Disclaimer: Same as before applies
Chapter 7
Jessica entered the Café and stopped in the door. She couldn't believe the beautiful picture that Miguel and her sister made. His head bowed over Kay's sleeping form, which was gripped tightly in his arms. She resumed walking across the room. Her steps deliberate, but hesitant.
"Miguel," Jessica said softly, breaking the silence in the room, "Miguel, I need to speak with you."
Miguel's head rose slowly and his eyes focused on Jessica. She could see that his eyes were red rimmed from crying and she wondered what had passed between the two.
"Miguel, something happened to..." Jessica trailed off, unsure of what to say, but continued as Miguel's eyes directed her to move on "...something happened to Charity. We were out grocery shopping for mom and well..."
Jessica felt her own eyes begin to water and she desperately tried to flick away the tears that were gathering in her eyes. It was true that Charity had sometimes stood in the way of Jessica's own wants, but she was still her cousin and there was still some love left in her heart.
Jessica seemed to choke on her last few words, "She just collapsed Miguel. She just fell down right there in the aisle."
Jessica studied Miguel's face. His features were drawn and his eyes spoke as if he had experienced more pain than was proper for his age. As he comprehended what had happened his face took on an ashen tone.
He gazed down at Kay's face. She had finally drifted off into a peaceful sleep and now he would have to wake her. He gently sat her up and whispered her name.
Long eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes and a look of confusion entered them. Slowly the realization of what had happened that day entered her mind and she sat up quickly. She blinked her eyes as Jessica entered her view and smiled.
"What's going on?" asked Kay, "Why did you wake me?"
Kay watched the glance shared between Miguel and her sister. "Tell me what's wrong. Please" She felt stupid whining like this, but it was obvious that something bad had happened. Jessica's face was pale and Miguel looked like his world had come crashing around him.
"Damn it," Kay screamed this time, "tell me what is wrong, I have a right to know!" Kay regretted her words as Jessica dissolved into a fit of tears.
"It's Charity," Jessica said as she wiped away tears, "something happened. I don't really know yet, but she's sick or something. She just passed out."
Kay's face became stony as Charity's name was spoken. Her voice took on an emotionless monotone, "Oh, okay."
In the back of her mind her conscious screamed compassion, but thoughts of Charity's thievery of her life crept in and turned her emotions cold. She could see the sadness in both Miguel and Jessica's eyes as they stared at her surprised by this sudden chill.
"Maybe you guys should go to the hospital," started Kay as she stood up, "I'm feeling awfully tired. I think I'll just go home and sleep."
Miguel shot her a look of disbelief as she walked past him and out the door. He glanced at Jessica and she shrugged her shoulders. Miguel's mind was a jumble of confusion as he ran out the door after Kay.
Jessica collapsed onto the seat and clutched a tissue in her hand as she swept away her tears. She hated herself for not telling the full story, but she knew that was up to Charity. She had no right to interfere with her decisions.
Jessica sniffled more. She couldn't believe the coldness that Kay's voice and features had taken on or maybe she could. They'd talked about so much, but there were still things that neither knew. Jessica had simply dismissed Charity's fainting as some melodramatic act at first, but now she knew that it wasn't so simple.
She found herself standing and running out the door after Miguel and her sister. She couldn't stop; she just had to tell them the truth. She had to tell them that Charity may be facing the last months, weeks, or even days of her life.
~~~~~
Kay could hear feet pounding the pavement behind her. She put on more speed trying to escape her pursuer. She glanced back to see who was following her and was surprised that it was Miguel. As she turned forward to continue she felt her foot catch and her legs give out.
She cursed under her breath and then looked up as Miguel finally reached her. She took deep shallow breaths and then began to speak, "What are you doing Miguel? I'm sure Charity needs you. Go to her, don't just stand here and watch me, go to her."
Kay last words came out in a huge rush as Jessica reached the two. Jessica's eyes shone with emotion as she looked at both of the people in front of her. She hated this, this feeling of absolute burden that she always seemed to be saddled with. People expected the world of her, but they gave nothing in return.
Jessica stopped her thoughts for a moment as the selfishness in her mind registered. She shook her head to clear the thoughts away and then spoke, "I'm sorry to bring this news you guys, I really am, but things are worse than you might think."
Miguel and Kay looked at Jessica as if she was some foreign creature, not recognizing her at first. As Miguel realized what Jessica was saying he prodded her on with his eyes.
Jessica took a deep breath before continuing, "When I left the doctor wasn't sure what was wrong, but well..." Jessica trailed off for a second trying to find a tactful way of finishing her statement, "...well Miguel, the prognosis doesn't look good. She could very well die."
