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Chapter Eleven No Needle Zone Please.
I woke up to a nurse getting my medication ready. I had been told not to try to talk about 15 minutes after waking up. I had also been told not to talk for more than a half an hour, to not eat sweets unless inspected by a doctor, not to take ANY needles out under ANY circumstances, or to use the phone. Really leaves a lot of room to maneuver doesn’t it? Ryoshi and his father came back to visit me. Elliot, Mia, and Zakuro came back, and I explained my life. They understood perfectly. Elliot already knew, but I begged him not to tell Mia and Zakuro. Just another thing for them to hate me for.
They knocked on the door. I had just woken up, so I tapped the side of the bed, signaling them to come in. They tiptoed in cautiously, as if on new territory. I smiled. They half smiled, half frowned. After ten minutes of complete silence, I finally talked.
"I’m really sorry that I yelled at you. But, next time, please tell me what you plan to do, so we can avoid this next time, okay?" They nodded thankfully.
Mia and Zakuro visited when they could, but they were preparing for both trials. By now I was 14 years old, and the trials were both on my 15th birthday, November 22nd, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to be at them. It was September 5th. How would these trials affect my life after? Would I be healthy enough to go? Would I ever recover?
Time came, and went, and I was slowly recovering. Mia and Zakuro were visiting more frequently now, and Elliot never left my side. We were getting friendlier and friendlier with each passing day. But we didn’t let that spoil our fun together. At least, as much fun as anyone can have whilst in the hospital.
One day, we were just sitting and eating lunch by ourselves, (the nurses now knew Elliot enough to let me be alone with him, and trusted and loved him as much as family.) and I was complaining about having nothing to do.
"I mean, I can’t get up off the bed, except to go to the bathroom, and even then, someone has to help me. They won’t let me have any sugar whatsoever, and it’s soo dull unless you or Mia or Zakuro are here, which you usually are." I said with mock desperation. Elliot smiled.
"So, you’re not usually bored?"
I smiled ironically. "Exactly."
Just then, someone knocked on the door. It was a nurse, with Ryoshi.
Chapter Thirteen Death Has Already Parted.
"What’s wrong, Ryoshi?" I asked, concerned.
"This young man’s father has died." I gasped. What?? "He was attacked by a burglar by trying to stop him. He was shot. He’s now under your custody. The court decided that was best, since his family can’t be located, and you were the closest thing he has. When we locate his family, he’ll be transferred to them. What do you respond?" I gapped at her. He’s dead? Poor Ryoshi. I hated my parents, so I couldn’t exactly miss them. But Ryoshi did know him, and he missed him dearly. I beckoned him over, and he cried on my shoulder. I looked at the nurse.
"Has the thief been caught?" I asked. She nodded.
"Then, my reply is that I will accept, but on one condition. They must bring the thief. On October 15th. " Ryoshi looked up at me.
"Are you my mother now?" he sniffled.
"No, I’m your sister. And I’ll take care of you. Where willl he live until I am well?" The nurse gave Ryoshi a cup of hot chocolate.
"Well, we thought that he could live with me, and work in the hospital. We’d be willing to pay him." I looked at Ryoshi.
"That okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. I guess." I called Elliot in, who I had asked to leave. I explained what happened.
"Why don’t we sit vigil for your father? I’ll get some candles, and call in all the nurses and doctors to pray and remember him. Would you like that, Ryoshi?" Elliot suggested. Ryoshi nodded enthusiastically, and left with Elliot to gather them up. I started felling asleep, when I remembered that you couldn’t sleep during a vigil. Soon, some nurses came in, gave me some pain medication, and stood by my bed, where I struggled to sit up, where Ryoshi sat on one edge and Elliot on the other. Doctors and nurses that could spare the time came and stood by the door. They sort of looked at me expectantly, like I was supposed to say something.
I cleared my throat, and started, "Most of you here didn’t know Ryoshi’s father. To us, he was Masyono, to Ryoshi, he was daddy. We are here to honor him." I felt drowsy; the medicine must be kicking in. I had to hurry. "Please bow your heads as I say a prayer." Everyone bowed their heads but me, who was unable to. I murmured a prayer, and we said our words. As it came to an end, I was getting sleepier. I lifted a candle, and my eyes falling lower every word, said," Thank…you…Masyono…for.." Elliot grabbed the hand that held the candle and said strongly," Thank you Masyono for the light you brought this world and this child. We shall honor you as a model of strength, and doing what you think is right, because in this world, light is very little, and dark is very much. But we must teach hate with love, and soon, hate will love too. Amen."
"Thank…you…" I mumbled before falling to sleep.
