A/N: So I wrote this back in May for a Short Story a Day challenge I was doing and just now came across it. I hope you enjoy it.
A/N 2: If you've seen Memphis the Musical, this takes place between Act I and Act II.
"Please, just...let me go inside with you." Huey went to climb into the ambulance, only to be stopped.
"Sorry. This is a colored ambulance."
"Then...then I can meet you at the hospital."
Delray turned to Huey. "Huey, I'm sorry, but you can't go." His voice softened into a barely audible growl. "I told you what would happen if my sister was seen with you. A bunch of trouble. Now look at her." He motioned to Felicia lying on the gurney, colored doctors all around her. "This happened because of you. All because you insisted on putting her on that damn radio show of yours."
"But Delray...I-I promised her..."
"Yeah. You promised her. You-"
"We need to go, her blood pressure's dropping." One of the doctors walked up, closing the ambulance doors before it took off, speeding away into the night.
Delray sat by his sister's bedside, head bowed. "Oh Felicia, please be alright. Please be alright. Please, please God, let her be alright."
"How-how she doing?"
His head snapped up, glaring at the person standing in the doorway. "Huey!" Delray jumped to his feet, storming over. "What the hell are you doing here? This is a colored hospital! You shouldn't be in here!"
"Now Delray, I-I realize this is very hard for you-"
"You didn't answer my question. How the hell did you get in here?"
"One of them colored doctors let me in." A small smirk appeared on his face. "He said he heard me on the radio...and that he would let me in."
"That stupid doctor, I'll-" Delray glanced down as Huey grasped his arm.
"Delray, I-I know I shouldn't be here, but...I do love her. Let-let me see her. Please."
He looked down at him, the stupid country hick, the one who thought he was gonna make it big in Memphis, turn his sister into a star. By all rights he should call the nurse and get Huey thrown out. But...as stupid as Huey was, Delray saw something in his eyes that he didn't see in most white folks: respect. And a love for his sister that was right now putting him in just as much danger as her. Delray sighed. "Fine. But you got five minutes."
"Thank you Delray." Huey knelt down by the bed, taking Felicia's hand in his. "Oh Felicia, please be alright. I-I shouldn't have let those men harm you. If-if you're going to be alright, I-I promise...I'll never let anything happen to you ever again. I'll protect you and...I'll make you a star. But please, get better, for me..."
"Three minutes."
Huey glanced up at Felicia's brother before bowing his head, a hand reaching out to gently take Felicia's. He stroked it lovingly, placing a light kiss on her arm and then her forehead. "Please be alright."
"Huey, time's up." Delray walked back over to the bed, taking up his post. "You better get out of here before they catch you."
"Delray, just..."
"Get out Huey."
Huey bowed his head, glancing one last time at the bed. "I'll be here for you Felicia. Just...you wait and see. We'll get through this. Together. I promise." And with that, he turned on his heel, sadly walking out the door.