George's POV
It's Allison's four year birthday celebration. Even though I try my best, it's hard for me to wear a happy face. Kara has been ordered to take serious rest for a while from our family doctor. Even though we decide to still host a party for Allison, Kara can't be as much apart of it as she wants. Alli reaches up and pulls on my pants to get my attention.
"Where's Mommy?" She asks.
I crouch down as I look into her deep eyes.
"Mommy is just upstairs getting dressed. She doesn't feel very well lately. And she's very tired so we need to be careful with her." I say as strongly as I can.
Allison's eyes drop to the floor.
"Mommy is always tired." She says quietly.
My heart breaks. So young, too young to understand fully what's going on.
"I know baby. She's trying her best to get better for you, I promise."
I hate saying these things especially when I know Kara won't get better.
We are interrupted by Julian banging on the door. For as much fighting as the lads and I have been doing, we continue to be there for each other for big events. I open the door and Julian rushes in with Heather and Zak. Followed by Cynthia and Linda with Maureen, carrying Jason. Paul, Ringo and John bring up the rear carrying gifts.
"We said no gifts." I tell them as they walk inside.
They laugh.
"Well you know how women can be." Paul says.
"Just put them over there I guess." I say pointing to a table in the front room.
Everyone goes outside. The kids squeal when they see a giant bouncy castle in the backyard. The women reach for tea while the men grab beers.
"Shoes off Julian!" Cynthia yells.
Julian obey before jumping in behind everybody.
We all stand and watch for a bit.
"Where's Kara?" Linda asks.
"Yeah, we haven't seen her in a while." Ringo says.
"She's just getting dressed. And she's been... under the weather lately so she's been staying at home." I say.
"Sick? Again?" John remarks, rolling his eyes.
Cynthia shoots him a look and he straightens up quick. Paul takes a breath to say something but stops when the door creeks open.
I've told Kara countless times I'd fix that but she refused, saying she loves all the noises out house makes.
Everyone's eyes bug and their mouths shamelessly drop as they take Kara in. Although she tried her best with the makeup, her pale skin and deep bags under her eyes still showed through. And despite a loose dress and cardigan, her thin, frail, frame was clear.
"What in the hell happened to you?" Paul whispers.
Kara shifts uncomfortably. I go stand next to her and call for Miss Judy. I have her look after to young ones while is all went inside to talk.
Everyone was quiet as they followed us into the sitting room. I gesture to the chairs. The women sit and each man stand behind his wife. I set Kara in a chair and rest my hand on her shoulder. I look down to see her picking at her nails - an anxious habit of hers. I grab one of her hands to get her to stop. I look back up at the group and take a deep breath before telling them everything.