A nurse woke me up at midnight to give me more medication. I choked down the horse pills and visited with Elliot a little. He never slept. I don’t think he could. He suddenly interrupted my talking, and I looked at him, giving him the same attention he gave me.
"Aly, I have to tell you something, and you might not like it, but it’s something out of our control." I loved him so much I said, that nothing would surprise me. "You know the trial?" I said of course. "It’s November 22nd, you birthday." I tried to scream, but all that came out was, "Oh." I couldn’t handle this. It was too much for a girl to handle alone. I started crying.
"How can I do this? How can I handle everything in my life, when so many things have left me disabled and sick and weak emotionally?" I wailed.
"Aly…my poor lovely Aly… You can do anything with your heart set on it!" Elliot said strongly, his eyes blazing into my tear-filled eyes. I just shook my head and covered my face with my hands.
Chapter Fourteen Zakuro and Tasiku.
"Aly, Elliot, meet Tasiku, my boyfriend." Zakuro said, looking at the young man next to her admiringly. I took one look at him and said calmly, "Hello, Mokuka." For standing before me was, not Tasiku, but Mokuka, my parent’s little helper. Whenever my parents couldn’t do something, Mokuka was their main man. For instance, one time I "back talked them", and they couldn’t get me because they were having a party, so they invited Mokuka to complete the job. Always with a fee, of course.
Mokuka, whose mouth quivered ever so slightly, said peevishly, "You must mistake me for someone else, Aly-san."
"Don’t screw with me, Mokuka!" I shouted. "You just happen to hook up with my onee-chan, then pretend that I’m going to forgive and forget what you did? Screw that crap! You stay away from her! You hear me? STAY AWAY FROM HER!! Get the hell out of my room, baka!" I screamed before nearly passing out. Damn, I’m always so weak! Mokuka staggered backwards, as if stabbed. How I wish he had been!
"Aly-san! Why do you despise me? Yes, I worked for April and Peter, but I’ve changed! I can be a good guy too! And Zakuro here has faith in me. Why can’t you?" he stammered. I spat on the ground next to his foot.
"The day I have faith in you is the day Hell freezes over and the devil hands me an ice cream cone!"
Zakuro struck me across the face. I looked at her in disbelief as my cheek throbbed. Her eyes blazed with anger.
"How dare you! You can’t talk to him like that! Believe it or not, there are other people I love, not just you! I hate you! I can’t believe I wanted you apart of my family! I hate you! You will never be a part of this family, not as long as I’m here!" she stormed out of the door, Mokuka hot on her heels. I started crying.
"WHY?! Why do you hate me?" Elliot, for once, didn’t walk over and comfort me. I looked over at him, horrified.
"No! Not you too!" I wailed. Elliot was nervous.
"Aly, I’ve been thinking. I think I’m going to go back, see if anyone else needs help. Bye, Aly." he said, and he was gone. Just poof, out of there. I was numb. Two of the most important people in my life just left me. I was beyond crying. I was…awestruck. Amazed. Confused. A nurse came in, and saw me. She rushed over to me.
"Aly-san! What’s wrong?" she asked.
"Zakuro and Elliot left me just now, and they’re never coming back.." I said, looking at nothing. She looked at me sadly.
"There are people who will walk in and out of life, and we have to respect that the Lord knows best. I’m sure they weren’t such good friends as you thought."
"But.. he loved me. Didn’t he?" I said. Memories of Elliot flashed through my head. Him handing me a bouquet of roses when I had rid the disease of my body. When he held me in his arms as I cried. When was the last time I ever did anything for him? "Is that why you left?" I murmured. "Because you always did something for me, and never for yourself? I don’t blame you." My eyes were downcast. En aikou maro. Good bye, love. I cried myself to sleep that night.
Chapter Fifteen Great Peril.
"Aly..Aly.." a voice said. I shot up.
"Elliot?" Anger flowed through my voice.
"No, child. Yushi, your guardian angel. Something tells me that you’re having family and love troubles. Is this true?" Tears wallowed in my eyes.
"Yes. Elliot and Zakuro and probably Mia. They left me." I wailed.
"Do not despair, young child. These..friends..as you call them? They shall see. They shall see how they need you. They will love you again. But, beware-for the one called ‘Zakuro’ is in great peril. You must save her, before it’s too late! You have something in your heart to save her! Love, however, you shall have to make a hard decision for whom to give your love to." The voice echoed away, leaving me alone. I woke up, thinking about what the voice told me. I pushed the nurse call.
"Yes, Miss?"
