Mariana and Lena sat in the uncomfortable waiting room chairs. Mariana stared intensely at the ER doors that the doctors had rushed her unconscious brother through while yelling for an OR to be prepped. About ten minutes later a doctor came out and told them Jesus' appendix had burst and he needed Lena's signature to operate. While Lena signed the documents, the doctor promised he was optimistic but like with every surgery there was a chance something would go wrong. Now Mariana sat wondering if she was going to lose her brother, her lifeline, her only genuine tie to her past. The only person she could tell anything to, say anything to, and know he would never leave he would never desert her. She needed him. Her protecter, her friend, her best friend. Lena put her hand on Mariana's shoulder in a gesture of comfort but she shrugged away, ignoring the hurt in her mom's eyes. There was honestly only one person she wanted comfort from and he was currently laying on a operating table.

"Lena!", Stef's voice called as she, Brandan, Callie and Jude came rushing up to them. "Lena where's Jesus? Is he alright?" She asked anxiously.

"We don't know anything yet. He's still in surgery. The doctor was optimistic but...", she trailed off, clamping down on her quivering lower lip with her upper teeth.

"But...?", Stef asked breath hitching.

"There's a chance he won't make it.",Lena managed to get out, staring up at her partner with fearfilled eyes. Stef didn't answer, not wanting the children to be frightened by her shaking voice. All the others tried talking to Mariana but she didn't even acknowledge them, still staring at the ER doors willing the doctor to come out immediately and say that her twin was all fixed up and would be fine. After a couple minutes the others stopped trying and the family just sat together in a tense, anxious silence waiting to hear from the doctor.

About 2 hours later the doctor came out grinning at them.

"The surgery was a success!", the doctor said grinning brightly at them. "Jesus will absolutely fine. He's still recovering from the surgery and will wake up anytime in the next 24 hours."

"Thank God" Lena sobbed burying her face in Stef's chest as she cried from joy. Mariana also had tears running down her face but she jumped to her feet.

"When can I see my brother?", she demanded putting on her "you know you want to please me cause I'm just so cute" puppy dog eyes.

"Well like I said he's still unconscious but you are all free to sit in with him until he wakes up.", the doctor said smiling at her. "Room 450."

"Thank you so much.", Lena said as they all rushed towards the room. Mariana entered first, immediately rushing towards her twin and latching desperately onto his hand. The loud, steady beeping that filled the room was the best sound she had ever heard in her that night they all stayed up waiting for Jesus to wake. Jude tried but he was really to young to be able to stay up all night after a day of so much stress and fear. In fact everyone either dozed or left to stretch their legs except one person. Mariana. Except for brief trips to bathroom, in which case she ran there and back, Mariana sat in the same place. She held her twin's hand and ran her hand through his hair. She sang quiet lullabies and whispered that he was safe, the worst was over and other sweet, comforting nothings to him. Lena sat across from her, holding his other hand. She and Stef had been taking turns doing this all night.

*The next day*

"Mariana Baby, why don't you go and get something to eat? We'll stay with your brother.", Stef said smiling at her daughter.

"No. I wont leave him.", Mariana said stubbornly while she protectivly pushed his hair off his forehead with her free hand.

"Sweetheart the doctor said he'll be fine.", Lena said gently.

"I'll believe that when his eyes are open and he's talking to me.", She insisted firmly.

"Mariana go eat.", Stef said

"No I wont leave.", she said turning away from her mothers.

"Mariana..." Stef said in a warning tone.

"Stop it you cant make me leave him! I wont!" Suddenly a weak, ragged voice cut through their now yelling match.

"Ma...Mari?"

Author's note: Lol im a new writer so please bear with me on the terrible cliffhanger! I cant believe the reception this story got and thank you all soooo much for all the helpful advice and encouragement. I am terribly sorry guys but I'm going to camp on sunday and it's a no wifi/ no electronics zone. I'm sorry and I swear I'll write it at camp and post it like as soon as I get home. Sorry for the mistakes, I didn't give my Beta enough time to read it cause I have to update tonight! Anywho, thanks for all the support! Love you all!3 Disneyprincess16