18

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Bailey. Not yet.” Scott took my hand and nudged me toward the car.

“Probably not, Scott, but she’s just a little girl. A very sick little girl, and I’m all she has.” I pulled away from him, but didn’t step away.

“Bailey, she thinks you’re some kind of savior for her. I don’t know if it’s good for either of you just now. Besides, she’s taking a new chemo. Let’s let her adjust and then we’ll come and see her.”

“Put yourself in my place, Scott, or better yet, in hers.” I laid my hand on his chest and searched his eyes.

“I have. All right, I understand. But I’m coming with you.”

“I hate to make you wait for us, Mom. I’m sure it won’t last long.”

Mom’s pained expression hurt me. I’d piled more worry on her.

“You know what, we’ll take the babies home in our car. You and Scott can come home when you’re ready. You may have things to discuss after your visit with Brenna. They’ll be fine,” Toppy said.

Mom just nodded.

I tried not to feel as if I’d abandoned my children again. “We won’t be long.” I kissed my babies and headed back inside the hospital. Scott held my hand.

A few minutes later we were up on the seventh floor. Brenna sat on the side of her bed with more color in her cheeks than the other two times I’d seen her.

She motioned us in the room through the glass window. “Hi! So you’re going home?”

“Yes, how’d you know?’ I sat down in the chair next to her bed.

Scott stood behind me with his hands on my shoulders.

“I sneaked down there again, but you were gone. I begged the nurse to ask you to come and see me.” She swung her legs on the side of the bed.

“Well, here I am. I’m Bailey, and this is my husband, Scott.” What else was I supposed to say?

“Did you know my granny died?”

“I heard. I’m so sorry.” I leaned forward and placed my hand on her leg. She put her hand on top of mine.

“Why did Granny say you would save me?”

“How do you know she was talking about me?” I squeezed her hand and then let it go.

“I followed her down to your room one day over a week ago, the day before she died. That night she said a girl who looked like me would save me. I think we look alike, don’t you?”

“Same eyes, same hair,” Scott said.

“Yes, we do,” I said. I didn’t think I’d ever been that pale.

“I just thought you might know what she was talking about. She’d been talking really funny for months anyway. Maybe she didn’t mean it. I miss her.”

I stood up and put my arms around her. “Of course you do, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.”

She cried for a few minutes.

Scott brought her a tissue.

“The doctors say I can leave the hospital soon, if I keep getting better, but they have to find someone in Social Services who will take a sick girl. I hope they’re nice.”

The decision was made without a word. I didn’t know how or how long it would take, but my sister was coming home with me. Maybe Michele would know what to do. It would be cruel to tell Brenna that now. She didn’t even know we were sisters. If we could swing whatever red tape was necessary, then I’d tell her somehow.

Scott squeezed my hand. Our hearts were melding again. I knew he’d agree with me.

“Would it be all right if we visited you again?” I asked.

Scott nodded.

“Oh, would you, please? But if they send me to a home, how will you find me?”

How would I find her? Good question.

“I think we’ll find you, don’t worry,” Scott said. “You know, Bailey’s just had twins. We need to get her home so she can take care of them. We’ll see you again, soon.” He looked at me and smiled. “I’m sure of it.”

“Ooo! I love babies. I hope I get to see them sometime. Will you bring them when you come?” “That’s probably a good idea. They’ll need to get out once in a while.” I held both her hands in mine. “You just take care of yourself, and I’ll see you again.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I let go of her hands.

Scott and I headed for the door.

“Mrs. West?”

“Yes?” I turned.

“Are you my sister?”