TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS.

Chapter 2

BRANDON.

It's quite chilly when I wake up. It takes me about a minute to remember where exactly it is that I am and how it is that I got here.

Once I do though, I'm calm knowing that Sylvie is by my side safe and sound.

Going closer to her, I reach my arm out to check on her because she's really covered up. I wouldn't blame her though, it's freezing this morning.

"Christ Sylvie, you're burning up!".

What am I going to do? She's got a b****y fever because the cold air in London is no joke! I'm fine myself because I'm used to it. It just doesn't affect me, nothing does really.

But when it comes to Sylvie, it's a little different. She's young and we don't always have access to a hot shower or a warm meal. She's more prone to getting sick and I don't like it one bit.

"Brandon..."

"It's alright Sylvie, I've got this all under control! Just stay put and–".

I'm cut off by the engine immediately coming to life when the car starts but just as quickly dying back down.

A couple more tries and a bucket load of curse words later and the b****y thing refuses to start!

A loud sneeze breaks me from my train of thoughts and I almost get whiplash from how fast I turn to face Sylvie.

"Just hang in there Sylvie, I know you're not feeling well love but just bear with it for a while till I can get help".

We've long since abandoned our vehicle that refused to start. I'm thirsty and a little hungry but I have to keep on going because only the Lord knows how she's doing right now.

I keep trying to engage with her in conversation but so far I've only gotten a few mumbles and mutterings.

She really must be out of it but as I'm looking at the road for any cars or trucks, I keep in mind to be steady because she keeps sliding off my back.

These people really are heartless! How could you drive by past a couple of kinds who need help in this cold weather!

I would've hijacked a car but I can't leave Sylvie by herself— No, I refuse to even in think of doing that to her because wherever I go, she does and vice versa.

"Water" She says a bit out of breath.

At this point I have no idea whatsoever what to do now. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.

Times like these make me wish I was already a grown-up, because then I'd have lots of money and would be able to protect Sylvie from one measly fever.

I'm at my breaking point. Sylvie's probably in more pain than I could imagine, I'm stressed out about the possibility of us being stranded here to starve and we're both so very parched.

There isn't a car in sight anymore and I'm getting tired. I wish I was strong enough to protect you my love.

With the tiny shred of hope I have left, I say a quick prayer to the big man above.

Even though I have mixed feelings about this working, I'll try anything at this point for Sylvie.

She always teaches me to believe. So for the very first time in my life, I'll believe.

SYLVIA.

The first thing I notice when i wake up is the sound of voices around me. One is Brandon's voice but whose the other one?

"Oh wow! Aren't you just a brave little thing? Yes you are. It's not easy taking care of your little sister all by yourself at this age".

The voice sounds feminine but has a hint of burliness in it.

Slowly, my eyes start adjusting to the light as I open them up little by little. I've tried moving my limbs but it seems like they've been confined in a comfortable swaddle.

"Sylvie's not my sister Ma'am. She's the love of my life and I'm going to marry her when I'm all grown up".

I try to remain awake enough to scan our surroundings but the battle between both my conscious and unconscious self starts to take a toll on me.

Loud laughter fills the vehicle which I presume is a truck.

"Well ain't that the sweetest thing I ever heard. Sure kid, knock ya' self out but just know that it takes two to tango. You can't force her to marry you, she has to do so willingly, okay?"

Ugh, like that'll ever happen. I want to keep on listening but alas, I cannot do so anymore.

"What's going on? She's been sleeping all day and it's almost evening".

"Well they gave her some really good pain meds and now her fever's gone" The voice I heard in the truck says and I feel someone's hand on my forehead only for a brief second.

"Maybe we should go get the doctor... Sylvie! How're you feeling?! Are you in pai—".

"Could you tone it down a bit Brandon?"

It's a struggle to get up and I still feel a bit woozy but we can't stay here for even a minute more if we want to catch that flight to Italy.

Looking to my left, I see a woman sporting a cowboy hat with some boots. Early sixties perhaps and sounds a little bit southern when she asks "Welcome back to the land of the living girly. How're ya' feelin'?"

"I am so utterly grateful for showing us such immense kindness Ma'am but if it isn't too much trouble, could you please help us get to the airport?"

