Fragile (Cameo)

[Jack Lexington]

MATTHEW DUNHAM

Five days in this room and I’ve got ants in my pants big time. I’ve overly eager to leave this place because I feel like I’ll be fine. There’s no more fluid in my chest so they pull that aweful plastic tube from my side, do more x-rays and checks until I finally get the go ahead to roam around.
I dart up like a caged lion, who simply wants out and regret it instantly because my vision blacks out and almost sends me spiralling to the ground. At the last moment I flop back down on my bed and lay there for a minute or two before I decide to take it a little slower.

I need to see the wee one though. That girl had me so concerned for the whole time I was here even though I was assure that she’s getting better and out of danger. I need to see it for myself and I want to be close to her if that makes any sense. It’s probably because I’ve abandoned her as her trainer and promised to stay her friend but didn’t act on it. I never even stopped by to say hello because I was too busy at the academy and spending time with Ky.
A few minutes later I find a nice white t-shirt and track pants that my father brought me yesterday when he came to see me for the fourth time. It’s a bit of a struggle to get them one but then I’m on my way to her. The nurses point me the right way and ask whether I need assistance but I decline.
Maybe I should have accepted because my steps feel strangly weak.

Then I knock on her door and don’t wait for an answer but simply let myself in.
She’s in one of the beds near the door but she looks so small and lost that I barely recognise her pale face.
I approach her with as warm of a smile as I can manage because I feel she needs it. As I look at her I get overwhelmed by the urge to hug her and tell her how glad I am that she’s alive.
What can I say I’m impulsive! Without warning I lean down to hug her and whisper.
“Gala. I’m so glad you’re alive.” I even go as far and placing my hand on her arm and caressing it for a brief moment before I have to find a seat.
“I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier. I couldn’t.” Why does my voice sound so shaky?

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Gala Thomas
Age: Thirteen.75
District: Two

An overwhelming amount of blood loss, that's all the nurses really share to young clueless Gala. As if that's not a given though. Lifting an arm is only just now possible as they laid there heavy and weak for who knows how long, unusable, useless. Even today her head throbs with disapproval as the blood flow is still minimal up there. They say it has something to do with hitting her head as well, and just a horrible combination all together. And the pain's still prevailing through the drugs as if they have no effects at all. Something about being too young to have that many. It consumes her stomach mainly as she refuses to gaze upon the stitches or any of it for that matter. The slice was deep but not enough to do any massive damage. The chlorine water however played a major part as it soaked in her red goo faster then the dry air. If she wasn't pulled out when she was she'd be a lot worse, if that's even possible. Guess they mean she wouldn't of made it.

What's worse though? Making it and having to deal with such discomfort, or not making it and going back to the warm safe place in darkness. Just as her room was during the pregames, it remains relatively empty and silent. This allows far too much concentrate on her injuries and the reasons for them. It's like timeout from when she was younger, except the older version as the clock ticks away in slow-motion. Occasionally someone would come around like Kyanite or Gwen, but it's mainly nurses. And as much as the little one pleads no one ever stays long enough. The inner thoughts are just far too much and the information on what happened, or what's happening to the others, is never enough either. She takes in whatever she can though, especially the words the flow from Ky's mouth.

Help was called for as Gala distracted Jins with a chasing game. The fight continued long after she was sliced open and left for dead. If it wasn't for there perfect timing and quick reactions Jins would of been successful with his goal. Apparently the horrific scene had the boys dashing into the pool, and they were smart enough to bring a medic friend, Max. Information begins to fade after that though as Kyanite keeps the rest vague, as if the only importance was Gala's heros. The end result's given though and Matthew's in the hospital as well after being stabbed with a weapon. And as much as Ky's attempting to hide the truth the tinted skin around her neck gives away that something happened to her to. But Jins is locked away. Focusing on anything for too long is impossible as her head's soon demanding for her to stop. The details are wiped away for now as she's only able to feel her brain trying to squeeze its way out from her ears.

Day after day things begin to become clear as if Gala's attempting to piece her head back together like a large puzzle. She was never good at puzzles, let alone the ones with loads of tiny pieces. Slowly it does happen though as memories find their proper place and the truth is enlightened. An excruciating guilt strikes her heart as she comes to the realization of how this all start. Jins pretending to be a potential trainer, and she set up his trap so perfectly without even knowing it. Everything is her fault. Though the pain hasn't budged from the same level she complains over the high discomfort for the first time to a nurse, grateful to allow in the drugs and sleeping desires. Still it doesn't erase that voice of it's all your fault. Not until the darkness has taken over once again that her mind finally goes silent.