"Nurse Joyce, two things. One, don’t call me ‘miss’. Second, call the police and have them arrest Mia, Zakuro, and Mokuka. Bring them here."
Chapter Sixteen Arrested for charges against love.
"Let me go! Aly, what’s going on? Why are you arresting us?" Mia screamed, fighting an officer. He had a strong grasp, and wasn’t worried about losing her. Mokuka pretended to struggle to save Zakuro, but without much success. Zakuro stood limp, staring at me in disbelief.
"Okay, here’s the deal. You will sit, with your police partners next to you. You cooperate, you sit freely. You make it difficult, you’re tied. Make your choice. Except for you, Mokuka. You’re tied." They set about sitting down, Mokuka tied firmly to a hard chair, while I gestured to two comfy chairs. Mia and Zakuro sat down.
"First of all, let me apologize for the police, Mia and Zakuro. Second, I’ve something to ask you both.
Do you trust me?" I looked intensely at them both. Mia cleared her throat.
"I do. I would trust you with my life. Although, the officers were a bit much, but you know best, I guess. Considering you’ve had more experience with them. I love you as a daughter, although, Zakuro has told me some things about you that I find hard to believe." I shot a look at Zakuro.
"What has she told you?" I whispered.
"That you used to beat this young man up when he was doing his job. That you disrespected you’re parents, but I know that’s impossible not to believe." I laughed.
I looked at Zakuro and said, "Your turn."
"You hate the man I love. It’s that simple. I can’t forgive you for that, no matter whether I’m your sister or not." At this she shot up and lunged at me, a pocketknife at hand. I sat there, calmly, although I was nervous. The police reached for their guns, but I said, "Hold fire." They did as they were told. Zakuro grabbed my shirt, and looked into my eyes.
"I shall stab you with his knife." I bit Zakuro’s arm. She dropped her pocketknife and fell on the floor, holding her arm.
"Listen to yourself, Zakuro! You are not yourself! You wouldn’t do anything to hurt me! You will protect me! You have forgotten how you helped me, and how I shall help you! Remember!!!" I whispered. Suddenly, I froze. My body shivered, starting at my toes, and ending at my head. I looked down, and a knife had been jabbed in my chest. I looked at the officers, who had been knocked unconscious. Mia had been too. I looked at Zakuro, who was looking at Mokuka, who was laughing. Blood dripped out of my mouth. I stared at him. Just stared. Nothing more. I didn’t say anything, just stared. I hadn’t heard a thing. He looked at me and said, "My work is done. Come on, Zakuro, let’s go to the mall." Zakuro was sobbing. I was passing out, but I fought to stay conscious. She was shaking.
"How.. dare you. You.. stabbed my sister." She muttered.
"But, you were about to do it a second ago!" he whacked Zakuro over the head. She fell to the floor. I coughed up blood. I tore the knife out of my chest. Blood gushed out. I tried to speak, but a bubble of blood came out and popped.
"This..is..your…choice….I hope..you…collect… your…money." My eyes rolled back, and blood came out. This time, I wouldn’t be saved by Elliot. He had left me. I was dead for sure. A doctor rushed in, and saw my bloodstained sheets, Mia, Zakuro, and the officers unconscious. They immediately set about helping me.
"No." I shook my head. "Them first. Hurry, please." They rushed to help them. Security guards came in to arrest Mokuka. I shook my head.
"Not now. Wait ‘til I pass away, please. Let him see me die." They nodded, and sat him down. I closed my eyes.
"Aly..I didn’t.. I mean…I’m sorry." he said.
"No you’re not. You have no more feeling for me than for dirt. So don’t pretend." I whispered. He started sobbing.
"No. I did it for you. I wanted money for us to go away."
"Really? And where was this place you had in mind? The hospital? Well, step one, complete. I’m on my deathbed. Again. I’m not coming back. No one loves me. You sure as hell don’t. You wanted money so bad that you’d beat me to death? You must be desperate." I whispered, irritated. Who did he think he was dealing with? I fell back. I knew this. I was dying. For the second time. I wasn’t coming back. Elliot wouldn’t be there to save me.
"Of course I was desperate! I loved you! I still do!" he grabbed my shoulders.
"No you don’t."
Chapter Seventeen Dead again.
Mokuka looked intensely at me, his eyes pouring into mine.
"Yes I do, Aly! Why don’t you believe me?"
