Page 52 of Viper

“All right, boys, we'll visit Grandpa first, and then we'll get you some new shoes,” I announced as we entered the hospital. Ghost and Steel followed behind me, and I couldn't help but wonder why they insisted on coming to the hospital. I had even told Ghost he could go home, but he claimed he was hired to look after the boys.

I couldn't shake the feeling that these young boys needed a woman's touch. Tommy had confided in me about witnessing his mother's tragic shooting, while Brett seemed to be in a state of shock after witnessing such a horrifying event.

Steel touched my shoulder, drawing my attention. He lowered his head, and I followed his gaze. In the waiting room, I spotted my father and the rest of the family, all of them in tears. It was instinctual for me to go comfort them. Scanning the room, I realized the youngest girl and her mother were missing.

“Hello, is something wrong,” I interjected, perhaps a bit too nosy. I heard Steel groan beside me. “I'm sorry, I'm just concerned.”

“I’m going to take the boys to see their grandfather; I’ll catch up with you later,” Ghost said, taking the boy's hand.

“We received some horrible news. My youngest child has leukemia, and she needs a blood transfusion, but none of us are a match,” my father explained, wiping his eyes.

“My dad doesn’t remember his family because he was in an accident, and he has no memory of anything,” my sister explained.

“I’ll get tested. You stay here until I get back,” Steel said, looking at me.

“Why would you get tested?” my father inquired.

Taking a deep breath, Steel responded, “Because I’m your nephew, your family are the Peterson’s, and we live on the mountain. I don’t have time to explain everything right now, and don’t question Bailey. She only found us eight months ago, and I don’t want anyone prying into her life.”

“Steel, I’m getting tested as well. Perhaps her sister would be a closer match. I’ll call Izzy, and she can get tested if we don’t match.”

“Wait, are you my niece?” my father asked, clearly bewildered.

“No, I’m your daughter,” I replied.

“What?” my father exclaimed, his hand on his heart.

“No more questions,” Steel interjected. “Let’s go, Bailey,

The whole family trailed after us, bombarding us with questions. Steel came to a halt and firmly stated. “I said no more questions. You’ll have Bailey crying because Jackie was murdered, and she hasn’t healed from the pain of losing her sister.”

“Steel, it’s because Jackie was the only family I had. I’ll miss her forever,” I admitted.

“Stop! What the hell are you talking about?” my father demanded.

I looked at him and explained. We thought you had abandoned us, but I’m glad you didn’t leave because you didn’t want us. Jackie was seventeen, she went out with a guy, and when she didn’t want to go out with him anymore, he killed her. I'll fill you in on all the details later. Right now, I need to get tested."

Two hours later, the hospital was bustling with Peterson family members, all being tested to see if they could provide a match for my younger sister. My father seemed overwhelmed, and I noticed him occasionally gazing at me. Beside me sat my seventeen-year-old sister.

“I’m sorry Jackie died; she was my age. Where’s your Mother?”

“I don’t know; she left when I was sixteen, and I haven’t seen her since. I don't even know if she's alive," I confessed.

“Did your family take care of you?” She asked.

“I just found this family eight months ago. We took care of ourselves.”

“I’m sorry.”

I took her hand and said, “Thank you. Now you are going to be so surprised at how many family members you have. Oh, look, Izzy’s here. Izzy, this is our sister. Her name is Sharon. Have you been tested?”

“Yes,” Izzy replied, turning to our father. “I’m a match, so don’t worry anymore about Katy. She’ll be okay.”

“You’re my daughter?” My father asked in disbelief.

“Yes,” I watched her with a smile, and Izzy chuckled.

“Izzy has six beautiful children, so you are a grandpa. I turned to look at my sister. You’re going to love our family.”

---