The Magician's Apprentice

Lucky

Skai couldn't stop coughing.

It was subtle at first, with him clearing his throat every once in a while. Then he began to wheeze, and I began to get truly concerned when he asked one of the nurses for one of those devices that assists clearing the lungs of mucus; this was when I was beginning to realize that Skai was more uncomfortable than he was letting on.

He was finally at a point where he was hooked up to a device that eased his breathing. I could tell he was trying to be cheerful about it, but even without my enhanced senses I could tell he was getting weaker.

"Yo Evie, you should check out this thing they connected me to," he said. "It kind of looks like two elephants are trying to make out with me."

I arched an eyebrow. "Are you speaking through experience?"

He laughed hoarsely and said, "I wish, but no. These two tubes are connected to this mask that's covering my nose; it looks pretty dope."

Now that he pointed it out, his voice did sound slightly nasally and muffled.

"Oh, and I have good news," he added. "My name's been bumped up to first priority in the lung transplant list."

"That's great," I said, surprised by the genuine sincerity in my voice.

Skai must have noticed, because he chuckled and asked slyly, "Am I growing on you?"

I shrugged, refusing to show embarrassment. "Your company beats an empty hospital room."

"True that," he said, his voice slightly strained as he stretched. "It's waaay to boring in here," he complained. "Also, I need to stretch my legs. You need anything?"

"Sure," I said sarcastically. "How about my magic abilities and my eyesight?"

"Sure thing, Evie," Skai said, sounding slightly annoyed. "Anything more...realistic?"

"Um..." I said, shrinking in shame. "Maybe like some jello...or something."

"What flavor?"

"I don't care."

"On it. Hopefully I won't suffocate on my way."

I glared at him, but after several moments of silence I realized he had already left.

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Skai had to pause to catch his breath. He moaned softly in a mixture of frustration and pain, and set off again to head to the hospital's library. Once he entered, the nurse that ran the facility narrowed her eyes at him and said, "If you ask for a Playboy magazine one more time..."

"Who, me?" Skai asked, batting his eyelashes innocently. "Nah, I'm here for the majestic classics by none other than Joanne Murray."

The nurse frowned in further suspicion. "Who?"

"J.K. Rowling," Skai corrected, rolling his eyes. "Geez, lady. I haven't even read the books and I know her full name." He didn't blame the nurse for looking even more confused. He could practically hear her asking, If you haven't read the books, how would you know the famous author's full name?

Because you haven't met Jasmine, that's why, Skai mentally answered.

He seriously missed her like hell. He wished he could see her smile again. Man, he would seriously pay a healthy set of lungs just to see her happy again.

Cut it out, he mentally scolded himself. Your main focus right now is distracting Evie from feeling sorry for herself.

"Do you have the first Harry Potter book?" Skai asked the nurse.