Chapter Text
As the three girls stepped out of the airport, a cool breeze caressed their cheeks, washing away the stale air and the lingering smell of jet fuel. Angel, Niki and Stephanie had just come back from visiting their parents who were on their annual cruise around the world. They had promised to be back in time for dinner, but the thought of their mother's homemade lasagne was the only thing keeping them going now.
As they made their way to the car, Niki began to feel a bit queasy. She leaned against the car, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. "I'm not feeling so good," she managed to say between gasps. Stephanie, who was already in the driver's seat, glanced back at her concernedly.
"You think you can make it home, or should we call someone to come get us?" she asked, already reaching for her phone.
Niki shook her head, her long dark hair swinging with the motion. "No... I just need to lay down... and... and..." She trailed off, closing her eyes again. "Just take me home, Steph. I'll sleep it off."
Stephanie glanced at Angel, who nodded reassuringly. She slid her keys out of the ignition and climbed out of the car, moving around to the back to help Niki. "Here, let me get you into the backseat," she said, gently lifting her friend and guiding her into the car. Once Niki was settled in, Stephanie climbed back into the front seat and started the engine.
As they began to drive home, Angel moved into the backseat with Niki, sitting down beside her and gently stroking her hair. The car was quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional hitch in Niki's breath. Angel looked out the window, watching the familiar scenery pass by, trying to think of something to say to make her Sister feel better.
"Hey, remember that time we snuck out of the house to go to the shop for sweets when we were ten?" she asked, trying to get Niki to laugh. It worked; Niki let out a small chuckle before wincing and covering her eyes with her arm. "Yeah, that was a good time. We got grounded for a whole month."
As they continued to reminisce about old times, Angel noticed that Niki's breathing was becoming more laboured. She leaned in closer, feeling her Sister's forehead with the back of her hand. "You feel really hot, Niki. Maybe we should pull over and get you some water or something."
Stephanie glanced back at her sisters and then at the road ahead. "Maybe you're right," she said, nodding. She slowed the car down and pulled off to the side of the road, bringing the car to a halt. "Why don't you stay here with her, Angel?" she suggested, climbing out of the car to stretch her legs.
As Stephanie disappeared around the front of the car, Angel shifted her attention back to Niki, who was now lying listlessly against the seat. She could feel the worry rising up inside her as she ran her hand through her hair. "Niki, you should really see a doctor when we get home," she urged. "You don't look so good."
Niki let out a long, shuddering breath. "I'm... I'm okay, Ange. Just... give me a minute." Her eyes were glassy, her voice barely more than a whisper. Angel didn't want to pressure her, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously wrong.
As they sat there, the silence pressing down on them like a weight, Angel's mind raced. She glanced out the window, watching the cars zip past on the highway, their headlights streaking through the darkness like comets. She drummed her fingers nervously on the armrest, wishing she knew what to do.
Finally, she mustered up the courage to ask, "Niki, have you been feeling any... different lately? Any weird symptoms or anything?" She hated herself for even bringing it up, but she had to know.
Niki's breath hitched, and she turned her head away, staring out the window. "I've been... tired a lot," she admitted in a small voice. "And sometimes my chest hurts." She swallowed hard, fighting back the tears.
Angel's heart sank. She knew exactly what her Sister was talking about. "Oh, Niki..." she whispered, reaching out to take her hand. "You've been feeling sick, haven't you?"
Niki looked away, unable to meet Angel's eyes. "I... I didn't want to say anything," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I thought it was just stress, or maybe I was getting sick or something."
Angel squeezed her hand, feeling a mixture of anger and sorrow welling up inside her. She wished she could make everything better for her Sister, but she knew that this time, it was beyond their control. "It's okay to tell someone, Niki," she said gently. "We'll figure this out together."
As they sat there, the silence was broken by the sound of Stephanie opening the car door and climbing back in. "Sorry about that," she said, glancing back at them. "I just needed a bit of fresh air. Also, i brought some water and Paracetamol at the local petrol station for Niki" Her eyes flickered between the two of them, and Angel could see the concern etched on her face.
Niki took the water and pills gratefully, but she didn't move to take a sip or pop the pill. "I think... I think I need to see a doctor," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like... soon."
Angel nodded, her heart heavy with worry. "Yeah, I think you're right," she agreed. "We'll make an appointment as soon as we get home." She glanced at Stephanie, who was now turning the key in the ignition. "And we'll go with you, Niki. No matter what."
As they pulled back onto the highway, the sisters sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of the situation was palpable, and the air in the car felt thick with emotion. Angel reached over and squeezed Niki's hand, offering what little comfort she could. She wished she knew what to say, what to do, but for now, just being there for her Sister was enough.
Stephanie drove quietly, her focus on the road ahead. Every so often, she would glance in the rearview mirror at Niki, worry etched on her face. Finally, she turned on the radio, hoping to distract them from their thoughts. The music filled the car, but it did little to dispel the tension.
As they drove, Angel dug through her bag, looking for something to occupy her hands. She pulled out a pen and a notepad, then hesitantly began scribbling down her thoughts. Maybe writing it all down would help somehow. "Hey, Niki," she said, handing her the pen and pad. "Do you want to write down how you've been feeling lately? It might help."
Niki took the pad and pen, her hands shaking. After a moment's hesitation, she began to write. "I've been tired all the time," she scribbled. "And my chest hurts sometimes. I've had headaches, too. And I've been losing weight, even though I haven't been trying to." As she wrote, tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
Angel looked at her sympathetically, wishing she could take away all of her pain. "It's okay, Niki," she whispered, reaching over to wipe away a tear. "We're here for you. Whatever you need." She glanced over at Stephanie, who was still focused on the road, and gave her a reassuring smile.
They drove the rest of the way in silence, the only sounds being the hum of the engine and the occasional sniffle from Niki. Angel continued to scribble in her notepad, trying to find some way to process the emotions that were swirling around inside her.