"Well, let me see," I said, coughing. I was running out of time, and I wanted my message across. "You only worked for my parents since I was five, you beat the hell out of me countless times, you tried to kill me, Zakuro, Mia, and countless officers, and you want me to accept you? Well, I have news for you!" I was dying. Less than one minute. "No one loves me, and never will. Elliot left me, Zakuro left me, and that’s that! I’m an anti-love person. I was born an anti-lover person, and I’m dying as one!" Here my body jerked. It shuddered, like a bridge collapsing. My eyes rolled back, and I heard Mokuka yelling "No! Aly!" I wished everyone the best of luck, and I died.
"Aly….Aly.." a voice said. I knew that voice. It was Elliot. He stepped out of a mist, smiling. I walked up to him, and slapped him. That took the smile right off his face.
"What do you want? You just turn your butt around and find someone else!" I yelled. I turned around and walked away. I heard him running to catch up.
"Aly! What’s wrong?"
"What’s wrong? What’s wrong?! Everyone I ever loved, everyone I ever cared about, screwed me off and left me alone! Even you! Then Mokuka tried to save his butt by saying that he loved me, and all the beatings were for money so we could ‘run away together.’ Everyone left me! Screw that crap! Why should I be punished? Why am I hated? Everyone takes advantage of me!" I started crying. "But this time, I’m not going back! I don’t care whether I go to Heaven or Hell, just as long as I’m left alone! My heart has been broken more times then anyone else! I don’t want to hurt anymore!" Elliot reached for me, but I pushed him away.
"I don’t want to hurt anymore, Elliot. I don’t want to be in pain. I want to love. I want to be loved. So this won’t work."
"It will, Aly. You will. You will go back and everything will be good." I pulled away.
"I’m not going back. I can’t hurt anymore. I can’t, Elliot."
"Please? For me?"
"Okay, I will. But I won’t be happy."
"We’ll see about that." Soon, I was plunged yet again into a lake of ice. I was crying already. I was really getting annoyed with this feeling. My body felt heavy and weak. Now I had to practically start over! All those months wasted. This had better be worth it.
ZZZzzz! My chest jumped forward, and a "Ugh." escaped my lips.
"Clear!" a doctor yelled. "Get ready for another! She’s alive! You did it again, Aly! Can you do another one?" I couldn’t answer. ZZZzzz. My eyes were glued shut, my arms hurt so bad. My brain was mush. I couldn’t think. My body jerked from the electricity. Someone threw their arms around me.
"Aly! You’re all right! Thank God! I’m so sorry! I was blinded by my love. I’m so sorry, Aly." Zakuro said. I couldn’t respond. But I did burped. Everyone laughed nervously.
"I’ll take that as an ‘okay’." Zakuro giggled.
"Aly!" Someone else yelled. I knew that person too! Elliot! I heard him rush over, and faintly felt something hugging me hard. I smiled I my mind.
"Aly, you look awful." Elliot chuckled. You would too, if you just died. I was filled with two main things; pain and love. I was being loved again! I was so happy. Yet, I felt that it wouldn’t last forever. But I ignored the feeling, falling into a loved sleep. Oh, how I should have listened.
Chapter Eighteen: Mokuka and Elliot.
"Aly, a young man and an officer are here to see you. Shall I let them in?" I nodded. An officer stepped in with Mokuka in cuffs. I took one look at the officer and said, "Hi, Guard Myko! How are you?" I coughed.
"Aly-san! What a pleasure! I’m so sorry about what’s happened to you." he boomed. "This young man said that you would plea for his release, so I brought him here. What do you say to him?"
"Aly! Help me!" Mokuka yelled, pushing again Guard Mkyo. I stared at him emotionless.
"Why?" I asked.
"What do you mean, ‘why’?" Mokuka said, stopping his fighting.
"Why do you pretend to love me when you murdered me?" I barked.
"Because I do, and I was overpowered by Zakuro and only thought to make her happy." he whispered.
"News-flash! People who love somebody don’t go around chasing someone else and ask for complete forgiveness! That’s not how it works!" I said. The door opened, and Elliot stepped in. He rushed over to me, and put his arms around me.
"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing I was ruffled.
"No, he wanted me to plea his innocence."
"Aly, who is this?" Elliot said, realizing that another boy was in his girlfriends’ room.
"Elliot, meet Mokuka. Mokuka, Elliot." I said simply. They just stared loathingly at each other. My face twitched. Are they….sneering at each other? Maybe Mokuka really did like me? Then, is Elliot…jealous?
"I see.." Elliot said. Then he bent down. "Aly, whatever he says, he tries to temp you. Don’t listen to him!" he whispered. I nodded.
"Innocent." I said. Elliot, Guard Mkyo, and Mokuka gapped at me. "He deserves another chance. But you try that again, I’ll kill you personally, and Elliot won’t be there to save you like he was for me." Mokuka nodded and was released. He ran over and hugged me.
