Gavin sat with Emma in the hospital after his first day of school. He was in for his regular check-up and had a session of radiation scheduled. He had been trying to suppress it, but his stomach kept growling.
Emma looked at him suspiciously. "I thought I gave you money for lunch."
Gavin tried to lie. "I ate lunch, I'm just hungry still." At that second, his stomach growled for a prolonged amount of time. Emma stared at him. "Don't lie to me."
He shook his head and relented. "Fine. This kid named Will stole the money in my wallet earlier today." He had been trying to keep it from her because he knew she would freak out, and he was right.
She freaked out.
Gavin told her the whole story and included the part about Troy coming to their rescue. Emma sighed. "This was not at all how I imagined spending my last semester of high school. Worrying about you like I'm your mother and relying on my friends to keep you out of harm's way. Why didn't you just come to me? I would have figured something out."
It was Gavin's turn to look at her. "I may be just some sophomore, but I'm not stupid. I know things are tight financially right now. I didn't want to cause any extra trouble."
Emma frowned. "It's not trouble, okay? Whatever you need, we'll find a way. You shouldn't be afraid to ask for my help. Come to me next time, and we'll get everything sorted. You're my little brother. I'm not going to let you go hungry."
Gavin gave her a small smile and nodded, at which point the doctor called him in for his treatment. Emma gave his hand a squeeze. "I'll be here when you finish." As soon as Gavin was escorted inside the room, Emma got up and started biking to Ernie's.
When she got there, Ernie smiled and started preparing her order. Emma asked him to stop, knowing she wouldn't be able to pay for it. "Thanks, Ernie. But I'm going to have to turn you down. Money is a little tight right now."
Ernie frowned slightly. Ever since her brother came into town, Emma had been struggling and stressed. He wanted to help her in any way he could, but he didn't want to pry. "Stop? That's nonsense. For you, it's on the house. Anytime starting now."
Emma's eyes shone with gratitude. "You have no idea what that means to me. I actually did want to ask you about something, though. I know it's a lot, and I'll understand if you can't allow it, but is there any way I can start working here?"
Ernie gave her a reassuring smile. He loved working alone and didn't see the need to hire someone if he was fine on his own. But Emma no longer gave off her usual bright and youthful energy anymore, and it hurt Ernie to know that a once vibrant girl was struggling so much. "Of course, Emma! Let me know what hours you are free. I'd be happy to finally get some help in here."
The Pink Ranger smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much. I'll earn my keep, no worries." Emma was slightly concerned about what she would do if a monster attack happened during her shift, though.
It was already hard enough having to run out of school without arousing suspicion during attacks. No one would want a 17 year old high school senior to work in their establishment at the same rate Ernie was willing to pay, so she had to come up with some excuse.
"My brother, Gavin... You met him the other day. He's sick. Pretty badly. Sometimes, he has episodes or bad days and needs to get to the hospital. My parents work to pay the medical bills, so they're not home with him. I have to rush out at unexpected times. I'll give you my hours of availability, but they'll be tentative at best. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience."
The best lies are always ones with parts of the truth.
Some things were starting to click for Ernie, and the knowledge about Gavin explained a lot. But he still worried for the young girl. It was a lot of responsibility for anyone, let alone a teenager.
"No worries at all. I'll be lucky to have such a great young lady working for me."
Emma smiled at him and thanked him for the shake. "I have to go pick up Gavin now. But I'm good to start tomorrow after school ends. If that's okay with you?"
Ernie nodded and waved goodbye.
He couldn't help the worm of concern that had wriggled its way into his stomach. Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
