Chapter 7

So Close and Still So Far

Phoebe woke up in Luka's room. It took her a few moments to remember yesterday's events. She took the time to remember one of the times Jahara came over to visit.


The now 12-year-old Phoebe ran outside when she saw her brother coming home. She looked shocked when she saw Jahara as well.

"Luka, Jahara!" she shouted. She ran up to hug them. "Why are you here?" she asked Jahara.

"Well someone had to go with me," Luka said. If he left alone to Suhn the General would get suspicious despite the day. Luckily Jahara already knew about Phoebe. "Now you know the date?"

"How could I forget," Phoebe asked. "I almost thought you didn't." It was Thanksgiving. Everyone was going back to his or her relatives for dinner. It was a strange tradition but the Americans of Earth really got into it.

"Like I could forget," Luka said. The only reason he remembered was that Ave was starting to get Jahara into a Santa costume made for girls. And the fact that they had the day off.

Phoebe was really happy seeing her brother on the holidays. He only comes home on some worldwide holidays. The only other ones were Christmas and that spring one. She was especially happy to see one of his teammates there too. It made it feel more complete.

Jahara shook Phoebe's hair. She still wasn't used to kids but Phoebe was coming on her good side.

"It's nice having you both here," Phoebe said. She wondered though why Jahara was hear instead of her family. "What you do last year?"

"Play keep the beer away form my uncle," Jahara said. Her closest relative was a drunken uncle who was constantly in trouble. She practically had to raise herself which was part of the reason she didn't get well with children.

Phoebe was silent. That did not sound like much fun to her. "Well it's great you're here." Jahara smiled.

Later that day she talked to Jahara. Telling her something.

"No way!" Jahara said.

"It's true," Phoebe said. Luka came up to them.

"Show me and I'll pay," Jahara said.

"Watch me," Phoebe smirked. "Hey Luka." Luka turned to them. "Can I wear make up?"

Luka stood there for a long time. Phoebe and Jahara awaited his answer for a few minutes.

"No," Luka finally said leaving.

"You're right I could hear the sirens," Jahara laughed as she gave Phoebe some money.


She sighed as she woke up Duran gently nudging him.

"Hm," he moaned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing it's just morning," Phoebe said. When she got out of the room she saw Grandpa there. She waved hi to him as she went into her room. Jahara was panting. She also saw Luka there sitting on the floor, his head on the bed. His hands on top of hers.

Phoebe smiled at the picture she saw, despite the situation. Luka looked peaceful for once in the past day. She gently nudged him awake. He stirred and woke up.

"Phoebe," he said. He lifted his head off the bed, but didn't remove his hand of Jahara's.

"I can watch over Jahara if you want," she said. "You better look good when she wakes up." Luka nodded as he got up and went to go change.


When I finished changing I check the time. It was only 10 am. I washed up in the bathroom. After I was done I went back to Jahara and Phoebe. Jahara breath still uneven. I gave her some more medicine and checked her temperature. Her fever was just as high as it was yesterday.

Phoebe went refill the bag of ice as I got her to drink something. I held Jahara close to me as I poured the water into her mouth. Jahara barely managed to swallow the water. When Phoebe came back she handed me something to drink.

"I hear it helps," she said. I drank a little bit.

"She was so strong," I said. "Stronger than most people, both physically and emotionally. I don't see why she has to go trough this." Phoebe held onto my hand. "All this work, all the effort she put in the war. It can't be all for nothing."

"It'll be ok Luka," she said.

"Every minute she's not getting better just adds to my fear that she's not coming back." I was really trying to hold back the tears.

"I know, mine too," she said. "I was wondering when you would let some of it out."

"It's hard being so strong, Phoebe," I said. "But I had to for both your sakes." Phoebe looked at me in agreement.

"You know you're not alone," she said. "We will save her, Luka." I smiled at my little sis despite what I've been told last night. But it was nice being back home.

AN: Well I guess this is a rather short chapter but it does add context. And another memory.

The Chapter Title "So Close and Still so Far" comes from the song (da da da) "So Close" from the Disney movie Enchanted. Yeah it's a bittersweet song. It more hints at the way to save her really.

Next Chapter is the last chapter by the way.