That door hardly ever opens but she still catches her eyes staring upon it, as if she can magically call someone through that door. Doesn't happen though. The silence continues to irritate her as much as the pain as she waits for something to happen. After becoming stable the doctors allowed her to replenish her own blood as they keep their supply for the ones in desperate need of it. Being so tiny, with a half screwed lung from the pregames, and guilt-filled heart it doesn't happen quickly. Every day the boredom increases faster then her body does with blood, still she's unfit for leaving. Her eyes grow large with excitement at the sound of a knock and the door opening soon after. Must be a visitor as the nurses never bother with knocking before barging in to check on her. Kyanite, a sister? For the first time since being in the hospital a smile crosses her lips and face actually becomes as bright as her condition allows.

Even after Matthew dropped her as a trainee the excitement of seeing him doesn't change. It's as if they're still about to go head to the gym to practice throwing some sharp objects, or punch a few things around. "Hey." She's reminded of her lack of energy as she attempts to get a voice across as she used to, happy and full of life. Doesn't happen though as it arrives soft and raspy. He leans down to give a hug, something he never does if this isn't the first time even. There's such a desire to give a bear hug back, prove that she's completely alright. Getting her arms to even wrap around him in return is a workout though.

The words that fill the room next brings Gala back to reality, this isn't just a friendly visit from her old trainer. As much as she'd love the keep the smile plastered to her face it shrinks down, a tiny one somehow remaining. "Yeah..." Her voice trails off after agreeing, uncertain on what to say next. He's probably not aware that she caused this entire thing. Until yesterday she didn't even know. Before she has a chance to decide on what to admit he's apologizing for not visiting sooner. Just to think he's going to wish he didn't visit at all if he finds out the truth. The smile completely drops from her face.

"It's okay, Ky told me what happened." At least it no longer feels like chlorine water is still burning her throat. She can't let him feel bad over anything, not with these circumstances. Maybe she should of been the one to visit him, he got stabbed after all! He went to the gym to protect them, while Gala was the one to convince Kyanite to go there. It toke a while but she placed everything together. "Did she tell you it's all my fault?" Kyanite's been the one to fill her in on everything, maybe Matthew already knows.

[Jack Lexington]

I don't hug. Period. Because that just not who I am but today I don't want to let go. This little girl with her thirteen years has been through so much it can only damage her body and mind for life. I feel truly sorry for her even though there might be a slight chance that she's resilient enough to spring back somehow.
I know I will. Injuries don't slow me down, loss does. In this case I don't feel like I or we lost though. Other might think differently but this is how I see it.

Gala tries to hug me back but her embrace feels so weak. I linger there a little longer and then sit.
"It's okay, Ky told me what happened." She tells me that she's been informed.
"Good, cause I don't want to tell that story again."
Her smile has faded away which makes me wonder just how bad she's doing. It was just a brief moment of joy when she saw me. I think Gala's looked up to me mostly for my fighting skills but she knows I lack in the interpersonal division.
"Did she tell you it's all my fault?" She askes, which makes the smile drop from my face as well to replace it with confusion.
"What? No? Why would she?" I'm a little short breathed after walking down the corridor, taking the elevator and then down another one, so my words are slow and low.
"Nothing is you fault, Gala." I reassure her because she can't be blamed for anything.
"Jins is the only one at fault." Well, maybe me as well because I think I started the whole "I want to kill you frenzy". Maybe if I hadn't gone to these extremes things wouldn't have gone so south.
I shake my head at her and carefully lean my back against the chair. Sitting up is clearly more painful than laying down because it tugs on the muscles in my abdomen and chest.

