The Family 9

My ribs hurt, and I think a tooth is loose. I tried my best but it wasn't even close to good enough. I feel weak, like I can't protect her even if I want to. It makes me feel like an outsider, like I'm on the fringes watching.

I stumble my way back to the hut, blood still dripping from my mouth. Xena will save her; it won't even be a problem or a challenge. No, I don't feel sorry for myself, but I feel like I can't protect my family. I reach the hut and lay down on the bed. I don't even feel like cleaning the blood off or checking my ribs. I just need to close my eyes and let the time drift by till they get back. Xena will free her daughter; of this I have no doubt.

I wake up to fingers probing my face. I wince and try to jerk my head away. Xena is sitting on the edge of the bed, a wet cloth in her hand.

'She's fine, they both are.' She says without me even having to ask. I know she wouldn't be sitting here otherwise. She brings the cloth back up to my face and I hiss as she wipes it across my lip.

'Did you really have to do this?' When she asks things like this, I only feel inferior and belittled.

'Of course.' I push her away from me and stand up. Pain shoots through my body, and I wrap my arms around myself. I don't think my ribs are broken but they are definitely bruised. Xena is sitting there looking up at me. 'What?'

'You don't need to prove anything.' Yes I do. I shake my head at her; I guess she just will never understand.

'Xena I should be able to protect my family.' Her eyes drop down for a moment, then she stands, walking over to me.

'Gabrielle, you don't need to prove it.' Her hands clasp mine. 'You do so much more than that.'

'Still…'

'Nothing.' She brings her fingers to gingerly touch my cheek. 'There have been so many things that I could never have done if not for you. You know that.' Still…..

'Sometimes I feel like you'd be better off without me.' She gives a small laugh, shaking her head.

'Gabrielle.' Her hand runs through my hair. 'You're so much stronger than I could ever be.' She leans forward, her lips graze mine. 'It's my fault if you feel that way.' I start to shake my head but she interrupts. 'No. I don't always tell you how important you are to me, to Eve. You know I could never live without you.' Her sincerity can be disarming; it always manages to make me crack and give in to whatever she's saying.

'I'd hug you but it would hurt too much.' I try to smile but that hurts too.

'Let me look at you.' Her hands begin probing my body. When she reaches my right side I cringe away, trying not to let her hear the groan it elicits. Her head is shaking but she doesn't say anything. I know what she's thinking though.

'Well they're not broken.' Her eyes shift up to my face and she begins pressing her fingers under my eye. 'Looks like you're gonna be bruised for a while.' She starts wiping at my face again with the cloth. 'I've got something we can put on your cuts.' I watch her walk over to her bag and dig around. She pulls out a small vial.

'This is going to sting.' My jaw clenches tight as she starts rubbing the medicine on.

'Why does it always hurt?'

'Then you know it's working.' She chuckles. When she finishes I manage to wrap my arms around her waist, resting my head on her chest. 'Don't ever think you have to prove anything.' Her lips are pressed against the top of my head.

'I just feel that I should be able to do everything you do for her. I don't care if I die in the process because I at least will know I tried.' My eyes begin to water, but I try and hold back the tears.

'You're my family as much as she is. Eve loves you no matter what, you don't need to be a hero.' Sigh.

'Is it selfish of me to feel this way?' She kisses my head.

'No, it shows you care.' We stand in silence holding each other. After what seems like hours she pulls away. 'Come on, your daughter wants to see you.' Just because she says it doesn't make it true; but it does make me smile.

The End