Book two-chapter twenty- "Bill is odd..."

Date: August 1, 2009

I walked into the hospital to see Tom pacing in the lobby, his hood over his head. He looked surprised to see me, and I probably looked the same.

"I thought you were going to a band meeting...?" I questioned.

"I thought you were going to Michelle's..." Tom countered. We had both agreed to meet up later and see Bill together.

"I was..." I sighed, "But I was too worried about Bill. Has anyone talked to you yet?"

Tom shook his head. "No. I just got here a few minutes ago. I've been trying to work up the courage to ask about him, but I can't do it. I mean, what if that receptionist is a blabber mouth? I would rather it not get out that my brother is in the hospital. I mean, how would I get him out if the hospital is swarmed by fans. What if they hurt him on the way out? What if-"

"TOM!" I clamped my hand over his mouth. He talked alot without breathing when he got nervous. "I'll try, okay? Just come with me." Tom nodded behind my hand and I took it away slowly, walking over to the reception desk. The lady behind it was probably in her late 40s, early 50s, very bitter, and had a look on her face that said she probably didn't like children very much.

The woman sighed deeply as I walked up. "Yes?" She grunted.

"Uhh, I'm looking for my friend. His name is Bill Kaulitz."

Without moving to look at anything, she said, "There is no Bill Kaulitz here."

I rolled my eyes. This very hospital had called us the night before to say that Bill was in stable condition. We'd cheered loud enough for the neighbors to hear and come over to see what was going on.

"Well, I know he's here. But why don't you try actually checking?" I asked. I didn't have the patience for old, cranky women. The woman sighed and went to her computer, typing something and scanning the screen impossibly quickly before she moved back again.

"No Bill Kaulitz." I heard Tom groan and step forward, removing his hood and giving the woman a hard stare. He didn't even have to speak and the woman gasped. "OH! I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you with the hood, ."

"Whatever. We know my brother is here, so why don't you tell us where he is and we can go?"

"Why, yes. Floor three, ward E, room 480."

"Thanks." Tom grabbed my hand and we made our way towards the elevators. The first part of the third floor was busy. Doctors and nurses ran around, carrying IV bags and writing patients' conditions on clipboards. Tom and I were pointed towards Ward E, and we immediately got depressed. The mood here was much more somber and dark. This was where people stayed after live-saving surgery.

We get to room 480. A private room that Tom had specially requested. The door was grey and solid. We couldn't even see inside.

"Ready?" Tom asked quietly.

I shook my head and sunk to the floor. "I don't think I'm mentally prepared to see him like that.."

Tom snorted. "Think I am?"

"No, but you're his brother. You don't have a choice."

Tom sighed and pulled me up. "And I'm not giving you one, either." He started to pull me in and, even though I fought, dragged me into the room. Bill was laying on the bed, eyes closed and IV's stuck in his left hand. He looked even paler than usual. The sight was making me sick and I ran to an open window on the other side of the room, taking deep breaths. A doctor came in and looked at us both.

"I'm . Bill's in serious condition. We had a hell of a time getting the bullet out, but he'll live with little to no side-effects. Tom, we need you to sign some forms and things." Tom nodded and followed the doctor out, leaving me alone with Bill. I pulled a chair up to his bed and took his right hand in mine. I carefully leaned against his chest and it was then I let a few tears spill over.

"This is all my fault." I whispered, squeezing Bill's hand tightly and jumping backwards when he squeezed back. I wiped my nose and looked at Bill's face. His head was turned towards me now, but his eyes were still closed. Tom and the Doctor came back in and, upon seeing Bill's head, glared at me.

"Did you touch him?" He snapped. I quickly let go of Bill's hand.

"NO!" I squeaked, "Ok, yes, but only his hand! I squeezed and he squeezed back!"

The doctor checked Bill's vital signs, then took his pulse manually. "I don't see any changes.. Tom, why don't you try the same thing?"

Tom obeyed and took his brother's hand in his own, holding tightly, then shaking his head. "Nothing." I growled quietly. I wasn't going to let some adult prove me wrong if I was right. I took the hand from Tom and squeezed again. Sure enough, there was a slight pressure in return. I told the doctor and Tom tried to wedge his hand between mine and Bill's. "She's... Right?" He looked puzzled.

"Well, gee, thanks for the support, TOM..." I rolled my eyes and stared at the doctor.

"What's your relation to them?"

"Friends. Why?"

"Because it doesn't make sense that the patient would react this way to a friend, and not an actual family member..."

"Well, she's like family to us if that counts," Tom said, "Bill used to babysit her when she was younger and all three of us are pretty close."

"Hmmm," The doctor seemed perplexed by this, and I didn't like it. I didn't want people to start asking questions about Bill and I. "Anyway, it's still good that Bill responds so well to you. It means his recovery is going well and he could be home in a matter of a couple weeks." He smiled and left the room, and I prepared for what I knew was coming.

"I'm his brother," The guilt trip. Tom now figured Bill and I was keeping something from him. He was right, but let's not let him know that.

"Good job, tom!" I said, giving him a small and sarcastic clap.

"But why-"

"I don't know, Tom.."

"But-"

"TOM! I don't know, okay? Just drop it." I left the room quickly and went towards the elevators. I knew Tom wouldn't make me wait, but only because he didn't get the answer he wanted.