I decide to change the subject while I give her the once over. There's not much I can see because her body is hidden under a hospital gown and blanket. This is what I need to find out though.
"How are you doing? Physically I mean." The guy cut her up and threw her in the pool.
"Are you going to be okay...some day..I mean?" I stumble over my own words because I know if somebody asked me these questions I'd have to say. 'How the fuck would I know? I'm not a doctor.'
"I mean...never mind, Gala. You probably don't know. I hate to see what he did to you. I wanted to kill him for you and Kyanite but I couldn't. He was faster."
He sure was and I still feel it now, five days later. I can still feel his fist connect with my chest as he slammed his dagger in between my ribs. It was hell and I'll never forget that. I'm sure Gala is the same.
My expression becomes serious as I let my eyes search her face again. I think she can see that this makes me sad. All that anger and fear has turned inot sadness but also the need for retaliation.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Who would want to retell the story? If they're experiencing the same feelings as Gala the memories are still too fresh and horrifying. Already it's the only thing she's able to think of, and vocalizing it only makes it worse, more real. Of course Matthew automatically retaliates with denial of it being her fault. Guess how this all happened wasn't part of the story. As much as she wants to feed off of the reassurance, believe it and convince herself that he's right, her heart sinks with sadness. Jins may of been the only fault, but she was the one gullible enough to set it up for him. There's such a desire to curl up on her side turned away, pretend that she didn't have a visitor and hope everything simply goes away. With the stitches that's impossible though.

Of course now that she has company she wants nothing more then to be alone with her guilt. She doesn't want to explain to Matthew how he's wrong, but she has to. "He told me his name was Liam and he was a trainer." Her words are frantic though not loud. "I just wanted to be trained. Then he wanted to meet Kyanite, I didn't know why but I still did it." All she's able to do to hide away is turn her face to the side and pull the sheet up to her chin. Tears sting her eyes but she refuses to let them fall, she has to be strong. Hopefully he'll just leave, she doesn't want to see his disappointment. "I brought her there, I caused all this." Just don't be completely furious. Before she hardly saw her few friends, now that'll probably turn into never after this mistake.

Instead of bolting out of the room, or lecturing her over how upset he is, Matthew questions how she's doing. He stumbles over his words and has them running together as he attempts to get it out right. Least her head is turned in the opposite direction as a couple of tears force there way out to quickly drop on the pillow. The concern destroys those weak tough walls that were made out of bricks before all of this. "I heard he's locked up." It's difficult to pull out the good news but she manages. Sure his death would be a lot more reassuring, but it's better then nothing. They're safe for now. The strain in her heart doesn't fade in the least though.

"Thanks for saving us." Gala's never been one for emotions, Gwen was always the sensitive one, but for once she finds an inability to transform them into anger. It's as if her hard heart's been replaced with soft mush that aches at every poke. She bites down on her inner cheek, keeping her gaze upon the wall, and failing at the attempt to concentrate on anything else.

[Jack Lexington]

I have no idea why Gala is blaming all this on her as if she was the one who tried to kill someone, not Jins. I can see how much she's hurting and blaming herself. Being who I am I don't know what to do with her emotions though. Do i comfort her, do I tell her she's an idiot for thinking this way? I just want to leave again and leave her alone with her tears. Something inside makes me stay and watch her though. When the tears start rolling I need to look away though.

"He told me his name was Liam and he was a trainer. I just wanted to be trained." Her voice is low and shaky. Now this is turning into a bit of a guilt trip for me because Jins only managed to get close to her by filling the void I left.
"What did he want with you? I though he wanted Ky?" I wonder slowly but don't expect an answer.
Did the guy know our connection?
"I brought her there, I caused all this."
That's when I start shaking my head heftily. "No, Gala. You did not cause this. Stop blaming yourself. Did you cut him up? Did you strangle Kyanite?" Too many words leave my mouth in a too fast fashion so I start wheezing and coughing. Heck this is difficult to control for a guy like me who likes to blow his top.
It takes me a moment to slow down and regain normal pace of breathing.
"Fuck." I share my opinion about this.

Gala seems to have gotten of her guilt for a second and thanks me for saving them so I nod. "Just you. Tyren saved Kyanite. Max made sure youll be okay once you were out of the water." I let her know. "He Tyrens cousin, a medic. You should thank him." Why do I pass the flowers on to Max, who I can't stand? Or couldn't.
I reach for Gala's small hand that could easily fit twice into mine and rub it. "Gala, trust me. There's no need to blame yourself. You did nothing wrong. I'm sure Ky agrees."
A lopsided grin plays on my face as I sit up a little straighter.
I won't be able to sit here long so she'd better get my point.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Even after hearing the truth Matthew sticks to his original stance that Gala's not at fault. Its surprisingly relieving as only a few simple words remove a huge knot within her heart. Of course she's not convinced, but knowing that he's not angry at her is enough. Now to see if it stays that way as he did get something wrong. "I did cut him...twice." This however has a weak grin spreading across her quivering lips. Without even a response she has a hunch that's not something her old trainer would get mad over, and she brings her bright eyes back over to meet his. "He grabbed Kyanite and told me to leave." After all everyone knows how well Gala is when it comes to listening. "I was the one that got him angry." Guilt doesn't arrive this time though.

