Chapter 24

"You know…when Mom and Dad first told me that I was going to have a new baby sister…I was so excited. But when they brought you home…and you started getting all the attention…Na; I got so jealous. I started wishing that you were never born." Corrine looks to the ground, prominently displaying a shameful visage. She takes in another deep breath, then looks back at Nadine and continues… "And then, when you were two, we found out that you had leukemia…and that you might die from it." Tears once again start trickling down her cheeks. "Na…I swear…I felt so guilty. I honestly believed that I caused you to get sick from wishing that…" Nadine cuts off Corrine, assertively assuring her, "Cor…that's ridiculous. You have absolutely nothing to do with me having leukemia." Corrine wipes away the tears. "I know that…now. But back then, Na…I felt horrible. I prayed and prayed for God to make you better…to take me instead." Nadine tenderly takes Corrine's hand and softly kisses it. Then Corrine gently pulls Nadine's hand to her mouth, and affectionately kisses it. They smile at each other. "Anyway; you finally got better. The doctors said the leukemia was gone." There's a brief lull in the conversation before Corrine resumes… "Then, when you were seven, you got sick again. But at least this time I knew I wasn't responsible for it. I swear, Na…after the first time we went through this illness with you…I've always loved you…so much, Na. I never stopped loving you…ever. But now you were sick again…and I was so scared. Even more than the first time." Tears form again; but Corrine wipes them away before they get the chance to run down her face. "And then you beat it again." Corrine looks to the ground, then back to Nadine. "Then last week…when Mom called and left me a message that you were sick again… my God, Na…you would think that you'd become use to the fear…the more times you go through it…but you don't. Because, Na…I'm really scared again. I'm so scared." Corrine bursts into tears. She covers her face with cupped hands and sobs heavily into them. Nadine quickly reaches over and places her arm around Corrine's shoulder; pulling Corrine into her. After a moment of silent consolation from her sister, Corrine slowly pulls back from Nadine and starts wiping her face dry. Meanwhile, Nadine tells her… "I'm scared, too…but not so much now that you're back. I'm really glad you're here, Cor." "Me, too; Na. And I promise, I'll be here with you for however long it takes for you to get better." She softly laughs, "Look at me…I'm a real mess; huh? Alright, Corrine girl; get a hold of yourself." She finishes wiping her face. "Well…I suppose this is something I'll just have to deal with every time you get sick, Na. That's alright though… it's nothing compared to what you must go through." There's momentary silence, until Nadine somberly confesses… "You know, Cor…I don't think I'm going to beat it this time." They each take hold of the other's hands and lovingly gaze into each other's eyes. Nadine enters the office and approaches Miss Krinsky; who's sorting papers at the counter. "Miss Krinsky; I was told that Principal Davis wanted to see me?" Miss Krinsky immediately puts the papers down and tenderly takes hold of Nadine's hands. "Nadine, sweetie; how are you doing?" "I'm okay." "Sweetie; let me know if there's anything I can do for you or your family…anything at all. Okay?" "Okay; I will. Thank you." "Now; I mean that, Nadine…okay?" "Okay." Miss Krinsky remains holding onto Nadine's hands, looking upon her with sympathetic eyes. Though Nadine appreciates the sentiment, she's feeling a bit uncomfortable. She never intentionally sought out getting attention from others. And she certainly never wanted to have anyone feeling sorry for her; even when sick. "Um…Miss Krinsky…doesn't Principal Davis want to see me?" "Oh…of course…I'm sorry, sweetie. Wait here while I get him."