Extra's Ascent

She sat by his side, her gaze fixed on his motionless form, worry etched into her features.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, drawing her attention.

Fiona stepped inside, her expression a mix of relief and lingering concern.

"I've spoken to the doctor," Fiona began. "With the wound taken care of, he is no longer in any life-threatening danger and should wake up anytime soon."

Saldrich rose from her seat, her expression unreadable. "Can I talk to you? Privately," she said curtly, walking out of the room without waiting for a response.

Fiona followed, her concern deepening as she caught up. "That's a relief, isn't it?" she tried to lighten the mood. "To know he's safe and not in any serious trouble?"

Saldrich stopped abruptly, turning to face Fiona with a guarded yet resolute expression.

"Can you please stay away from my brother from now on?"

Fiona blinked, stunned. "Stay away from Aldrich? I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?"

Although their bond was still new, Aldrich had already left a lasting impression on her.

The idea of being pushed away felt like an unexpected blow.

"It's not just about what happened," Saldrich began, her tone both firm and pained.

"My brother has been through more than you could imagine. He was in a coma for five years because of a disease that was deemed incurable. Against all odds, he overcame it and woke up—barely a week ago. And now? He's back here, lying in a hospital bed because he put his life on the line for you."

Fiona's heart clenched at the weight of Saldrich's words. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry. I never wanted Aldrich—or anyone—to get hurt because of me."

"I believe you," Saldrich admitted. "But that doesn't change the fact that my brother's life is at risk when he's around you. I can't let that happen again. He should never have to see the inside of a hospital room ever again. If staying away from you ensures that, then that's what needs to happen."

Fiona's chest tightened with frustration and hurt. "You can't put this all on me! What happened wasn't anyone's fault. Do you think I want him hurt any more than you do?"

Saldrich's eyes softened briefly, but her resolve remained unshaken. "If only it were that simple," she murmured.

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Fiona demanded, her voice edged with disbelief.

Saldrich sighed, her tone shifting to one of blunt honesty. "You're Fiona Helmswoth. The girl from Upstate. Your best friend—or at least she used to be—is Selina Von Degure, and your other close friend is Edward Henderson. My brother? He's Aldrich Aldaman, a nobody from Midstate. You might not care about these differences, but I know better."

Fiona's jaw tightened, her heart sinking as Saldrich continued.

"He'll be joining our school next term, and I don't want him caught in the crossfire of whatever drama you have with Selina or anyone in her circle. You and Selina were the queen bees of Upstate. Then you disappeared for five years, and now you're back. Do you really think Selina's going to let that slide? And what about anyone associated with you? My brother doesn't need that kind of trouble."

"Saldrich, this isn't fair!" Fiona protested.

Saldrich shook her head. "My only priority is to make sure my brother lives a peaceful life—one that doesn't land him in a hospital. Right now, you're the biggest threat to that peace. So please, stay away from him. For good."

Fiona clenched her fists, feeling the weight of Saldrich's words settles heavily on her shoulders.

She understood the source of her fears and resentment. If it can be called that even.

She understood all too well the troubles she could bring to Aldrich if he associated with her too much.

And because she understood, she couldn't refute it.

Saldrich turned and walked back to the room, her decision resolute.

Protecting Aldrich was all that mattered.

She had already lost him once to the coma, she wouldn't lose him again—not if she could help it.

As she entered the room, she froze.

Aldrich was sitting upright on the bed, his face turned away, shoulders trembling.

"Al!" she called out but stopped short when she heard the faint sound of sniffling.

'He's crying…? Why?'

Her instincts told her not to intrude.

Instead, she waited, giving him the space she felt he needed.

After a while, she stepped forward, handing him a tissue.

"Are you okay now?" she asked gently, trying to lighten the mood. "Geez, how can a grown teenager like you be crying?"

Aldrich managed a weak smile as he wiped his face. "What happened? And…where am I?"

"You're in the hospital," Saldrich explained. "You passed out and were rushed here. Don't worry; you're fine now."

Aldrich glanced around the room, taking in the unfamiliar yet luxurious surroundings. "This doesn't look like a hospital."

Saldrich chuckled. "Your girlfriend sorted it out. The hospital belongs to a family friend of her's was what she said, and her name alone was enough to get us this VVIP treatment."

"She's not my girlfriend, not yet at least," Aldrich muttered, but his mind was already moving on. "What about Dad? Does he know?"

"I didn't tell him," Saldrich admitted. "I said we were spending the night with friends in Upstate. He said that's fine, as long as we're back early tomorrow morning."

Aldrich nodded approvingly. "Good call. You know how Dad gets."

Telling him about this would only worry him a ton. And from Aldrich's experience of five years in a coma? He would not take it so well.

Saldrich grinned but quickly changed the subject. "Enough about that. Can I just say—congratulations on awakening the family's unique art!"

Aldrich frowned, confused. "Unique art? What are you talking about?"

"Your eyes, Al! They've taken on the shape of a one-leaf clover, the clairvoyance—our family's special art!" Saldrich exclaimed, pointing excitedly.

Aldrich's eyes widened, his hand reaching up instinctively. "Clairvoyance?"