Getting a point across has Matthew catching his breath and coughing while Gala speaks. She can certainly relate as getting even slightly worked up caused that after she punctured her lung at the games. "How are you doing?" This entire time she has yet to ask, what a nice friend. Only concentrating on her guilt and pain, she's never been the selfish type before.

"I will." For some reason she's agreeing right away to Matthew's suggestion of thanking Max. The small break from the guilt doesn't last long as he feels the need to make sure Gala believes it's not her fault. In a way it is, and there's nothing he can do to change that. She was naive and stupid, letting him set up such a nicely formed trap. If Kyanite didn't get to the phone to call for help...she doesn't want to consider what would of happened. But Matthew even grabs a hold of her tiny hand to get his point across. Their previous hug might of been there first, this most certainly is though. In a way he's becoming the guy version of what she has with Kyanite, an older sibling.

"I know." Just like Matthew Kyanite would deny any fault being in Gala, guess that's just how they are. It's a pleasant change from always being labeled as the trouble maker as her biological sisters constantly do. Might as well let him think that she's agreeing, even if it's only towards Ky's perspective. Nothing can change that she did do something wrong, but convincing them of that won't make a difference. Just to place the cherry on top she lets the the light smile return as she gives the side of his hand a light squeeze.

[Jack Lexington]

I hate to see Gala doubt herself so much. She's way too young to have all this weight on her shoulders. Heck, I'm too young but at least I'm made of a little harder wood.
"I did cut him...twice." She tells me as if I still was her trainer so I respond the same way. "Good!"
"He grabbed Kyanite and told me to leave. I was the one that got him angry." I shake my head at her no.
"I did something way worse...stop blaming yourself. This had nothing to do with anything you did, little girl." I feel so close to her now. like we have history together. I have much more history with her than my own sister lately and for a change I don't mind it.

When I cough and wince she asks me how I'm doing, so I just grimace at her. "Haven't you had a punctured lung? I think you know."
My hand finds the spot on my chest that the knife entered. I feel the soft gauze under my shirt. It's good to know we're in the best hands here but still unsettling.
"I just want out of here." I look around at the pale walls without pictures and the small bedside tables with the supplies on them.
"I hate it. I'm sure you know what I mean."

Her hand's still in mine and to let me know she'll be okay she gives me a small smile and squeezes my hand. I look down it. It's strange. the only hand I ever hold is kyanites, whose looks small in mine, but Gala's is tiny. There are the same red knuckles and calouses on it that mine bare but it looks like a baby hand.
Our connection feels different, too. Much less dependend, more friendly, brotherly, I guess.
I smirk at it and then back up at her.
"I care about you, Gala. It was aweful to see you ..like ...don't tell anyone." I'm getting a little choked up now because I'm getting sentimental over this little girl, I wanted to get rid off as my trainee.

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Being the first person to slice someone, and Jins of all people, is one thing Gala has no guilt over. If anything it's pride that fills her as she didn't respond like the little girl she is. Sure it was the reason he became blood but she responded strongly, she wasn't a coward. "I don't blame myself for cutting him." She feels the need to correct because her guilt only involves starting the entire thing. They're off of the emotional track though, and she prefers it that way just as much as Matthew does. "Just wish I would of done more damage if anything." She mutters through her soft voice. How's that for a little girl? Her smile widens with this though, even if her voice isn't able to get across the enthusiasm. At least she fought back.

"What'd you do?" Gala's constantly sticking her nose where it doesn't belong, and of course grows curious over what Matthew did that was worse. How could it possibly be worse when he was retaliating against Jins? He didn't start all of this.

Even though Matthew's been absent lately, apparently he has fully forgot about the youngster. He fully remembers that her lung was punctured before and assumes she can relate. Guess his lung got stabbed, because that strain in breathing she was certainly remember. Running, or anything that works out her lungs, still has her gasping for air like an asthma kid. "Yeah..." She agrees with a sigh, that means he must be in loads of pain. She doesn't even want to imagine a knife going through her lung instead of her rib only puncturing it. A shiver of sympathy goes down her spine.

It's sort of funny how much Gala's able to relate. Were they this similar before he became distant? The hospital, or any sort of medic room, has her running the other way. This time she had no energy to resist in the least. When Matthew expresses his dislike of the place, desire to leave, she's reminded how much she also despises the place. How boring this place is, how creepy the doctors are. "Let's escape." She decides to throw a joke out there. It's partially serious, but she knows he'll never allow it sadly.