Miguel felt as if the breath had been pulled from his body. He felt as if he was a Benedict Arnold, a traitor. Here he had been sitting with his girlfriend's cousin, thinking of how much he wanted her love and Charity had been laying in some hospital bed dieing.
Kay sat on the ground where she had fallen her eyes glazing over. At that moment she felt like such a selfish person. No matter how much Charity had hurt her in the past they were cousins. Kay felt as if death were haunting her and she wondered if everyone she came in contact with were destined to die.
Kay took a deep breath trying to gain strength and then stood. She looked at Miguel who seemed to be in a daze and then reached out for him.
Miguel jumped as Kay's arm came around his waist and hugged tight. "Let's go," she whispered, "Charity's going to need us." Kay took Jessica's arm and they began walking down the street.
(9 months later)
Kay jerked awake as a hand came down onto her shoulder. She looked up and smiled wearily at Miguel and then looked over at her cousin.
Charity's pale face seemed sunken and so small in the large pillow. The blonde hair Kay had always envied was gone and the face that had once been a peaches and cream complexion was ashen gray.
Kay's thoughts returned to a few days after Jessica had gotten Kay and Miguel from the Book Café. The doctor had called the Bennett house and informed them that Charity Standish had a possible three months to live; the tumor in her brain would not likely go away. Even with the pessimistic prognosis they decided to try chemotherapy. In the end Charity only grew sicker and sicker.
Kay's mother simply went insane after the announcement. She prowled the house for months lamenting over how her hopes were now dead. That no one could fulfill her dreams because her daughters weren't good enough. Kay and Jessica had silently sat through the onslaught of words from their mother. The new- found friendship had held them through all the hurt.
Two months after the "call" Jessica had come home to find their mother's body dangling from the staircase, a noose placed around her neck. A simple note that explained how Grace wanted to be with her niece forever, even in death, was the last words to her family.
Kay had felt obligated to take on the care of her cousin and had done so with help from her sister and Miguel. Miguel hardly left Charity's side and Kay came to admire this devotion. As the months went on she felt herself once again feeling the same thrill pass through her body when Miguel entered the room. She kept quiet though because she knew that these last few moments of Charity's life must be lived in peace.
"Kay," Miguel said, pulling her out of thoughts, "you can go now if you want."
Kay smiled softly at Miguel and stood up stretching. "Thank you Miguel. I'll go get a burger or something from the cafeteria."
Kay stepped out of the room closing the door behind her. She strode purposefully down the hall. In the past few months her life had been spent in the hospital, but she wouldn't give up any of the time she has spent here.
~~~~~
Miguel watched the door close behind Kay and was surprised to hear Charity's raspy voice, "Miguel, please get me some water. I have a lot to talk about with you."
Miguel got Charity's water and then pulled a chair up next to the bed. Charity's next words surprised him more than he could imagine.
~~~~~
Kay sat at a table absent-mindedly dipping her fries in ketchup. She knew Charity didn't have long to live; frankly she would be glad if Charity died soon. No one deserved to go through so much pain before dieing. Life should be spent outside for picnics or playing on jungle gyms or swings. Life was never meant to take place in a bed.
So much had happened between her and Charity. Some secrets had been revealed, mostly Charity's secrets. Kay still couldn't believe that Charity had been jealous of her. Charity had been insecure of the friendship she and Miguel had before Charity came to town. Charity loved him dearly, but there was so much he had never told her.
Charity also saw the way Miguel had looked at Kay. It was different from the sweet love in his eyes as he gazed at Charity. His eyes became fiery and passionate when he talked to Kay. All of this had scared Charity so much.
Kay stood up and threw away her trash. She began making her way back to the hospital room. She was still in disbelief about all Charity had said, but she was glad that they had cleared the air between them.
As Kay walked back into the room she felt something different. She smiled at Miguel. He gave her an almost frightened, haunting glance. He stood up quickly and brushed past her without saying goodbye.
"Don't worry Kay," Charity said in a soft, raspy voice, "he has a lot to think about. You'll have a lot to think about too. I need to speak with you Kay, it's very important."
~~~~~
Kay let herself out of the room as medical staff filled it. They were trying to bring Charity back, but she knew it was no help. She had left to take her place among angels and nothing would bring her back.
Kay slid to the floor letting her tears flow freely. Her mind was filled with so much and she couldn't handle it all. Charity had been right she had so much to think about and she needed time.
Jessica found her there later and became worried. Kay's face was drawn and harsh; it scared her so much.
When they got home Jessica ordered Kay to sleep. She complied easily, but her sleep was full of thoughts as she tossed and turned all night long.
