even trying.

"What did you want to talk about?" I pursed my lips.

He nodded rememberingly before his green eyes bore into mine. "Do you know a guy by the name Brad?"