Chapter 28

“Bri, I am going to bring you to the doctor’s tomorrow. I just want them to check up on you since it’s been a hectic few days, okay?” I just nodded my head and snuggled more into James. He kissed my head again and wrapped his arm around me tighter.

“I’m bored, let’s watch a movie.” Elli broke the silence.

“I don’t want to move,” I whined and everyone laughed at me. I pouted and they all cooed at me.

“We will just watch it here,” Grayson said while plopping down next to me. Before anything else could happen, my stomach growled very loudly. I blushed and giggled while the others smiled at me.

“Let’s all eat something. Some of us are starving.” Brandon said while looking at me. I giggled again and stood up. I walked to the dining room and sat down at one of the seats. John and Jake went into the kitchen with Trevor and Brandon. Ethan, James, Elli, Grayson, and I sat down at the table. Moments later, they all came in but with no food.

“I want mac and cheese.” I randomly said, and they all looked over and smiled at me.

“We are eating chicken fingers, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, french fries, onion rings, and corn,” John announced. My eyes went wide and I smiled.

“That sounds so good. I am going to eat so much.” I said again. They all looked very happy with me. They all made small talk while waiting for the food. Just then the doors were open. The cooks brought in the food and my mouth watered. As soon as they set the table, I dug in right away. I filled my plate with two chicken tenders, a huge scoop of mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, corn, and a few onion rings. Everyone looked so pleased with me but my focus was on my food. I dug in, not even waiting for anyone else.

“Geez, someone was hungry,” Jake said under his breath. Trevor slapped him upside the head and we all shared a laugh. As dinner progressed, my appetite diminished fast. I got through a little under half of my plate before I was completely stuffed. I looked over at James with a sad face. He seemed to know what I was sad about because he grabbed my hand.

“You did so good Bri!” He turned my frown into a smile.

“Thank you,” I whispered out. He squeezed my hand and went back to eating. Not too long after, everyone was done and we all made our way into the living room. I plopped down next to Ethan and James. I curled myself into Ethan while everyone else fought over a movie.

“I don’t want to watch The Grinch,” Grayson yelled at Jake.

“Well, I don’t want to watch Disney.”Jake shot back.

“Oh my, y’all are giving me a headache,” Trevor grumbled. I nodded and rubbed my head.

“Why don’t we watch The Purge,” I said, they all stopped and looked at me.

“Is she like some type of genius?” John said. Ethan chuckled and I nodded. They all took their seats around the living room. Someone hit play and the movie started. As the movie went on, I got more tired and tired. I was so tired from everything that I lost the battle of sleep. I closed my eyes and nodded off to sleep.

I woke up by being shaken. “Bri, it’s time to get up. You have the doctors this morning.” Grayson said. I sat up and went to rub my eyes but he gave me a look so I dropped my hands. He smiled at me and left my room. I don’t even know how I got up here. I went to my closet and picked out some sweatpants and a sweatshirt. I threw it on and went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth and my hair. I then walked downstairs and into the dining room. Everyone was already there and eating. The sight of food made me sick but I still sat down in my seat.

“How did you sleep Pumpkin?” James said while coming over to me. I just groaned and put my head in my arms on the table. “Oh Honey.” He wrapped his arms around me and sighed. “We are leaving in about five minutes.” I just nodded while keeping my head down. Five minutes seemed like a few seconds. Ethan came over and picked me up and brought me to the car. I just sat down and laid against Ethan.

“You’re really not feeling well huh?” I just nodded and snuggled into him. We soon got to the hospital and found our way onto the oncology floor. Everyone made small talk while we waited for the doctor to call us back. Before we knew it, “Brianna Black.” cut through the quiet air. I weakly stood up and made my way back to the doctor’s office. They weighed me and found I lost more weight and didn’t grow. I just felt so defeated. I try my hardest every day but it seems like I can’t get a break. Then Doctor Skyes came into the room.

“Good morning everyone. How is everyone today?” Everyone gave a small answer and then they all looked at me.

“I feel like shit.” The boys looked shocked but let out a little giggle. Doctor Skyes gave a smiling smile but looked concerned. He came over and took my temperature and blood pressure. My blood pressure was low and I had a little tiny fever.

“We are going to take some blood tests and see if everything is okay. She has a slight fever and her blood pressure is very low. These aren’t usually a big deal but with her treatment, it could be very bad. This all could be nothing too.” I just sighed and nodded. Trevor noticed my discomfort and stood in front of me so I could rest my head on something. Doctor Skyes went out and came back in shortly after with everything to take my blood. “I am just going to take it right out of your port okay?” I just nodded and turned away from the needle. He cleaned the area and then stuck the needle in my chest. Once he got enough blood, he took the needle out and put a bandaid over it. He then took my blood and left. I just sat there, feeling so sick. Before I knew it, Doctor Skyes came in with two other nurses. “We have seen an increase of white blood cells which could be a sign of infection. We are going to call an ambulance to pick her up and take her to the hospital. This is just protocol. She is going to be okay.” I turned my head to him and gave him a thumbs up. He gave me a sad smile and left with the nurses. Soon two paramedics came in and put me on a stretcher. They then put a blanket on me and strapped me in. They put an IV in my arm with some fluids and started to wheel me out. Everything started to blur in and out. “D-D-Dad?” I asked while reaching out. I felt his warm hand in mine within a few seconds.

“Yes, Pumpkin?”

“Something i-i-is wrong. I can’t see.” I felt the paramedics quickly bring me into the elevator to bring me downstairs. I got so dizzy that I had to close my eyes.

“Honey, keep your eyes open.” I tried to open them but they seemed glued shut.

“C-C-Can’t.” That was all I was able to say before my mind turned black.