Kelly sat at the breakfast table with her head in her hands, waiting for Silver to wake up. She could see her sister on the couch in the family room feet dangling off the side, breathing loudly. She knew Silver had to be exhausted, she considered keeping her and Ava both home from school. Kelly called the elementary school and told them that both Ava and Sammy were sick. She then called the high school and said neither she nor Silver would be in today due to a family emergency.
Silver didn't wake up until close to noon, Kelly had let her sleep as much as possible. She even took Ava and Sammy out to play to keep them quiet. Silver sat up on the couch, assuming she was very late for school, she walked through the kitchen to the backyard. "Morning beautiful," Kelly said pushing Ava on the swing. Ava waved at Silver and smiled, Silver waved back. "Sissy, watch me!" Ava said going as high as she can. Silver smiled and clapped for her sister. "Very cool Ava," she said.
Kelly walked over and took Silver into her arms. "Are you doing okay?" she asked. "I don't know," Silver responded resting her head on Kelly's shoulder. "You look exhausted," she said running her hand through Silver's hair. Silver just looked at the ground and shrugged. "You know that we have to talk about this," Kelly said moving so she could look into Silver's eyes. Silver nodded and just continued to look at the ground. She was trying her hardest not to cry.
Later that afternoon while Ava and Sammy were taking a nap, Kelly sat with Silver on the couch. "Erin, why didn't you tell me?" She asked. Silver shook her head, "I don't want people knowing about this okay, everyone already thinks I'm a freak, I don't want anyone finding out," she answered. "I'm your sister! You're supposed to tell me! You and Ava could've been hurt," Kelly responded taking Silver's hands into hers. "I'm taking care of Ava okay?" Silver responded. "You can't do this alone, you're 15! Ava is only 5, you need me and you know it. Why are you having this attitude?" Kelly asked. "I don't want you sacrificing anything else for me," Silver answered wiping the tears from her eyes. "Erin, you know I would do anything for you, you're my sister, Ava's my sister, you mean everything to me!" Kelly said lifting Silver's chin so she could see her face. "Please don't tell anyone at school," Silver begged. "Why would I?" Kelly asked. Silver shrugged and looked at the clock on the wall. "I have to go to play practice!" she jumped up and scrambled around looking for her things. "Are you sure your up for it?" Kelly asked throwing Silver the jacket she was looking for. "Yeah, but what about Ava, should I wake her?" Silver said quickly pulling up her socks. "No, she's fine sis, go ahead, I'll see you later," Kelly answered. Silver gave her a quick hug and left.
"Where were you today?" Annie asked Silver who ran into the auditorium. "Sick," Silver answered. "Well what are you doing here now?" Annie continued stopping Silver from putting on her headset. "I'm fine, I was just really tired, and a bit of a stomach ache," Silver lied through her teeth. "Oh, you're lucky, my mom would never let me do that, you're mom must be really cool," Annie said pulling up her costume. Silver hesitated, "I guess," she answered walking away.
Silver walked around backstage, it was kind of weird not having Ava sitting down in the chairs playing with her dolls. Silver had just recently starting taking care of Ava on her own, but it seemed as if she had been doing it forever. She knew Kelly understood, she had done the same thing with Silver years before. "Silver? Silver!? Turn the lights off!" Brenda yelled from the stage. "Oh Sorry!" Silver was so unfocused. Brenda walked to the back of the auditorium, "Silver, are you okay?" she asked. "Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm just tired." Silver answered trying not to make eye contact with Brenda. "Kelly told me you had a family emergency, is everything alright?" She asked. "Yeah, it's fine," Silver answered quietly. "Is it your mom?" Brenda asked. Silver nodded slowly, she knew Brenda had already knew about this because of Kelly's experiences when she was younger. Brenda came around the sound booth and hugged Silver tight, "It'll be okay Silver, you're strong! I know you'll be fine, and if you ever need me, don't hesitate to call," she said kissing Silver on the cheek. Silver smiled and thanked Brenda before getting back to rehearsal.