Moments

Chapter 19

Harry stood at the sliding glass door that lead to the back patio, his arms crossed over his chest lost in his own thoughts. The last couple of days had been hard and trying, Sierra’s health had only decreased more.  She was weak, her skin was pale, and her breathing was more labored now.  Her doctor had explained that this was because her lungs were becoming more compressed as the cancer took over more.

Her mother and father were in the bedroom spending time with her, like they did every day.  Harry had distanced himself from the commotion of the boys, Gemma, Eleanor, and Danielle behind him.  He was shaken from his thoughts when he felt an arm across his back. 

“I’m here if you need to talk, Hazza,” the blonde boy whispered.

Harry turned to Niall and forced a smile.  “Thanks.”

Niall gently wrapped the curly headed boy in his arm and gave his back a brotherly pat. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Harry replied, trying to fight the tears that had threatened to fall.

Sierra’s parents emerged into the room, her mother wiping tears from her cheeks.

“She just woke up,” David said, as Diane moved to grab her purse from beside the door.  “She should have some energy for awhile.”

Harry nodded. Gemma had rose to her feet unnoticed by anyone and moved down the hallway and into the bedroom.  

“You guys aren’t going to stay?” Louis asked.

“No,” Diane shook her head.  “Honestly, what you all have done and put together is so sweet,” she looked around the room.  “But, I don’t think I can handle it.”

“We’ll be back in the morning,” David added, as they both moved to give Harry a hug.

~*~*~*~~

Gemma sat on the bed next to Sierra and reached out to brush a strand of her hair from her face. “Are you excited?”

Sierra smiled. “Yeah, a little.”

“This is a great surprise that Harry cooked up for you,” Gemma stood to her feet and peeled the covers off Sierra, and helped her sit up in the bed.   “I hope you love it.”

“Gemma,” Sierra said gently, her breathing labored.

“Yeah?” Gemma turned to pull the familiar purple Jack Wills sweatshirt from the closet, knowing that Sierra would be cold.

“I’m sorry,”

“For what, honey?” Gemma pulled a pair of purple socks from the dresser and knelt down to slip them on Sierra’s feet.

“For doing this...to him,”

Gemma looked up, locking her eyes with her. “That’s rubbish.  Please don’t talk like that.”

Sierra took the older girl’s hand and pulled her back to sit next to her, as tears built in her eyes. “You’ve always been like my own big sister, you know.”

Gemma nodded, using her thumb to brush the tears of Sierra’s cheek. “I love you.”

“Gemma…I don’t have much time left..” she breathed.

Gemma rested her forehead against hers. “That’s why we’re all going to make the best of what you have, okay?  There is a huge surprise in the living room for you.”

A smile formed across Sierra’s lips and she looped an arm around Gemma’ neck.  Gemma bit her lip, trying not to keep herself from crying as she felt Sierra’s tears hit her shirt.  She looked over Sierra’s shoulder to find Harry standing in the doorway, she forced a smile at her brother and gave him a gentle nod.