"Remember, Mokuka, I don’t love you. I don’t love easily. I’m just helping you." He nodded, acknowledging me grudgingly.
"Can we be friends?" he asked.
"We’ll see."
Chapter Nineteen: First Time For Everything.
"Aly, are you alright?" Nurse Joyce gasped. I was leaning over and something foul was gushing out of my mouth. I wasn’t heaving, I wasn’t tasting it, I was just along for the ride. She called the doctor and he gasped.
"Impossible! How can she..? I..I thought she was rid of the disease!" he said bewildered. I just shrugged my shoulders. I had finished, uh, throwing up and Elliot was washing my face and blanket. My whole body was shaking uncontrollably.
"Okay, what the hell just happened?" I wheezed. The doctor just stood there, frozen.
"The disease is still in you. I can’t believe it. But that means.." he said, trailing off. Then he jumped. "Joyce! Get Mia and Zakuro here NOW! Hurry, before it’s too late! That jail boy too! Go!" He then explained what was wrong.
Apparently, the disease came back, which meant it was contagious, which meant that everyone but Elliot was in danger. They had reason to believe that Mia, Zakuro and Mokuka had caught it. Then I heard three roll beds coming down the hall. I knew it was all three. They were sick, and it was because of me! If anything happened to them, I don’t know what I’d do. Suddenly, my body jerked, my chest screamed, my brain exploded! I was torn into a fit of pain and loss. I can’t even describe the pain. My heart stopped. All I saw was white light, my body jerking and twisting and turning and there was nothing I could do but scream in pain and wait until it was over and I saw Elliot and what was wrong why was I closing my eyes and I was slowly going into a coma of pain.
I awoke some time later, and I couldn’t move anything. I couldn’t talk. I heard a doctor come in, and he said, "Aly-san, I have bad news." I braced myself. "Mia is dying." Tears squeezed out of my eyes. I couldn’t open them, nor my mouth, but I could let the tears fall out of my eyes. I felt them carry themselves down my cheeks. "Also, Mokuka, has the disease pretty bad, but Zakuro is immune to it, apparently. Her body naturally destroys that particular disease. She’s asleep on a couch in the waiting room. And, Elliot, he has the disease too." I forced my eyes open. They popped open. I made my lips move.
"Elliot can’t catch any disease! He can’t! What can I do to help?"
"We think we can help Mia by transplanting some healthy blood from someone with her blood type, but the boys are a different matter. They both need your type of blood, and you aren’t strong enough for both. You can only donate your blood to one young man. I’ll leave you to think about it." Then he left.. I was flabbergasted. I could only help one! Well, the answer was obvious, save Elliot. Mokuka had already killed me once, it was his turn. But I was hesitant. I had to help them both. I just had to. I-I needed them both. So I called on my guardian angel.
Chapter Twenty: Guardian Angel.
Yushi, I need your help. I need you to help me make a decision. Please help me make the right choice.
"Yes, child?" A lady fell from the sky, white light streaming down her like raindrops clutching to a leaf. She had gray hair that looked silver. Snowy white wings and a dress of pure tears. I saw her land in front of me.
"I need your help. Elliot and Mokuka are both dying, an-" I was cut off.
"I know, darling. I know." she whispered.
"What do I do?" I wailed.
"You must make the decision, for I can’t choose for you. Just remember that the person you help is the one you love the most. Who is that? I cannot answer for you. Choose wisely."
"But, can I help them both? I’m still a kid!" I whimpered.
"You must find your strength in your body. I cannot find it for you." And she disappeared in a mist. Who do I love the most? I had the question, but I didn’t want to answer.
Chapter Twenty-one: Only One Life, So Who’s It For?
"Nurse Joyce, who do you think I should help?" I asked. She shrugged her shoulders.
"I don’t know, Aly-san. Now please, no more talking. You have to take your medicine."
I woke up the next day. I was my first night of total sleep without medicine, and I felt better. I demanded right there that I would see them today.
"No, Aly-san!" a doctor practically yelled. "You cannot! You have got the disease in you again, and I can’t risk you risking your life just for a chat!" Boy, was he lucky I only had two minutes of talking left!
"I insist! I am well enough to start walking! I can do it!" I whispered.
"Fine. You have two weeks to try to walk. If you can’t by then, you will not visit." I nodded in agreement. I started that day. I sat up slowly, then laid back down. My head was spinning. I tried again, this time slower, and sat up for an instant before nearly passing out. Nurse Joyce gave me her full support. But it wasn’t the same. I needed Elliot. I needed his support. But, this would have to do.
