Incubus

17

AIDEN'S HAND was icy cold to the touch, as she squeezed it firmly. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes she stared at Aiden's pallid face, his ginger head resting on a pillow as he lay unconscious. The fluorescent white lights of the hospital room only paled him further.

"Aiden!" A panicked shout called from the entrance of the room. Within the next moment, Valerie was kneeling at her brother's side with horror shining in her eyes.

"W-what happened?!" She whispered, peeling off the white sheets that covered his bandaged abdomen. The grotesque sight elicited a gasp of surprise from her.

Celia's lips failed to form any words. She was tired of lying on account of Cain. First, he injured Valerie and then, he fatally wounded her brother. It was her fault for summoning the incubus in the first place. It was her fault he was in this predicament.

She could only say that a fierce wind had shattered the window that attacked Aiden with glass in full force. The story didn't make much sense, but it certainly sounded more valid than a jealous demon caused it.

"Celia, what happened to him?" Valerie repeated, her voice filled urgency.

The brunette lowered her gaze, her eyes burning. If she dared speak she knew she would break down in tears. She'd been holding herself together, but Aiden getting hurt had been the last straw.

"Valerie, honey," Grams' firm yet tender voice sounded from behind them. She sat in a chair with tired eyes, the same chair she'd been sitting in since they first arrived at the hospital.

"Grams? What happened-" Valerie started to ask, but grams hushed her.

"Come here, child." The old woman stood on wobbly feet and Valerie rushed to steady her. The elder woman stroked her hair soothingly. "Your brother is going to be okay. A window broke and the glass cut him, but he's all patched up and healing already."

Celia couldn't stand this for another second— lying to her loved ones. She was the only one who knew the truth. And the worst part was, she couldn't tell a single soul.

Letting go of Aiden's limp hand, she stood up and walked out of the hospital room. After what felt like fifteen minutes she reached a vending machine and halted in her pace.

The least she could do was get something for Valerie and grams to drink. Digging in her jeans' pocket, she protruded a five dollar bill. Jamming in the buttons of the machine, she waited for two gatorades to fall. When nothing happened, she pushed the machine in annoyance. The annoyance became a burning rage as she shoved it harder.

"Stupid-"
Kick.

"Broken-"
Push.

"Machine!" Celia shoved it again, causing the large metal container to rattle.

"What'd the vending machine ever do to you?" An amused, accented voice suddenly inquired.

Celia whipped around and faced the intruder. Her cheeks flamed up when she realized a dark haired girl had witnessed her little episode.

Kill me now.