Whatever Yeah-Yeah

Chapter 22

It had been 2 weeks since I lost my children. I hadn't gone to school, mostly because of maternity leave or something, and because I was still in shock.

"Ariel can I come in?" Eric asked.

I opened the door and Eric sat down next to me.

"Do you wanna play some ball? The boys should be home from school."

Eric didn't have school today, because of some teacher meeting thing.

"Not today Eric."

"You need to see them."

"They come to see me everyday. They get the same result each time."

"Please? If you go today I won't ask again."

I put my shoes on and followed Eric to the Sandlot.

"Ariel!" Ham yelled running up to me and hugging me."

"Hi." I quietly said.

"How are you?" Benny asked.

"I came here to watch you guys play ball. Not to get interrogated."

Yeah-Yeah walked up to me and kissed my cheek.

"We're just worried about you."

"Don't be. I'm fine."

I heard the screeching of a car and I turned around to see Alan's mom.

"Ariel and Eric you need to come now!"

"What happened?"

"I got a call from Mertle. It's Al."

Eric and I ran to her car and she drove us to the airport.

*skipping the flight and getting to the hospital*

"Al. Don't leave me." I said stroking his hair.

"I'm gonna try." He croaked.

"When did she wake up?" Eric asked.

"In the middle of the night. We couldn't reach you guys till now." Mertle said.

"How long do you have?"

"The doctors don't know."

"Have till what?" Eric asked.

"He leaves."

"Like Peter and Belle?"

A tear slipped out.

"Yeah. He's gonna go on vacation just like them. But it's permanent."

"Why do they have to put them in a box? And we have to wear black?"

"Remember how we got on a plane and flew here? And how Alan's mom said bye? That's how some people go on vacation. We all do it eventually."

"When will I?"

"I don't know Eric. But my vacation is coming soon." Al said grabbing his hand.

I grabbed his other and Eric grabbed mine.

"We're always gonna be together. No matter what. Even if my vacation is tomorrow."

I couldn't help but cry.

"Can I come on vacation with you?" Eric asked.

"But then Ariel would be all alone. Who would protect her? Eric once I'm on vacation you have to protect your sister and take care of her. Promise me."

"I promise."

"Eric, why don't you come help me get a snack?" Grandpa asked.

"Come here buddy."

Al and Eric hugged and then we did a group hug.

"I love you."

"I love you too big brother."

Once Mertle and Eric left, Al's machine went crazy.

"What's happening?"

"I had to hold on as much as I could for Eric."

"No no no no no! You can't do this! I can't lose you!"

"You're a big girl. You're so strong. I love you and I could never ask for a better little sister."

"Al you can't leave me! I'm not strong! I lost my children and now I'm losing you! Who know how much longer Grandpa is gonna make it."

Al covered my mouth to silence me.

"Do you remember when I left for college? We stayed up all night just hanging out."

"We didn't want the next day to come."

"But it did and I had to go."

I nodded.

"You came back though."

"So just think of this like..like I'm literally going on vacation. You'll see me again."

His machines went crazier.

"Where are the doctors?!"

"I told them I wanted this."

I hugged him.

"I love you Ariel."

"I love you too Al."

"Can you tell me about the first time you hit a home run?"

I grabbed his hand.

"We were running around a field and I was chasing you around. You decided to teach me baseball, since Grandpa was coming over. You pitched about 10 times and I missed each one. You gave me some pointers but I still couldn't do it. Grandpa and a few of his team mates showed up and challenged us to a game. During the whole thing I just stayed behind and didn't bat. Until it was the ninth inning and the bases were loaded. I stepped up to the plate knowing I was gonna fail. I turned to you and you have me the biggest smile. The pitcher pitch and I closed my eyes and swung. Next thing I knew I was being carried by everyone up in the air. You gave me the biggest hug and said you would always be there for me."

I looked at Al and his eyes were closing.

"I love you so much."

I hugged him and I felt his body go limp.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.

Tears flooded my eyes.

I was losing everyone.