Page 39 of Risking Immortality

Maybe it’s the uncertainty of what’s to come that sparks such a violent attack. I curl into a ball, convulsing as pain slices through me. With every ounce of strength I have, I drop to the floor and crawl toward the door.

Erin, I have to get to Erin. Those words play on a loop as I edge closer to the door. When I finally get there, I feel sweat dripping from my face. The sheer amount of energy it is taking me not to pass out is mind-boggling. But I know I have to stay awake. I have to get close to Erin.

At the top of the stairs, I pause, desperately trying to catch my breath. Dragging my body along whilst feeling my insides are being shredded by broken glass isn’t fun.

Wheezing, I continue to haul myself along. My only option is to crawl on my stomach down the stairs. I’m going to frighten the life out of people, but I have no other choice.

I’m halfway down when the coughing begins. Crimson liquid paints the step in front of me. My hair hangs down, shrouding my face. If this wasn’t such a dire situation, I would find it highly amusing. How much like a Japanese horror story must I resemble?

My eyes search feverishly for Erin. There are people everywhere. None of whom have noticed me. But then I see Lucille look up. Her eyes grow wide, and she sprints away from the person she was talking to. Her sudden movement causes people to turn my way. There is a collective cry of shock. Lucille screams my name as she runs to the stairs.

“E-Erin,” I gasp. Blood is collecting in my throat. I can hardly breathe. Lucille reaches me in seconds, followed by my father. I feel him lift me up. “Erin,” I wheeze again.

“I’ll get her,” Lucille shouts, already heading downstairs.

“It’s okay, honey, you’re going to be okay.” Cradled in my father’s arms, I give in to the pain. A piercing scream echoes through the halls. It’s all I can do to keep myself conscious.

Father lays me on my bed. I can feel my body shaking and I know that if Erin doesn’t get to me soon, I won’t walk away unscathed this time. Just as I feel time has finally run out, Erin barges into my room, her face ashen.

“Amelia,” she cries. Her body slams into mine as she takes me in her arms. The pain ebbs but doesn’t disappear this time. I know I need to be closer. With my shaky hands, I cup her face. Tears are streaming down her face as I draw her in for a kiss. If she’s repulsed by the blood, she doesn’t say. I feel her lips connect with mine. I feel all those wounds stitching themselves back together inside my body.

This has got to be freaking Erin out, but she shows no outward signs. Instead, she continues to kiss me. Eventually, we both have to come up for air. Her lips are smeared with my blood. Good Lord, it’s like a slasher movie in here.

A commotion at the door pulls my attention away from Erin. Dr. Mendhi rushes towards me. My mother takes Erin by the shoulders, gently pulling her out of the way. My hand instantly tries to grab her, pull her back, but I’m too weak.

Erin is enveloped into the center of my family, who are crowding the hallway outside my room. I see Aliah take a tissue to Erin’s face, trying to clean her up. All the time, that beautiful woman never lets her eyes stray from me. Dr. Mendhi is listening to my lungs and heart. I hardly notice. Everything I am is solely focused on Erin.

Time has run out.

Sixteen

Araised voice stirs me. My body aches and my head is pounding. Slowly, I open my eyes. The scene in front of me is… Well, I don’t know what it is. Erin has her back to me. She’s standing at the foot of my bed. Hands on hips, legs slightly apart. She’s in full protection mode. In front of her are ten tall Lochs and one Dr. Mendhi. The raised voice is Erin’s.

“Don’t tell me this is an ulcer, because I will reply, you’re all full of shit!”

“Erin,” Mother pleads. I wonder how long this standoff has been going on.

“No, Victoria. I’m not stupid. This is more than a stomach ulcer.”

“It isn’t an ulcer,” Lucille states.

“Lucille,” my father warns.

“No, she’s right. Enough lying. That said, it’s up to Amelia to tell you the truth.”

“Erin,” I rasp. Ugh, my throat feels dry, and I can still taste blood. You’d think that with me being an avid drinker of the red stuff, my own blood wouldn’t bother me, but it does. Erin spins round. She’s next to me in a second.

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

“I’m okay, I promise.”

“That’s horseshit. Don’t spout crap just to make me feel better. I saw you, Amelia.” Gone is her fear. Now she is back to the little firecracker I first met. I prefer to see her that way.

“Fine, I feel like crap.” I give her a brief grin, which does absolutely nothing to puncture her ire. It’s inappropriate timing, but she’s turning me on again.

“What’s wrong with you?” Her question is direct, her gaze fierce.

“I’ll tell you; I swear. But not now, please.” I’m in no fit state to be having this conversation. She studies me for a second longer before nodding, her shoulders dropping.

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