"But Sylvie, you need to–"

"Silenzio! abbiamo poco tempo a disposizione". If she's the only one that can help us then I'm not taking anymore chances.

The woman chuckles a little nervously "Don't know what any of that means but why do you kiddos want to go to the airport for?"

"Well you see, we need to go find—" Brandon starts but I cutt him off completely because I still don't completely trust this old lady and I don't care how friendly she looks or sounds since both can be deceiving.

"Find Our Parents, they're waiting for us there".

"Nice try girly but while you were knocked out cold, lover boy here already told me all about your plans to go to Italy and go see ya' folks".

Slowly turning back around to face Brandon, I send him my most brightest smile since I can't glare at him right now.

He for once understands what I mean because as soon as we ditch this kind old lady, he's toast!

BRANDON.

It takes us two whole ours to reach the airport. How do I know this without any watch or device that tells me the time? It's because I've counting down the seconds from when we left the hospital.

I'm on edge because Sylvie has not once glanced in my direction. We're literally sitting side by side and she's in the middle of both me and the nice old lady who's helped us a lot.

"Would like to drink some water love?"

She snatches the bottle of refreshing liquid from hands without even turning to face me. I think a piece of my heart just crumbled a bit.

"Awww, y'all are so adorable. Reminds me of my own kids when they were so young and innocent. Now they don't answer my calls and barely show up for Christmas anymore!"

She clears her throat and smiles when she sees the confused expressions on both of our faces.

"We're here now kiddos. Do y'all need help getting in or something?"

"Thank you for your concern Ma'am but we'll be just fine. You truly did help us a lot and we'll remain forever grateful that you did".

Sylvie says then faces me and gives me the 'let's go' motion with her eyes.

"Y'all really are so cute... and very well-spoken but it was fun and I hope that y'all are able to find your folks".

I watch as her pick up truck continues to get farther and farther away from me till I can't see it anymore.

She really was our guardian angel "Sylvie?".

I do a quick one-eighty and search my surroundings to find her already marching through the entrance.

"Don't walk so fast Amore, I wouldn't want to loose sight of you" I tell her and intertwine our fingers together.

Unfortunately for me, she yanks her hand far away from mine and gives me one hell of a glare.

"Mi dispiace amore, are you still angry?"

"You weren't supposed to tell anyone of our plans? How naive could you possibly be? Idiota!".

Hurtful. That was uncalled for.

"You do that again and I won't hesitate to just leave you here by yourself! You'll honestly never see me again!"

Alarm bells start ringing in my brain as soon as those words leave her mouth. She can't leave me, she's all I've got now. I have no family, if she leaves me then I'll be alone forever. How would I even breathe without her—.

"Brandon!"

I look up to face her and she has on a concerned expression.

"Alright, stop crying. Sometimes I wonder if you're really the oldest between us you big crybaby". She says trying to wipe the tears I didn't even know I had off my face.

"You can't leave me Sylvie. I promise not to tell other people of our business anymore so please... don't go".

I've already got her in a probably bone crushing hug because I fear that she may slip through my fingers if I'm not holding her tight enough.

"Alright, I'll forgive you if you can go get me a large box of pepperoni pizza".

"But I don't have any money Sylvie".

"Then I guess you must not want me to forgive you".

"I never said that... just sit on that bench over there and I'll get you a large box of hot pepperoni pizza!".

SYLVIA.

It's a bit cramped in here and if not for the flashlight that Brandon swiped when no one was looking then it would be really dark in here.

"That looks really good, could I have a slice?"

We're currently in the plane that the passengers are boarding but it's not like we get to sit comfortably and stretch our limbs freely.

Have you guessed where we are yet? If not, then spoiler alert... We're in the place where all cargo is kept.

"Fine, but only because you stole it for me".

He happily grabs a chunky looking slice with an adequate amount of pepperoni and digs in.

"I was wondering how we would get out since we're literally in the front. Wouldn't we get spotted easily?".

"If someone were to see us then just knock 'em out or something. Do I have to remind you of something so easy Brandon?" I tell him the obvious with my mouth still full of pizza.

"You're right but... are you going to finish that?".

Just a couple more hours Sylvia, you can do it.