Chapter 97: Fighting the Devil

Nelly tilted Neil’s head to the side and checked his breathing. She did a quick checkup before giving Chad a list of things she needed. While Chad left to arrange for the tools, Nelly was left with Neil. She whispered, “hang in there. Stay with me.” Don’t leave me. “I’ll make sure you live.”

As she turned to get the medical kit, she saw Stacy helping Will with his wound. She had totally forgotten that there was another patient in the room. She was relieved that Stacy was there. Even without her memories, she’s as collected as she used to be. Nelly ran the process quickly in her mind as she looked at Neil’s injury. “I’ll start now,” she announced. Chad rushed in and they started getting busy.

Neil slowly came to. The first thing he saw was the ceiling. There’s a ceiling. Not in heaven. Or hell. Good. He took a deep breath. It felt like he had been sleeping forever. What even happened? ‘Did I lose my memory as well?’ His eyes widened in shock as his body jerked. It pulled at the stitches causing him to wince.

Something in his peripheral vision moved. Nelly raised her head. She fell asleep sitting by his bed. “You’re awake,” her drowsiness immediately evaporated into thin air. “How are you feeling?” She was already beside him with her stethoscope.

“How long have I been out?” Neil asked instead. “Less than 24 hours. Do you remember your name?” Neil narrowed his eyes. Nelly was taking his blood pressure. “Is this necessary?” He eyed the equipment like it was a little monster that bites.

“I want to make sure that you are all right,” Nelly said, “you haven’t answered me.” Neil looked confused. “Answer what?”

“Tell me your name,” she was watching him intensely. “Is this really necessary, Nelly?” He felt awkward. He wasn’t used to being questioned like that. “That’s the third question, but alright. You know my name. Do you know where you are?”

Neil looked around. His mouth opened as he started turning around like he just woke up in a world of glitter and he recognized nothing. “Where is this?” He asked. Nelly’s brows furrowed in worry. “Don’t you remember?” He shook his head. “Are you for real?” She felt panic rise in her. “Who are you?” He deadpanned but couldn’t even hold it for a second before bursting out laughing.

Nelly’s frown deepened. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?” Neil’s laugh faded out as he focused back on his sister. “I’m alright. Don’t worry.”

Her brows almost knitted together and tears hung at the edge of her eyes. “How could I not?” She choked, causing Neil to panic. He started fretting. “I’m.. I’m sorry.. I didn’t mean to..” He held his hand up but didn't know what to do with it.

Nelly slowly wormed her way into his embrace, careful to not hit his wound. His hand hung mid-air and his body was stiff as she cried. “Why are you fighting at the bar? Why are you injured?” She scolded, “do you know how worried I was? Are you trying to drag me all the way here only to leave me alone?”

His hand slowly rested on her back, patting her awkwardly. “I’m sorry, I made you worried. I promise, I will try not to get injured in the future.” She jerked up so fast, he winced when the motion pulled at his stitches. “What do you mean try not to get injured! Just stop fighting,” she snapped. “Ouch! It hurts. It really hurts,” he exaggerated his pain as he pretended to almost faint.

When it was quiet, he opened one eye to peek. His sister was giving him a power glare. “I’m sorry, okay?” He tried to butter up but Nelly was unwavering. She was serious as she said, “promise me you won’t fight again.” Her eyes were still wet from crying but she stood her ground, making sure he knew it wasn’t negotiable.

“You know it’s not possible, right?” He tried, but she immediately snapped, “make it possible!” He sighed. “You know that’s what I do..”

“Because that’s what you do, you want me to be in constant fear that at any moment, someone will come running and tell me that you are on the verge of dying?”

“But you know I won’t,” he smiled at her. “What are you? God?”

“No, you are the goddess. I know you will fight the devil himself to get me back,” he gave her an appreciative smile. Nelly sighed. “You know how hard that was?”

He nodded. “Of course! Totally, absolutely! You’ve worked hard,” he tried to massage her shoulder but she turned away from him. “Don’t be angry. It will make you look older,” he tried to coax. Tried. The teasing only deepened her frown. “I’m getting older thinking that you are in constant danger!” She snapped.

Just then, Jack and Mark entered the room. Neil secretly took in a breath. They came in time to save him from the need to coax his sister – something he’s really bad at. “You alive, bro?” Jack was as chill as usual but when his eyes landed on Nelly, he immediately averted his gaze.

Mark wore his usual grumpiness, making him look like he was forced to visit Neil. Luckily, nobody cared. They’ve gotten used to it.

“Breathing. Warm. Talking. Thanks to my sister,” he cued Nelly, trying to let her know his appreciation. Mark gave her the side eye. She felt nervous, she always does around him. Jack elbowed him. He cleared his throat. “You did well,” he said.

Nelly simply nodded and the room plunged into awkwardness. Jack felt the responsibility to clear it. “Well, it’s something worth celebrating,” he chirped. “Have you had dinner?” He focused solely on Neil, ignoring Nelly altogether.

Something felt missing from her heart. She tried to not think about it as she stood at the side quietly. Neil assumed that she was still angry at him. “Are you making dinner?” He looked at Jack expectantly.

Jack’s eyes widened as he shook his hands a few times. “No, no, no! If you want something, I’ll go get it. Don’t make me cook,” he looked like he just saw a ghost.

Neil shrugged it off. “Alright. Can you help me get the usual? You know my order.”

Just as Jack was about to leave, Neil called out, “wait, can you get something for Nelly as well?” Jack froze. Nelly’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of her.

“What do you want? My treat,” Neil smiled at his sister.

She remained quiet.

Finally, she raised her head. “I’ll go with you,” her voice was quiet as she looked at Jack.