The Hidden Sister of Red Band Society

heart of steel...we are here...can't see the light

I was back on my IV again, laying down in my bed surrounded by nurses. The clock read 2:15. I hadn't eaten all day, and my stomach was screaming for food. So, after some pretty heavy influencing, I got Brittany to get me a S'mores hot chocolate from the nearby coffee shop, along with a whole-wheat bagel with cinnamon cream cheese.
I've realized that I haven't told you about my style yet, you know, the way I dress. I'm a very casual, girl-next-door, jeans and a t-shirt kind of person. Trust me, you won't get much more from me than that, except for special occasions when I wear dresses. My wardrobe is pretty sad, actually.
During my lunch, I kept seeing Brittany running around frantically. I crept outside when the nurses weren't around and saw her feverishly looking for something, or someone.
"Brittany!" I called out, "you okay?"
"No!" She cried, "I'm not okay! I can't find Leo or Dash anywhere."
"Hey, Brittany. What's going on across the street over there?" I suddenly asked. Then, I sighed. "I bet Leo is over there, and Dash is most likely with him. Let's go." Suddenly, Dash ran in. Everything else from there was a blur. Walking into the college frat party across the street. Finding Leo on the ground, helping him up and leading him back into the hospital. My disappointment. His ignorance.
That night, I was talking with Doctor McAndrew and Nurse Jackson.
"You have a heart of steel, honey, to be dealing with that kind of stuff," Nurse Jackson had said after I confessed the whole thing to her. "Leo's...not the best role model."
We had talked some more, then Doctor McAndrew ushered the nurse out as he began to share the "big news."
"Well, you know how you couldn't receive chemo before?" He asked. I nodded.
"My body wasn't strong enough," I replied.
"Meghan, your body is stronger now."
"So what does that mean?"
"Something very pivotal."
I gasped as he told me the news. My life would be changed forever.

_________________________

"You're receiving chemotherapy tomorrow. Your body can maintain chemo better now than before."
I sat down, puzzled.
"Is that the big news?" I asked.
"No," the doctor replied. I crossed my arms.
"So?"
"So. Along with your health I'm sure you are aware of your brother's health conditions."
"Yeah. They're expensive. My mom was always stressing out because she was afraid that she wouldn't be able to pay for the hospital bill, you know, because insurance only does so much. Our constant health needs really put a strain on our family."
"Yes. I am aware of that. Your mom has also made that aware. She told us recently that she won't be able to afford much more for you."
At that point tears were flying down my face. I knew it. I couldn't speak. I just let the doctor go on talking.
"We are here to help you," Dr. McAndrew said. "That's my job. I help you. Nurse Jackson helps you. Everywhere you look, each road you turn, everyone you meet in this hospital is out to help you. And we're going to do something that will ultimately help you and your family. Your mom was working...how many jobs before?"
"A cashier at Walmart, a pharmacist at Walgreens, and in her spare time she was writing a book. Three jobs."
"Yes."
"If you're giving us money, we don't want it. I can tell you right now that my mom won't accept it."
"We're not giving you money. We're just not making you pay any."
"So what are you saying?"
"We're saying that you and your brother's hospital fees are paid for. Done."
I gasped and started crying even harder. I ran over and hugged the doctor so hard.
"Thank you," I whispered. "Thank you so much." He hugged me back.
"It's on us," Dr. McAndrew replied.

I was unaware of Kara, Jordi, Dash, Emma, and Leo standing in the doorway, listening in on our whole conversation.

_______________

 I looked over at my unknown audience, their faces plastered with shock. Leo quickly hobbled off on his crutches, and the silence continued as everyone watched him leave.
"You..." I breathed, pointing at them, "You all are going to pay dearly."
"Meghan. Stop," the doctor warned, and came up behind me as to try to restrain me.
I turned around, stared at him, then shoved him a few feet back.
My brain was whizzing.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!" I screamed. The remaining kids scattered, and I was left alone in my room with the doctor.
"Calm down, Meghan, I need you to calm down for me right now," he said. "I'm going to go call a nurse in."
"NO!" I screamed. "Just leave me alone!" I tried not to cry, and it worked. Doctor McAndrew pressed my emergency light and immediately I was bombarded with nurses.
"Leave me alone!" I shrieked.
They did not. I continued screaming and crying like a little child.
"I can't see the light!" I sobbed. "Nothing..." I struggled under the nurses' grasps, staring at the open doorway. If I could only get through...
I eyed the doorway, and, shaking the nurses and doctors off, I saw my chance. I shoved everyone aside, dodged hands and feet and arms, and bolted to the doorway. I was in control now, and everyone knew it. Everybody stopped as I stood in the doorway. They began slowly inching towards me. I couldn't give up this time. I couldn't give in. For the second time in 24 hours, I broke into a run. I checked behind me and saw everybody chasing frantically after me. I didn't care.
Choosing the stairs instead of the elevator this time, I ran up and ascended onto the next level, ignoring the thunderous footsteps behind me. I wasn't crying anymore. I felt like I was flying.
I felt like I was free.