I tried again the next day. Nurse Joyce came in with a new bag full of liquid food. At least I couldn’t taste it. I bet it tasted putrid.
"Good morning, Aly-san. How have you rested?" she asked, replacing the old bag.
I nodded. It hadn’t been 15 minutes yet. I had two minutes left.
"Well, we have a nice, relaxing day planned, so we can get better!" she said cheerfully. Two minutes, hah! I’d talk anyways!
"Yeah, too bad I have to practice walking, huh?" I said happily. She sighed.
"No way I can make you forget that, huh?" I shook my head.
"Nope. Let’s get to work." I said, sitting up.
By now I had been used to sitting up, and could focus on walking. Nurse Joyce and two other nurses helped me slowly move my legs towards the edge of the bed. I winced. It hurt so much to move my legs, imagine how it’ll hurt when I try to actually walk. Soon, my legs were swung over the side of the bed. I took a deep breath, but it was shaky. The nurses added more slack to the tubes connected to the machines. They nodded. I wiggled my toes. They wiggled back in reply. I turned my ankle. It circled around. I bent my knee cautiously. It copied my thoughts. I sighed, and slowly touched my feet to the ground. Pain seared through me, ending in a blast through my brain. I screamed. I kept touching the ground. I kept screaming and touching the ground. The nurses begged me to get back in bed, and I screamed in reply. I pushed myself up, ready to stand up. The pain was unbearable! But I kept going, for Elliot and Mia and Mokuka. I fell forward, but the nurses caught me. Soon I was standing! I was standing. Of course, I was basically leaning against the nurses, but, oh well! There was glitter all around, and I felt light. I was doing it! I could walk again!! I was a super girl! I screamed, "I DID IT!!"
Then it was over. I fell back in slow motion, sliding away into a warm place. I smiled as a fluffy pink bunny bounces in front of me and said, "Howdee, Aly! Ready to BOUNCE?" I nodded and we bounced toward an ice cream land.
"Aly-san! Wake up, wake up! You have to fight the coma!" Nurse Joyce said. I heard her. I turned to the fluffy bunny.
"Sorry, friend, but I have to go. Bye!" I said, turning away and floating to the top of a dome. It grabbed my foot, and I looked down. The rabbit had turned into a foul monster!
"Oh, no you don’t!" it said in a gravely voice. "You aren’t going anywhere!" I kicked it’s claw, and frantically swam away.
"I’m here!" I whispered. They clapped.
"The first time ever recorded that someone could fight an oncoming coma!" the doctor yipped. I smiled weakly.
"Now, help me up so I can walk."
By the 12 day, I could sustain walking for five minutes, then had to rest for a half an hour. I would go see Elliot, Mia, and Mokuka in three days! Until then I practiced. Hard.
"You ready for this, Aly? They aren’t going to look good." The doctor said. I nodded, and stood up. My head was a little dizzy, but I would manage. I walked slowly towards the exit. Down the hall. Open the door. Walk inside. I gagged. They looked awful. Mia looked the best, though it was almost a tie.
"Hi, everybody." I whispered. I started to walk over, and the doctors tried to stop me. I pulled away. I walked over to Elliot first. He smiled. I laid my head on his chest. I couldn’t stop myself. I started crying.
"I thought you couldn’t get sick." I wailed.
"Guess I don’t know everything there is to know about human diseases." he wheezed, a slight smile on his face. I just lay on him, crying. Soon, the doctors insist I must leave, so I go see Mokuka. He is awake. I can’t help it. I hug him.
"Poor Mokuka. I’m sorry." I whispered. He mumbles something, and I walk away. I hug Mia.
"I’m sorry, Mia. I hope you get better." I choke. She is asleep, and doesn’t hear me. I start to walk toward the doctors, when I get the sudden feeling to lay down. I bend down, my head tilted upward. The doctors lift me up by my arms, and carry me away. I fell asleep. Or passed out. Whichever.
I am nervous. In one hour I have to tell the doctor who I want to give blood to. I don’t know. I want to help both! But I can’t. But I want to help both! My head is spinning, and my stomach is queasy. Haven’t I gotten well enough to help both? Even if it means I give my life? I would gladly do it. Well, did a famous person once say to give all you had, and take nothing back? Or vice versa? I liked that quote suddenly.
"Aly? Have you made your decision?" a doctor says, walking in. I lift my chin, and narrow my eyes.
"Yes."
"Who?"
"Both." Tears are falling down my face, and shining down to stain my blanket. The doctor gaps.
"But..you c-can’t! I-!!" he stammered. I cut him off.
