The cold, hard and smooth texture of the tiles barely registered with Marie as she hit her knees. She couldn't concentrate on anything other than emptying her stomach of the terrible feeling that had overcome her.

Finally, when she was finished, she immediately turned on the faucet of the sink and, cupping her hands, took in as much water as possible, rinsing and rinsing until the vile taste left her mouth. As she put the cap back on the mint-flavored mouthwash, her eyes made contact with her reflection in the mirror. Staring at the image, she quickly started to pinch her cheeks, trying in vain to restore the color that had been drained from her face.

"Marie? Sweetie, are you okay?" came the voice of her very concerned sister.

Marie started to respond but found herself choking on her words. After another minute or so, she finally managed to spit out a quiet 'yes.'

"Can I come in? You were out of it for a long time, and I just want to know how I can help you. Anything you need, I will be happy to help. Sweetie, all you have to do is open the door."

Skylar sighed, figuring that as usual,Marie would yell at her or shut her out. Not that she could blame her, but it was tearing her apart knowing that Marie hated her, that she blamed her for everything. If there were only a way, any way, she could get through to her and to let her know that she had no idea Walt was capable of doing what he had done. If only...

To Skylar's surprise, Marie flung open the door and ran straight to Skylar's arms. Instinctively, Skylar was a nurturer. Having a child with a disability had made her quite compassionate, and so it was without a moment's hesitation she wrapped her arms around her baby sister and started to pat her back soothingly.

As Marie broke down, sobbing onto Skylar's shoulder, Skylar desperately tried to think of what she could say. "Oh, honey, it's going to be okay. We're going to get through this. I don't know how but we've both been through so much, we have to stick together. You and my son and daughter are all I have. I don't...I don't want to lose anyone else I love."

As they stood in the hallway, both at a loss for words, the moment of silence was broken by the sound of Holly crying.

Skylar pulled back, ready to get her when Marie stopped her. "Please- let me."

Skylar nodded and then watched as Marie gently picked up Holly.

"Hi there, Holly. It's your Aunt Marie," she cooed as the smooth sound of her voice instantly calmed down the baby. "I want you to know how much I love you. I love your brother and your mother and you and I'm always going to be here for you. Don't you worry about anything. All I want you to do is to grow up safe and sound and happy and loved. We all love you. I love you." With that, Marie pulled Holly close to her chest and walked around slowly. Then she started to hum a lullaby, bringing tears to Skylar's face.

Holly yawned and began to rub her eyes. "Oh, sweetie, you're so sleepy! It's okay. Aunt Marie's going to lay you down in your crib, and I promise I will stay with you until you fall asleep."

As Skylar watched Marie taking care of Holly, she closed her eyes and was transported, for a minute, to a very different time of her life.

"Skylar?"

Little Skylar was so happy to see her mommy again. She had been gone for just a few days, which seemed like a lifetime for a six year old child.

"Mommy, Mommy!" She ran to her, but her father stopped her.

"Not now, Skylar. Your mother has been through a lot. She needs to rest."

"Mommy?" a tearful and worried Skylar looked up innocently at her mother.

"It's okay. I suppose I can manage a hug for my best girl." With that, her mother leaned over and hugged her, until she let out a small cry.

"Mommy? Are you okay?"

"I will be. I just hurt, only a little bit. You see, Mommy just came from the hospital..."

"Hopital?"

"That's right. Your daddy and I have a surprise for you."

Just then Skylar's father returned, carrying some strange contraction. Skylar had no idea what it was or what was in it...that was, until she heard a wail.

"Skylar...Your father and I want you to meet your baby sister. Her name is Marie. Would you like to see her?"

With a joyful grin on her face, Skylar nodded. Her father lowered the baby carrier and all at once, Skylar felt something she had never felt before- pure love.

"What do you think, Skylar? Do you like her?" her mother asked.

"She's pretty!"

Her parents laughed. "Yes, she is. But so are you, sweetheart. Don't you ever forget that," her father reassured her.

"Marie..." Skylar cooed happily as she gently touched her sister's face. Yes, she was really, really happy.

After a few minutes, Marie returned with a small smile on her face. Skylar was so relieved, so happy, that she went over to hug her sister once again.

"What was that for?" Marie asked as she finally pulled away.

"You're so good with her. I want you to know you can spend as much time with her or with Junior as you like."

"Thank you." She wiped the tears from her face. "I'd like that."

"How are you feeling?"

"A little better. I probably should get going..."

"Wait. Will you do me a favor?"

Marie looked at her curiously. "What's that?"

"Take care of yourself. It wouldn't hurt to see a doctor, you know." Always, always the big sister.

"I'll be fine. Don't make a big deal out of nothing."

"Promise me you'll go. In fact, why don't I make an appointment. I can go with you."

"Really, you're making a big deal of things..."

Before Marie could protest any further, Skylar had picked up the phone and made an appointment.

"Tomorrow at ten. I'm going to go with you. No excuses."

Marie rolled her eyes. "Whatever." With that, she left, and an exhausted Skylar laid down on the couch, hoping to enjoy the quiet for as long as she could.

tbc