The two girls sat there on the hospital steps for what seemed like hours. They took so much comfort just from knowing that the other was there. But all was not well, although it seemed to be. But as we have learned, things are not always what they seem. Someone was watching them.
And that someone almost lost their steel resolve when he saw the two cousins huddled together, both deeply affected by the tragedy that he had caused. God, she's so big. And look how beautiful she's become! But Joey Tribbiani had let love get in his way one too many times. They had broken their promise. They deserve to die.
But as he started forward towards the girls, Rachel walked outside and summoned them. He would just have to wait it seemed.
Back Inside
Erica looked groggily up at Rachel as she cradled a sleeping Alyssa in her arms. She was tired and her cold, sore body ached for the familiarity of her own bed, but there was no way she would leave until she knew her parents were all right.
No sooner had that thought gone through her head than both of her parents walked towards her. They looked bruised and sore, but they were there. They walked towards her, smiling wanly.
"Mom! Dad!"
And they caught her in their arms, wiping away her tears. And in doing so, they erased the heavy burden that had laid in her heart for so long. And they proved that the bond of family can never be broken.
"I love you."