bradley

 

 

Bradley took a deep breath before knocking on his sister’s hospital room door. He didn’t want to see his sister sick, but there she was again. They admitted her after a particularly bad bout of vomiting and fever. They didn’t want to take the risk of dehydration, especially when she was already weak from the chemo.

He clenched his fists and his nails dug into his palms. It just wasn’t fair. What had that little angel done to deserve her fate? Why did she have to get sick?

The only thoughts that even came close to cheering him up were those of Victoria. He managed to allow a half smile to appear on his face as he remembered their last meeting. Her smile, her scent, it was all so intoxicating. What he had found out, though, is that she was just as beautiful inside as out. And that was priceless.

He felt himself relax all over, and he was able to exhale.

He finally raised his hand and knocked softly on the door before opening it a small crack. The last thing he wanted was to interrupt Emily if she was sleeping. She needed all the rest she could get. He heard a surprised gasp and instantly recognized her voice.

“Bradley! You came!” she called out in her little girl’s voice.

It melted him instantly. He rushed in and smiled widely as he approached her bed. He caught his breath. She looked so small and frail in that big, cold hospital bed, and an IV line stuck out of the back of her hand, making her look even more fragile. His heart broke for her but he had vowed long ago to always act and appear positive around her.

Her eyes looked tired and matte – they were missing the sparkle one would expect in a young child’s eyes.

“Where’s mom?” he asked.

“She just went down to the food court to get me a donut.” She scrunched up her nose. “The food here is so boring.”

“Well, as long as the doctors are ok with you eating that stuff…” He gave her a quick wink.

He spoke to her about his studies, in terms that she could understand and asked her what her favorite cartoon characters were up to. She was just in the middle of telling him about some Owlette character’s antics when the door creaked open. He was greeted by their mom’s warm smile, and he stood up to engulf her in a hug as she rushed towards him.

“I’m so scared,” she whispered in his ear, sniffling.

“I know, mom. Everything’s going to be fine, I promise.”

He pulled away while holding her shoulders in his hands and looked her square in the face.

“I promise, everything will be fine. Scout’s honor.”

She sniffled again and smiled. “Thanks, son.” She turned to Emily and placed her favorite donut on her tray. “Before I forget, Bradley, her doctor is available to speak to you if you want.”

As if on cue, there was a slight knock at the door, and it opened ever so slowly.

“Hello?” Julia looked from Bradley to his mom and entered, a kind smile on her face. “Hi Bradley, how are you? Let’s take a look at Supergirl over here,” she said as she walked past them to Emily’s bedside. Julia held her small hand in both of hers and sat down.

Bradley couldn’t help but notice the similarities between Julia’s and Victoria’s smiles and eyes. His thoughts flew to Victoria instantly.

“The nurses will be by in a bit to take her vitals, but so far she seems to be doing ok. She’s getting hydration through her IV line and some antibiotics for her upper respiratory infection. It’s really mild, and normally nothing to worry about, but we need to keep an eye on it because of her suppressed immune system.”

Bradley nodded. “Of course, Dr. Connor.”

She stood up and gave Emily’s hands a squeeze. “I’ll be by later to check on you. Mrs. Harper, do you have any questions for me?”

“No, doctor. I’m sure Bradley will ask all the right questions. Thanks so much for everything.”

“Bradley, do you want to go for a walk? I can answer any questions you might have.” She looked at him meaningfully. He knew it wasn’t a good idea to discuss the severity of Emily’s medical condition in front of her, so he nodded and followed Julia to the door.

“Are you leaving!?” Emily called out plaintively. He could hear it in her voice – a tone almost akin to anguish.

He turned to her and smiled reassuringly. “Of course not, pumpkin. I wouldn’t dream of leaving just yet. I’ll be right back, I promise.”

A happy and serene smile swept across her childish face and he knew she was ok with him taking a break from their visit. Still, he wanted to make this talk as quick as possible and get back to her.

He followed Julia out the door and closed it behind him softly. Upon her suggestion, they went to the cafeteria, and after each getting a sandwich and coffee, they sat down across from each other.

“So, what do you think? How is she doing?”

“Her present condition is concerning.” Julia reconsidered her words when she saw his face turn white. “I mean, her respiratory infection has to be managed and brought under control. When it comes to her cancer treatment, I’m very optimistic about her prognosis. As you know, we have one more round of chemo, and then we’re going to run some tests and make sure it’s in remission.”

His thoughts raced. He would give anything for her not to be sick. He just wanted her to have a normal childhood, like her classmates, who haven’t had to miss school for much more than a sniffle here and there.

“I see. When will the tests be done?”

“In about two weeks. But we have to wait until she beats this infection before we restart the chemo. So, let’s wait and see. I promise, I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, I think you’re doing a great job in terms of the way you support both your mom and sister. It’s so crucially important that the family is supportive and working together.” She broke into a big smile. “I can tell that you’re her whole world. She talks about you all the time! It’s really, really adorable.”

Bradley’s heart warmed at this. “Thanks for that. You don’t know how much it means to me.”

She nodded and smiled.

“Do you have any sisters?” he asked her. Of course, he already knew that she did, but an inexplicable urge had overcome him – an urge to talk about, or at least hear about, Victoria.

“Yes, I do. I have a sister named Victoria. She’s a few years younger than me. She’s single, and lives and works in the city.”

“I see. Are you close?”

“Yes, I guess you could say that. I’m way too busy with work and kids, and live out in the suburbs, so we don’t get to see each other much, unfortunately. I wish she’d meet someone, but that girl is all work and no play. Very smart – she’s a lawyer.”

“All work, huh?” He raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Yeah, pretty much.” She chuckled lightly and took a bite of her tuna sandwich. “Why, are you interested in meeting her?” She straightened up, and it was obvious to him that she relished the possibility of playing matchmaker.

He almost spit out his coffee, but swallowed the laugh welling inside him.

“I’d love to, but right now I’ve got too much on my plate. Between work, school, and Emily, I don’t have enough free time to devote to anyone. I wish her luck, though. If she’s half as interesting and smart as you, she shouldn’t have a problem meeting someone.”

Julia smiled. “Thanks. I hope she does meet someone. It just seems like she works too hard and doesn’t enjoy herself nearly as much as she should. Oh, well.” She shrugged.

Bradley continued to listen to her with half an ear, but his thoughts were elsewhere. So, it seemed she didn’t date around much. He smiled with self-satisfaction, pleased that he was the one who’d been able to break through her shell. Victoria. Sweet, sweet Victoria. Let’s see if we can get you out to play some more.