Wow, chapter ten...
Chapter Ten: Visit
Late-Feburary, U.C. 0070
Sakura had been hospitalized for a few weeks now, and Ghinius made it his responsibility to visit her at least once a week. Even though he appeared calm during these visits, he was a nervous wreak inside. The only person he had ever fallen for was seriously ill, and the only thing he could do was provide emotional support. He still hadn't told Ayna about Sakura, though, because he felt she was too immature and wouldn't understand how serious the situation was. But today he was somewhat excited, for today was Friday and he could visit Sakura. But first he had to get through a day of school, which could be hell these days. His peers would constantly ask about Sakura, and while he found the sympathy comforting, it got irritating after a while.
Ghinius made his way to Biology, the class he and Sakura used to share. He couldn't help but get choked up when he walked to it without her. But his thoughts were interrupted as he walked into Biology, for he was greeted by a loud and rather rude "Hey, how's the sick girl,".
Exasperated, he replied, "She's fine,". Their teacher, Mrs. Harrison, walked in after a few moments and began the lesson. But, as always, Ghinius could not pay attention. His thoughts were focused on her. He had to be reminded several times to pay attention before the period was over. But soon after each reminder, he sank back into his world of anxiety and wonder about Sakura.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, Biology was over and it was lunch break. Ghinius sat by himself, as usual. He didn't really eat much, and he seemed to zone off the entire time.
Eventually, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch break. Ghinius packed up his things and headed to his locker. He had one more period before school was over, so by now he was quite excited. He just had to get through World History, and then he could go to the hospital. He got his textbook out of his locker and headed to class, but not without several more people inquiring about Sakura. He told them that she was doing okay, and soon arrived at the classroom.
The class went as usual, and before Ghinius knew it, it was time for dismissal. He walked to the hospital, being that it was in walking distance, and arrived shortly. He then went up to the front desk, signed in, and headed for the pediatric ward. Once he got there, he was somewhat surprised to find that Sakura was not in her room, but in the playroom instead. She sat at a large table, and was making paper cranes with several children. Sensing Ghinius' presence in the room, Sakura looked up.
"Hello Ghinius, I see you just got out of school," She said, noting that he was still in his black school uniform.
"Well, I came here directly from school, so I obviously couldn't change," He laughed.
"Sakura, is that your boyfriend?" A little boy with thinning, black hair and brown eyes asked.
"Yes he is, Kenji," She smiled, "Ghinius, this is Kenji, he also has leukemia," She then introduced the other children, "and this is Fredrica, she has a heart condition," she pointed to a little black girl with pigtails, "and this is Christopher, he has a bad case of pneumonia," she addressed a boy with short, dirty-blond hair.
"I see you're making paper cranes," Ghinius said as he sat down with them.
"Yup, and she's even gonna' let us use her fancy paper," Fredrica said excitedly.
"Not until you guys get the hang of it, Fredrica. I don't want you guys messing up and wasting the nice paper that Ghinius here bought,"
"Yeah, I wouldn't want to see the expensive stuff go to waste," Ghinius stated, "like she said, I bought it,"
"So, what have you been up to, Ghinius?" Sakura asked.
"Nothing much," He replied, starting to fold a crane of his own, "how bought' you?"
"Well, all the paper you've bought me sure has kept me busy!" She laughed, "and so have these little rascals," She jokingly addressed the children.
"Umm, Sakura, I think I messed up on the crane again," Kenji, said quietly, holding up a ripped crane.
"Oh, Kenji, that's okay, here's another piece of paper," She said, handing him a new square of paper.
"Yeah, when she first was trying to teach me how to make a crane, mine looked like it was run over by a truck," Ghinius joked, "oh yes, Sakura, I brought you some classwork," He got up and walked over to his backpack, which he had put against the wall. He pulled out some books and papers, and then handed them to her.
"That must be heavy, having to carry my books as well as your own," Sakura said.
"I get used to it,"
"Well, take it easy, I don't want you straining your back or anything,"
"Anyway, you seem like your getting better, Sakura, but is your blood count still low?"
"I think so. Dr. Higgens says I'm still not well enough to go back to school yet," She sighed, "but I did have chemo a few days ago,"
"Oh," Ghinius sighed. He knew how she felt, not being able to go to school and all. Throughout most of his middle school years, he had to miss a lot of school due to his illness. Back then, he was the "sick boy" and everyone wanted to know how he was doing.
"Have the kids at school been asking about me?"
"They have, to put it lightly. As soon as I walked in to the Biology room today, somebody shouted 'How's Sakura?' or something like that,"
"Well, at least their sympathetic. Anyway, how's your sister?"
"As annoying as ever, but she's just really immature," Ghinius replied, though he didn't tell Sakura what was partially the cause of Ayna's immaturity. When he was a child, he remembered seeing his mother shake Ayna violently, even though she was just a baby at the time. He read that babies who were shaken could have developmental disabilities, and though Ayna was of average intellect, she had trouble with math and language.
"Oh my," She chuckled, "but like you said, she's just immature,".
The children continued to make cranes until a nurse walked in and informed them that the colony lights would be turned off soon, and that the patients would have to go to bed. She then walked out.
"Well, I guess I have to leave," Ghinius stated.
"Bye Ghin," Sakura said as the two embraced each other. Ghinius kissed her on the cheek, and then walked out.
He walked home as usual, getting there just as the lights turned out. He punched in the code to the gate, and was greeted at the door by Norris.
"How is she, Sir?" He asked.
"Well, she's a bit better, but she still can't go back to school,"
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,"
"Is Ayna in bed, Norris?" Ghinius inquired.
"Yes, she is, Sir," He stated. Unknown to the both of them, Ayna was not in bed at all. Instead, she was in the hallway, listening to their conversation.
"I'd better get to bed as well, Norris," Ghinius said, making his way upstairs. As he did, Ayna secretly scurried back to her room. She knew that something was up with her brother, but she had no idea what it was.
Ghinius laid down on his bed. He was quite tired, and without even realizing it, drifted to sleep. Ayna, who couldn't sleep, was secretly roaming the house when she went to her brother's room. He was mumbling something in his sleep, something that sounded like the word "Sakura". Ayna was puzzled. What or who was Sakura? She continued to listen, until she to felt sleepy and fell asleep on the floor outside her brother's room...
Well, I kinnda' rushed this chapter. I was trying to get it done in a hurry, OK!!!!!! And I am REALLY running out of names for titles of chapters, here. And as always, I want some reviews!!!!