Chapter 7
Jessica entered the Café and stopped in the door. She couldn't believe the beautiful picture that Miguel and her sister made. His head bowed over Kay's sleeping form, which was gripped tightly in his arms. She resumed walking across the room. Her steps deliberate, but hesitant.
"Miguel," Jessica said softly, breaking the silence in the room, "Miguel, I need to speak with you."
Miguel's head rose slowly and his eyes focused on Jessica. She could see that his eyes were red rimmed from crying and she wondered what had passed between the two.
"Miguel, something happened to..." Jessica trailed off, unsure of what to say, but continued as Miguel's eyes directed her to move on "...something happened to Charity. We were out grocery shopping for mom and well..."
Jessica felt her own eyes begin to water and she desperately tried to flick away the tears that were gathering in her eyes. It was true that Charity had sometimes stood in the way of Jessica's own wants, but she was still her cousin and there was still some love left in her heart.
Jessica seemed to choke on her last few words, "She just collapsed Miguel. She just fell down right there in the aisle."
Jessica studied Miguel's face. His features were drawn and his eyes spoke as if he had experienced more pain than was proper for his age. As he comprehended what had happened his face took on an ashen tone.
He gazed down at Kay's face. She had finally drifted off into a peaceful sleep and now he would have to wake her. He gently sat her up and whispered her name.
Long eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes and a look of confusion entered them. Slowly the realization of what had happened that day entered her mind and she sat up quickly. She blinked her eyes as Jessica entered her view and smiled.
"What's going on?" asked Kay, "Why did you wake me?"
Kay watched the glance shared between Miguel and her sister. "Tell me what's wrong. Please" She felt stupid whining like this, but it was obvious that something bad had happened. Jessica's face was pale and Miguel looked like his world had come crashing around him.
"Damn it," Kay screamed this time, "tell me what is wrong, I have a right to know!" Kay regretted her words as Jessica dissolved into a fit of tears.
"It's Charity," Jessica said as she wiped away tears, "something happened. I don't really know yet, but she's sick or something. She just passed out."
Kay's face became stony as Charity's name was spoken. Her voice took on an emotionless monotone, "Oh, okay."
In the back of her mind her conscious screamed compassion, but thoughts of Charity's thievery of her life crept in and turned her emotions cold. She could see the sadness in both Miguel and Jessica's eyes as they stared at her surprised by this sudden chill.
"Maybe you guys should go to the hospital," started Kay as she stood up, "I'm feeling awfully tired. I think I'll just go home and sleep."
Miguel shot her a look of disbelief as she walked past him and out the door. He glanced at Jessica and she shrugged her shoulders. Miguel's mind was a jumble of confusion as he ran out the door after Kay.
Jessica collapsed onto the seat and clutched a tissue in her hand as she swept away her tears. She hated herself for not telling the full story, but she knew that was up to Charity. She had no right to interfere with her decisions.
Jessica sniffled more. She couldn't believe the coldness that Kay's voice and features had taken on or maybe she could. They'd talked about so much, but there were still things that neither knew. Jessica had simply dismissed Charity's fainting as some melodramatic act at first, but now she knew that it wasn't so simple.
She found herself standing and running out the door after Miguel and her sister. She couldn't stop; she just had to tell them the truth. She had to tell them that Charity may be facing the last months, weeks, or even days of her life.
~~~~~
Kay could hear feet pounding the pavement behind her. She put on more speed trying to escape her pursuer. She glanced back to see who was following her and was surprised that it was Miguel. As she turned forward to continue she felt her foot catch and her legs give out.
She cursed under her breath and then looked up as Miguel finally reached her. She took deep shallow breaths and then began to speak, "What are you doing Miguel? I'm sure Charity needs you. Go to her, don't just stand here and watch me, go to her."
Kay last words came out in a huge rush as Jessica reached the two. Jessica's eyes shone with emotion as she looked at both of the people in front of her. She hated this, this feeling of absolute burden that she always seemed to be saddled with. People expected the world of her, but they gave nothing in return.
Jessica stopped her thoughts for a moment as the selfishness in her mind registered. She shook her head to clear the thoughts away and then spoke, "I'm sorry to bring this news you guys, I really am, but things are worse than you might think."
Miguel and Kay looked at Jessica as if she was some foreign creature, not recognizing her at first. As Miguel realized what Jessica was saying he prodded her on with his eyes.
Jessica took a deep breath before continuing, "When I left the doctor wasn't sure what was wrong, but well..." Jessica trailed off for a second trying to find a tactful way of finishing her statement, "...well Miguel, the prognosis doesn't look good. She could very well die."