"Who am I going to tell? Kyanite?" Her voice fades down even though she's throwing out another joke. The smile refuses to budge down even with how shaky it feels. Matthew admitting his sincere care for her forms a lump in her throat. They were friends, that was established when he left the career program. Sharing that he actually cares about her is something completely different though. An unknown thing that's now certain. Her sisters probably don't even feel that way, though she could careless with Kyanite being a better sister then any of them. Now she has the one thing no one could fill, a brother instead of all these damn females.

"Thanks." She's unsure where that came from, but there's such a desire to say it. "You and Ky are all I got." Might as well return the favor of being kind, though the words sort of flow out before she has a chance to filter them. "I'm glad you came, and that you're alright."

[Jack Lexington]

"What'd you do?" Gala enquires but it's clear that she can't know. It would make her a witness to a crime I committed. If I really ever have to face a hury nobody should know about it. Plus it would only weigh on her conscience.
"I can't tell you." I state briefly biting my lip because I shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place.

Gala fully agress with me on our joint hate for the hospital. It's strange because it's the place that ultimately saved us but it's also the place where we suffer the most because we're alone.
"Let's escape." She jokes so I sigh. "Yeah, great idea. I'll carry you out of here. I'm sure we could make it to the garbage can in front of the main entrance before we collapse." It like the way she makes a joke out of it so I join in.

When I tell her not to share my sentiment with anyone she asks. "Who am I going to tell? Kyanite?"
But I can tell by the way her voice gets a little shaky that she's getting a little emotional. Gala tells me we're all she's got, which I can't believe because she's got a large family with many sisters, even a twin sister.
"You know that's not true. Your sister loves you." I've seen the bond between them, how they communicate without words.

"I'm glad you came, and that you're alright." I don't feel alright but still I nod.
"Sort of, but you're welcome."
Sitting upright is becoming pretty hard. It's the first time and I feel the need to lay down again.
"Mind if I lie in your bed...I'm getting a little uncomfortable in the chair." Slowly I push myself to my feet and wait for my vision to clear up but then I just laugh at her face.
"I was joking, I'm not laying in bed with you. Then you'd really have a story for Ky."
Shaking my head I grab the door handle.
"It was good to see you, little one. I'll come back before they let me out of here."

[Cameo {RIP Charlie}]

Not being able to know something always sucks. It eats at Gala and grows her curiosity until she finds herself into trouble in attempt to figure it out. This time when Matthew expresses his lack of wanting to share she's unable to put up that much of a protest. "You should." But she leaves it at that without pressing on. The fact that she was knocked out and needs to be filled in on what happened is frustrating, but it's too soon to press on what happened. Even as young as she is she understands that. Maybe eventually the information they're clearly withholding will be admitted, for now she's good with this.

For a second it almost sounds as if they're actually going for an escape. By the end it's clear he's only joking as he adds in they'll collapse eventually. Sadly it's true though. Until they're feeling better there's no escaping, not with two cripples. Still a raspy chuckle escapes from Gala at the thought of al this. "Sounds like a great plan." Her sarcasm indicates that she's fully aware this is all for humor, even if she wishes it wasn't. "We'll get back up for the rest of the way." As if that'll happen.

When the conversation switches over to her sisters it's hard to keep strong but she manages it somewhat. "There's a lot of us." After all loving the trouble maker is last on their list. Hopefully that's enough to get her point across as she leaves it at that. As far as she knows it's only been him, Ky, and Gwen to visit. Dealing with her and everything else is just too much for the other sisters. Doesn't really matter if he's aware of that though, he cares and that's all that matters.

"Well you'll be alright." Gala decides to correct herself, she completely understands that Matthew's not even feeling decent. A couple of yards must be causing that horrible pain within his chest. The point is he'll be okay after all this. Now that the air's finally pleasant he's faced with discomfort though. It always has to work out that way, company arrive when she doesn't want it and leaving when she does. EIther way the fact that she can relate keeps her from complaining.

The offer of him just scooting into bed has her moving over though. It's nothing aside from feeling as though he's truly her big brother now. Of course he doesn't mean it as he establishes that he's joking and heading out. "You better." Who knows how long either of them will be in for, but he has to say goodbye before ditching this hell hole. "And I'll visit you if I get out first." Being younger is unlikely as the doctors are always more concerned over them for some reason. Still they'll both get out sooner or later.