A Brother and a Sister

Rahel and Ash walked along the beach together. She leaned against his shoulder and his arm went around her.

“I can’t tell you just how worried I’ve been.” He said. “One minute I’m talking to you about Christmas and the next thing I know I’m being contacted about your telepathic coma of sorts . . .”

She smiled gently. “Well, I’m all right now, so there’s no more need to worry . . . and I finally found my sister to boot . . . Two sisters actually.”

“So I met.” He replied. “But I was so scared . . . It was like a repeat of the Balti-“

She placed her fingers over his lips. “No . . . nothing was ever quite like that . . .” She said.

“I mean, the not knowing if you were alive . . . or I guess in this case, if you’d live . . .” He said. Softly, taking her hand in his own and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Rahel, you’re the only sister I have . . . I’m going to worry about you.”

“Sometimes too much...” She smiled. “....but I love you anyway.”

He smirked. “Funny!”

“I thought so.” She replied.

“So how are you?” he asked.

She knew what he’d meant immediately. Since the day the connection was broken between her and Karissa by Lieutennat Dare, she and her brother had not spoken about how his death had affected her. But it had. He could not only see it in her eyes, but could sense it within her.

Rahel shrugged her shoulders. “I’m fine,” She replied. “Fully recovered, according to Will . . . Dr. Hancock,” She said.

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.” He replied. They stopped and he looked into her eyes, tenderly caressing her cheek. “Rahel, I know you’re hurting . . . I can see it.”

Her eyes misted. “I couldn’t ever hide anything from you, could I ?” She said. “Zack shouldn’t have died . . . It shouldn’t have happened . . .”

Ash understood and nodded. “He saved you . . . you and Karissa both . . .”

“He gave his life for us . . .” She nodded. “Damn it, Ash, I’m a doctor! NO ONE should die for me! I’m supposed to save lives!”

“And I understand that . . . I really do.” He pulled her into his embrace. “But some things happen for a reason and sometimes you just have to learn to accept it.”

“How do I accept something like that ? I gain a sister to lose Zack ? He could have been my brother . . . Or at the very least he was family ! I feel that !” She said.

“And isn’t it likely that as family he would be willing to die for you ?”

“But-“

“Rahel, I would die to protect you.” He said softly. “I love you that much.”

“And if you ever tried, I’d have to kill you myself!” She said, suddenly smacking him in the shoulder.

“Oww !” He replied. “Is that any way to treat your brother ?”

“When he talks like an idiot ! Don’t you EVER try to die for me !” She said. The hit had been playful, but there was a seriousness in her eyes.

“Rahel, would you die to save my life ?” He asked gently.

She grew quiet and sat down on a nearby rock. She knew the answer . . . the answer was yes. She would die to save him. As their eyes met, she knew he’d picked up her thoughts and feeling already.

“Then how can you expect any less from me ?” He asked. “I love you . . . You’re my sister . . . and though you didn’t know Zack that well and maybe you weren’t siblings, but maybe he still cared about you the same way . . .” He took a seat beside her as they looked out across the ocean.

“Maybe . . .” she finally replied with a sigh as she leaned her head against his shoulder once again. “Thanks . . .”

He smiled. “Oh, I let mom and dad know you’re okay.” He said. “Their transport’s been delayed, but they’re very anxious to see you.”

She smiled. “It’s been so long since we’ve all been together.”

“I know,” Ash smiled. “It’s time for a family reunion . . . Who knows, you might be at least keeping me longer.”

She smiled and laughed softly. “Yeah, but is that a good thing?”

Playfully he nudged her shoulder with his own. “Brat . . .” he smiled and laughed.

Suddenly, she grew quiet. “Thanks for being here . . .” She said softly.

“Where else would I be?” he replied gently placing an arm around her.