Masked

Chapter Twenty-Five

        The five of us had rushed into the car bringing Allison's frail body with us. Diego had decided I should get the passenger seat as I was still a little unstable. He even made sure that when they laid Allison upon their laps that I couldn't look back to see her face. My mind was foggy, and I was starting to forget what had happened, my memories overshadowing the real issue with Vanya. No one said a word as we raced home, definitely not following any speed limit.

        I winced as the tires screeched, signaling our arrival. Same as everyone else, I opened my door and got out ready to help however I could.

        "Come on! Let's go!" ordered Five.

        Luther's heart was breaking. "I don't think she's breathing."

        "If we don't get her upstairs, she's gonna die," Klaus worried.

        There seemed to be nothing I could do. In the moment, I was just a shell of my energetic and sarcastic self. Allowing the others to make sure our sister didn't pass away in their arms, I let them enter first, taking my time to go up the steps and follow them to Mom.

•~•

        "She's suffered a severe laceration to her larynx. One of you will need to give blood," Mom said, taking in the sight before her.

        Allison lay on a mini operation table, her white shirt stained with blood. All of the boys had crowded around her, but I had decided to sit down instead. It wasn't as though I wasn't worried; it was that I didn't have the energy. It seemed the rest of the family did, however, as they all volunteered to spare any blood Allison needed. They bickered until Luther took command.

        He started to roll up his sleeve. "I'm doing it."

        "I'm afraid that's not possible, dear boy," Pogo shared from the back of the room. "Your blood is more compatible with mine."

        "Hey, don't sweat it. I-I got this, big guy. I-I love needles," butted in Klaus, ready to do what he had to to save his sister.

        "Master Klaus. Your blood is. . . How shall I say this? Too polluted."

        Diego took his chance. "Move."

        "Yeah, go on," whispered Luther, giving him room to pass.

        "I'll do it."

        Pogo didn't seem to have any complaints with him giving blood. I guess it didn't hurt not to be part monkey or a drug addict. However, the second Diego's eyes met the needle, he whimpered before crashing to the ground. Instead of laughing as I usually would, I walked over to drag him back to where I was sitting, but Pogo didn't see him fainting as a problem. 

        "Stick him."

        Everyone but Klaus, stayed in the room to make sure everything had gone to plan. Once Mom had taken all the blood she'd needed, She removed the needle from Diego and motioned to me to wake him up. I pulled him away from where she was working before laying his head in my lap, ignoring the rest of my family. My hand grazed across his face. A weak smile graced my lips as I took in a peaceful, non-violent Diego. Then I slapped him, causing him almost to jump up.

        "Great work, Diego. Really showcased your bravery right there."

        It took him a few seconds to realize what happened before groaning. "Uh. Wait, why'd you hit me?"

        "Might be my last chance with the world ending and all."

        Luther cleared his throat. "Um, can I get some time alone?"