Barely Breathing (Just Breathe) by Heather Allen

this have happened? Her earlier breakdown pops into my head, my heart is breaking for her. No wonder she lost it, not only will she be fighting against me but Jack too.
    I kneel in front of her and rest my arms on my knees so I can look at her, "How...how did this happen?"
    She shrugs, gets up, ignoring me and starts walking toward the bench on the other side of the park. I follow her a few feet behind, unsure of her mood.
    She swings around on her heel before she reaches the bench and starts with incredulity in her tone, "I never wanted things to be this way. I was sure when I met Jack that he was it. Never did I feel that way before about anyone. Not even Michael. He twisted my heart, James, it's twisted, irreparable. Now I have to fight against not only him, but you, my brother...
    But...but...I have to do this. Do you understand? I have to. I committed to this, those people are depending on me.
    She turns and is silent for a second. I take a deep breath and I'm about to try and calm her down, when she turns around again and gets really close, looking up at me glaring. In a whisper barely audible but with ferocity she tells me, "I'm not going to let this happen to anyone else. It's not fair, to give up your life for something so unknown. I'm going to fight for all those people that don't know any better. So they can't make the same mistake I did."
    She sinks onto the bench and rests her elbows on her knees with her face in her hands. No sound escapes, I know her little rant must have taken a lot out of her.
    I sit down next to her and wait. There's nothing I can say to change her mind. But I'm not really sure I want to. She's right in many ways. People like us need someone fighting for them. In that moment I admire my sister for the choice she has made. She is so brave for making a choice that goes against those that she loves.
    She looks up suddenly and glances over, looking resigned, "What are we going to do? We can't fight against each other."
    This is something I know. It keeps repeating through my mind. Everything else aside, I couldn't possibly hurt my sister.
    "We have to make a decision I guess."
    She nods slowly.
    I continue as my mind forms an idea, "Maybe like a pact. We don't discuss each other with them. If we are asked, we tell them we haven't talked."
    Her eyes light up as if I've given the answer solving the mystery of the universe.
    "I like that. Also, if... when... the battle happens, we stay as far away from each other as possible."
    This part makes me uneasy, not sure I like the prospect of a battle anymore. But I agree with her.
    She asks, "What about Sara? She knows I'm home."
    Ahh, Sara, I'm going to have to be really careful with that situation. Maybe it's a good thing she and Ever don't seem to like each other. It will definitely prevent them from having any contact.
    I assure Ever, "It's probably a good idea for you to stay away from each other."
    She agrees and hesitates for a second but asks, "When are you going back?"
    I shrug my shoulders, "Probably when school ends, unless something happens before then. Jaspen is letting me finish out the year, which will help with Mom and Dad too. How about you?"
    "I'm not sure, I kind of left accidentally."
    My eyes widen, "Can you travel? I left while I was asleep, it was the first time I traveled."
    She smiles and laughs, "That is exactly what happened to me, except I was awake just thinking about home and Gam-aw."
    She gets serious suddenly and places her hand on my arm, "Just be careful okay, with the Sara thing."
    I smile, "I will."
    She stands and looks back at me, "This is it then, we are going to have to avoid each other."
    I stand and gather her in a hug. I'm not sure how this whole thing will end but I will do everything to keep Ever and I alive. She is after all, my only sister.
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 20
    Ever
     
     
    Gabbi picked me up this morning and we fell back into our usual routine, just like old times. She wanted to talk about the sea