Undeniably Claimed

Chapter 19: Struggling

"Alright Ms. Andrews, we have an idea of what is going on but we will need to due some further test to confirm."

Looking down, my hand is engulfed by my mother. Her smile is tight at an attempt to reassure. I turn to my father who is standing behind my mother. His body is rigid as he attempts to stay strong. My eyes drift back to the doctor giving him a small nod. He gives me a small smile and one single nod. 

"Excuse me Doctor. May we ask what you believe it could be?" My mother's voice wavering slightly. 

"There are many things that could cause weight loss, and the nose bleeds could be brought on by stress. I don't want to cause any more panic until we know more."

The doctor's gaze drifts from my parents to me. Standing up from his chair, he reaches out for my hand. I slowly take it giving my parents a smile as he leads me out of the room. 

Sophia shoots up from her bed hearing the wails of her niece. She rubs her hand across her forehead feeling the sweat that has formulated. Dreams of her first brush with her disease have become more frequent. She is not sure why however her body is always covered in a film of sweat when she awakens. 

Throwing the blanket off, she gets up walking out of the room. Her hair probably a bird's nest and her attire a disarray but she didn't care. Her feet lead her to the kitchen where she finds her sister bouncing the baby in her arm and trying to make a bottle. It has been a few days since they have arrived home and to say Destiny was a handful was an understatement. She cried at the drop of a hat and seemed to never be fully satisfied. 

"Need help?"

Jessica turned at her sister's voice and Sophia felt her heart drop. Her sister's eyes were blood shot and tears have stained her cheeks from an earlier cry. Sophia didn't hesitate walking over to take the formula as Destiny continued to scream her little lungs out. Glancing at the clock, she sees that is near 3 in the morning. She continues making the bottle as her sister attempts to soothe her. After the bottle is made, she turns swiftly removing the babe from her sleep deprived sister. 

Jessica watches as her baby sister expertly gets her baby in place before swaying and feeding her. Her palms go up to her eyes pressing hard on her eyes. She isn't sure if she can do this. Destiny never fully sleeps. By the time she gets her settled, she picks up the mess, cleans a few bottles and takes a quick shower Destiny is back up again. She feels as if sleep is a luxury if she is able to get an hour. A sob escapes her feeling as if she is somehow failing. 

"Hey" 

Sophia reaches out to her sister as she attempts to stay strong. It is not easy and the toll it is taking on Jessica is evident. She rubs her arm as her sister leans back against the counter with her eyes still covered.  Sophia's hand continues to rub her arm trying to sooth her. 

"I don't know if I can do this Sophia.."

Her voice sounding so defeated. Sophia feels herself crumble for her sister. She straightens her back before pulling Jessica's hands away from her face. The tears still running but she looks to her. 

"You can and will do this Jessica." Jessica's lips wobble as she listens to her words. Sophia's voice holding conviction. "You raised me Jessica and now- you see this beautiful baby girl."

Jessica's eyes going down to her daughter who is silently taking her bottle. Her little eyes looking to her making the tired mother feel a burst of pride. 

"You chose to keep her even though you were alone. You are strong Jessica. This is just a moment in a life time of moments. You. Can. Do. This."

Jessica closes her eyes lifting her head to the ceiling feeling a strength from her sister's words. She stands up straight and looks back to her sister who is still swaying feeding her daughter. She wipes away the tears nodding her head.