"YES I CAN!! I WILL! I NEED TO SAVE THESE PEOPLE!! NOW,DAMN YOU, GET ME READY!!" I yelled. Then my voice left me. It cracked slightly. "You don’t know how important they are. I don’t care if it means losing my life."
"But, Aly, tomorrow is the day the murderer of Yukiyo’s father comes. You promised him you’d be there." I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten! I was a legal guardian! I couldn’t die! But I had to save them both.
"Then let’s hope it works."
PART FOUR
Chapter Twenty-Three: We meet for the first-for-the-last-time.
"Ready, Aly?" Nurse Joyce whispered. I nodded. Seven machines were inserted into my body, and four doctors walked over with huge needles. They were all nervous. They had never done this. They had only done two. But I was stubborn and wouldn’t change my mind. So we did it that day. At 4:42 P.M. In a pure white room, with people dresses in pure white. It was like a funeral gone white. People were crying, others barely holding it in. Hands were shaking, sweat was streaming down arms and necks. They were hesitant. They acted as if I were already dead.
"Go, damn it, go!" I whispered behind the gas mask. A man turned the gas mask on, and I felt silly. Then I felt like the life was getting sucked out of me. I screamed. I felt a part of my soul leave. Come back! I thought. One doctor stepped back, a full tube of my blood in hand. Another stepped forward. Slurp! Another chunk of life was out. Half way done. Some medicine, it’s keeping me awake! Suddenly, my soul was gone. I felt cold, like my heart was a piece of polished stone. It had shriveled up, and was replaced with a heart I didn’t want. I shunned it away, and survived throughout the rest of the needles. My body was limp, and I felt, weird. That’s the best I can describe it. Weird. Not myself. But the doctors were triumphant. They pumped their arms, high-fived, yipped in joy.
"You did it, Aly! You did it! They’ll live! You’ll live! You saved them!" a doctor yelled, hugging me. I passed out.
"Get Joyce out here! She knows what to do!" a man yelled. My mind was fuzzy. I understood nothing. Thought nothing but God, let me live…God let me
live…please…please repeating in my head. I put my soul into that one thought. I guess God took pity on me, and he let me live. I sighed in relief. Elliot would not be there to save me. They fed me some applesauce and a very-extra smooshed banana. And I didn’t even like bananas. But I’ve learned to eat what I can take.
"Murse Moyce," I said with a mouthful of bananas.
"Aly, don’t talk with your mouth full. It’s impolite."
I swallowed. "When will Elliot and Mokuka and Mia and Zakuro be well again?" I asked. She shook her head sadly.
"I don’t know, Aly. I just don’t know." Then she smiled and looked up. "But they will get better. Believe you me."
The next day, the murderer came to town for a visit.
"Thank you for hearing me out, Aly-san." The murderer said. I sat up warily. I didn’t think a murderer could be nice, even a little bit.
"Don’t think that I’m saving you from prison. You killed my brother’s father. You deserve to rot in that prison, and you can for all I care. I am just here to, interview you, so to speak. Now, sit." The police sat him down. His face was worn like old leather; this man had definitely seen hard times. Not like I cared. I hated this man. Loathed him, despised him. My voice was ice, chipping into him like avalanches. Snow dripped from my body language, but my eyes were lava. They melted him. He was in an extremely hard predicament, because he was freezing to death and melting at the same time. I smiled at the thought.
"Okay. First question. Why’d you kill him? Don’t worry, nothing you say will effect your punishment in any way." I said. He sighed.
"Well, I’ma guessing it’s best not teh lie to yeh. I did it because he was in me way outta that buildin’. He wouldn’ta move, and believe you me, I wasn’t in there ta kill; I was in there to rob. But he wasn’t a’ movin’, and the cops were closing in. So I shot ‘im…(sob) in teh…(sob) head." he cried quietly. I gave him a minute to compose himself.
"Second question. What did you do after that?"
"I sat there until the cops came bargin’ in, and I gave up. I did insist on carrying the body to the ambulence. It was the least I coulda done for ‘im. Then I turned myself to them, willing to serve me life in jail for killin’ a man who had done nuthin’ but teh right thing. Then I gotta call, saying you were a’ wanting to see meh, so here I am." I nodded.
"One last thing. Will you apologize to the young man who’s father you killed? And explain the whole thing. I might be able to help your sentence a bit, so you’re at least 67 when you get out." he jumped out of his seat, and hugged me. The police pulled him away.
"T-thank you so much. I don’t know how to thank you." he wailed. Wow. I never realized I had so much authority. I mean, I did order some thing done, but I never thought I would take it seriously. I must have a lot of influence. But I wasn’t about to speak my thoughts to this man. The least I could do, though, was soften up. I smiled softly, and placed my hand on his arm.