Miguel felt as if the breath had been pulled from his body. He felt as if he was a Benedict Arnold, a traitor. Here he had been sitting with his girlfriend's cousin, thinking of how much he wanted her love and Charity had been laying in some hospital bed dieing.
Kay sat on the ground where she had fallen her eyes glazing over. At that moment she felt like such a selfish person. No matter how much Charity had hurt her in the past they were cousins. Kay felt as if death were haunting her and she wondered if everyone she came in contact with were destined to die.
Kay took a deep breath trying to gain strength and then stood. She looked at Miguel who seemed to be in a daze and then reached out for him.
Miguel jumped as Kay's arm came around his waist and hugged tight. "Let's go," she whispered, "Charity's going to need us." Kay took Jessica's arm and they began walking down the street.
(9 months later)
Kay jerked awake as a hand came down onto her shoulder. She looked up and smiled wearily at Miguel and then looked over at her cousin.
Charity's pale face seemed sunken and so small in the large pillow. The blonde hair Kay had always envied was gone and the face that had once been a peaches and cream complexion was ashen gray.
Kay's thoughts returned to a few days after Jessica had gotten Kay and Miguel from the Book Café. The doctor had called the Bennett house and informed them that Charity Standish had a possible three months to live; the tumor in her brain would not likely go away. Even with the pessimistic prognosis they decided to try chemotherapy. In the end Charity only grew sicker and sicker.
Kay's mother simply went insane after the announcement. She prowled the house for months lamenting over how her hopes were now dead. That no one could fulfill her dreams because her daughters weren't good enough. Kay and Jessica had silently sat through the onslaught of words from their mother. The new- found friendship had held them through all the hurt.
Two months after the "call" Jessica had come home to find their mother's body dangling from the staircase, a noose placed around her neck. A simple note that explained how Grace wanted to be with her niece forever, even in death, was the last words to her family.
Kay had felt obligated to take on the care of her cousin and had done so with help from her sister and Miguel. Miguel hardly left Charity's side and Kay came to admire this devotion. As the months went on she felt herself once again feeling the same thrill pass through her body when Miguel entered the room. She kept quiet though because she knew that these last few moments of Charity's life must be lived in peace.
"Kay," Miguel said, pulling her out of thoughts, "you can go now if you want."
Kay smiled softly at Miguel and stood up stretching. "Thank you Miguel. I'll go get a burger or something from the cafeteria."
Kay stepped out of the room closing the door behind her. She strode purposefully down the hall. In the past few months her life had been spent in the hospital, but she wouldn't give up any of the time she has spent here.
~~~~~
Miguel watched the door close behind Kay and was surprised to hear Charity's raspy voice, "Miguel, please get me some water. I have a lot to talk about with you."
Miguel got Charity's water and then pulled a chair up next to the bed. Charity's next words surprised him more than he could imagine.
~~~~~
Kay sat at a table absent-mindedly dipping her fries in ketchup. She knew Charity didn't have long to live; frankly she would be glad if Charity died soon. No one deserved to go through so much pain before dieing. Life should be spent outside for picnics or playing on jungle gyms or swings. Life was never meant to take place in a bed.
So much had happened between her and Charity. Some secrets had been revealed, mostly Charity's secrets. Kay still couldn't believe that Charity had been jealous of her. Charity had been insecure of the friendship she and Miguel had before Charity came to town. Charity loved him dearly, but there was so much he had never told her.
Charity also saw the way Miguel had looked at Kay. It was different from the sweet love in his eyes as he gazed at Charity. His eyes became fiery and passionate when he talked to Kay. All of this had scared Charity so much.
Kay stood up and threw away her trash. She began making her way back to the hospital room. She was still in disbelief about all Charity had said, but she was glad that they had cleared the air between them.
As Kay walked back into the room she felt something different. She smiled at Miguel. He gave her an almost frightened, haunting glance. He stood up quickly and brushed past her without saying goodbye.
"Don't worry Kay," Charity said in a soft, raspy voice, "he has a lot to think about. You'll have a lot to think about too. I need to speak with you Kay, it's very important."
~~~~~
Kay let herself out of the room as medical staff filled it. They were trying to bring Charity back, but she knew it was no help. She had left to take her place among angels and nothing would bring her back.
Kay slid to the floor letting her tears flow freely. Her mind was filled with so much and she couldn't handle it all. Charity had been right she had so much to think about and she needed time.
Jessica found her there later and became worried. Kay's face was drawn and harsh; it scared her so much.
When they got home Jessica ordered Kay to sleep. She complied easily, but her sleep was full of thoughts as she tossed and turned all night long.