"You showing your apologies to my brother is thanks enough." I fell back on my pillow. I felt like crap. Just goes to show you; one minute I’m standing, the next I’m passed out. You just can’t figure out my body so easily. The man, who’s name I found was Zannen, waited nervously for Ryoshi to come.
Ryoshi stepped in and ran over to me. He hugged me close as I told him about Zannen.
"I-I’m terribly sorry for what pain I caused yeh. Please forgive me. There’s nothin’ I can do for you except offer my life to yeh, and that ain’t much.I know it don’t nake up for what I done, but.." Ryoshi’s face showed he was fighting with his emotions. I could tell he wanted to stay mad, but he also wanted to forgive him.
"Do you want to hurt forever?" I whispered in his ear. He shook his head, tears streaming. "Then forgive. It’ll only hurt for a moment." Ryoshi nodded slightly. Then he rose, and threw out his chest.
"I forgive you, sir." he said boldly.
Chapter Twenty-Four: The truth comes out.
"Aly! Wake up! Someone’s here to see you!" a doctor yelled through the door. I groaned. I had a massive headache. But the doctors said I would be fully recovered by Christmas! That was only three more months of being hospitalized! I sat up, determined to show no weaknesses whatsoever. They knocked before entering. I smiled as I saw Elliot standing in the doorway. He rushed over to me, and kissed me.
"Elliot! You’re recovered already? It hasn’t been very long." I mused. Elliot sat on my bed.
"Doctor, please leave us." he said to the man in the door way. He smiled and walked out. Elliot turned to me. I frowned.
"What?" I asked.
"I must tell you the truth. I never had the disease." I gawked. I was speechless. Why had he deceived me? Again?!
"But, why?" I choked.
"It was Heaven’s test, I had to act it out, or be banned from seeing you again. They wanted to know what your heart was like, and in their eyes, you’re pure." Elliot smiled and hugged me. I sighed. That was my Elliot!
"But what about Mokuka, and Mia?" I asked, startled. He smiled softly.
"They’ll be fine by tomorrow. Heaven had something to do with that too." he winked.
"I didn’t know Heaven was deceitful." I said, surprised. He tapped the side of his nose.
"They can when they wanna be." I laid down on his chest. I was content once again. Someone else stepped in.
"Aly!" Mia yelled, racing to me.
"Mia!" I yelled back. I hugged her close.
"I’m sorry, Mia." I whispered. She shook her head.
"It’s okay." She whispered. Mokuka leaned against the doorway. I looked at him. We were both uncomfortable.
"Hey, uh, thank for your donation. It-it saved me." he murmured. I looked straight into his eyes strongly.
"You’re welcome." I said warmly.
Chapter Twenty-Five: Trials
Two months later…November 22nd.
"Ms.Aly, it’s time." Nurse Joyce said numbly. I sat up. I was now strong enough to move and walk on my own, but I clung to Elliot for support. He bent down to whisper in my ear.
"At midnight, we shall go. Tell no one." And I knew exactly what he meant.
"You okay?" Mia asked, as we got in the elavator.
I nodded.
"You hungry?"
I shook my head. I put my face into Elliot’s chest. He rubbed my hair, and kissed my hair. "How do you do that?"
"I don’t want to go. Please?" I asked desperatly.
"You can do it, sweetie." I shook my head.
"I can’t relive it. I can’t. Please, Elliot. Let us go back and play chess." I begged.
"Aly, you know this will help you deal with this. Is the ten minutes of pleasure worth the endless pain?" he whispered.
We arrived at the courthouse in 15 minutes. We were searched, and sent into a room.
"All rise." a guard said. I stood on wobbly feet. The judge entered.
"Please raise your right hand."
We went through the routine, and the judge turned to me.
"How are you, Aly?" she asked, her face soft.
"Recovering, Your Honor. And you?" I asked.
"Good, good. Now," she said, her voice seirious. "We are here to determine the sentence of a Mr. And Mrs. Kisdou for murder. Aly, please come up to say your story." I shakily waked to the chair, and sat down.
" Now, please say your story, from the beginning. Go at your own pace." I took a deep breath, and started at the beginning, and even though I was just starting, I knew I was ending it, and starting a new one. I was playing the piano once again.

END OF BOOK ONE

Thanks so much for just reading it! I mean, you're the first person just to
read it. Thanks for your input, as well. You know, I thought about that, about
Aly, but I just got into writing I haven't really gone back to add yet. I will
definetly do that! Thanks again!! -chu!