Feeling someone move next to her, Karen’s eyes popped open and she sat up. She concluded that she must have fallen asleep while sitting with Sydney. Her eyes were closed and she was curled up in a ball shaking. Beads of sweat were forming across her forehead and the color had drained from her face. She was moaning quietly, as though she was having a nightmare. Suddenly, she sat up, attempting to catch her breath.
“I can’t do it, Karen. I can’t handle this anymore,” Sydney said helplessly.
“You can fight this, Syd, you have to. You’ve got Chris and me in your corner and we’re not going to let you give up.”
“This cramping pain in my stomach is killing me. My whole body aches and I feel like I’m going to throw up. I just want to take a pill and feel better. Please Karen, just one,” Sydney pleaded, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
Karen took the trembling girl in her arms and held her tightly.
“You’ll get through this, just be strong.”
Sydney pulled away from Karen and leaned over, dry heaving into the trashcan next to the bed. Karen rubbed her back, wishing she could do more.
“I’m sorry you have to deal with this,” She said sipping the glass of water Karen had left for her.
“I’m used to it, I have plenty of experience in this field.”
“What do you mean?”
“I grew up with an alcoholic mother who spent more time passed out on the couch then taking me to dance class,” Karen explained, “I had to take care of myself and my mother.”
“What about your father? You don’t seem to get along now, but wasn’t he there to raise you?”
“That’s a complicated story, but no, he wasn’t there. About six years ago, on my wedding day, my mother told me that Scott was my father. She told him just after that.”
“Wow, I never would have guessed...You raise yourself and turn out perfectly and I grow up with both parents around and still manage to become a screw-up.”
“You made mistakes, a few bad choices. That doesn’t make you a screw-up, it makes you human. I’ve made my fair share of bad choices and believe me, I’m far from perfect.”
“So, you were married?” Sydney changed the subject and pulled the covers up around her as a chill hit her.
“We were right out of high school and completely in love. We got married and moved to Chicago where I went to med-school and Jagger joined the police academy. Are you okay? Do you need another blanket?”
“I’ll be fine, I’m just really cold all of a sudden. I can’t stop shivering.”
“Sydney, I really think you’d be better off in a rehab center where…”
“No! You can’t make me go,” Sydney yelled moving away from Karen, “And if you try, I’ll take off.”
“Okay, okay, just calm down. I wasn’t suggesting it because I want you to leave, but because I thought it might be best for you.”
“I didn’t mean to freak like that. I know you’re just looking out for me. Can you forgive me?”
“Of course I can. I totally understand what you’re feeling right now and how easy it is to snap,” Karen reassured her, taking her hand.
“You know, when I was little, I used to pretend I had an older sister who was always there when I needed her and I could talk to her about anything. I’d imagine what she looked like and what type of things she liked to do. I would draw a picture of her and talk to it when I needed someone. It would get all ripped from carrying it around, so I’d just draw another one. I know it sounds crazy, but it always made me feel like I wasn’t so alone.”
“I don’t think it sounds crazy. I used to wish I had a brother or sister when I was growing up, too. Now, I have a half sister Serena, who’s ten, and an adopted sister Christina who’s still an infant.”
“They’re really lucky to have you. I’m sure you’re an incredible sister. You’re a lot like the sister I imagined, only you’re a doctor and she liked to draw, like me. I still have the picture…if you’d like to see it,” Sydney offered.
“Of course I would,” Karen replied as Sydney pulled the picture out of her bag.
“It’s funny, but she actually kind of looks like you.”
“Wow, this picture is beautiful! You’re really talented, Sydney. It almost looks like a photograph. I guess we could pass as sisters.”
“Thanks, drawing’s always been my way to escape. My distraction from life. My parents never understood it and thought I was wasting my time,” Sydney explained, her eyelids getting heavy.
“They should have been happy that you had found something you loved and was good at.”
Karen looked over at Sydney, who had fallen asleep holding her drawing. She smiled at seeing her looking so peaceful, despite the fight she was going through. Her thoughts were interrupted by the phone ringing.
“Hello?”
“Hey Karen, how are things going?”
“Chris, hi,” Karen recognized the voice, “Sydney just fell asleep. She’s doing pretty well, considering how much pain she’s in. She’s a really great kid.”
“Sounds like you two are becoming close.”
“I see so much of myself in her. This might sound weird, but it feels almost as though we were meant to find each other. I just met the girl and I’m talking like we grew up together or something.”
“I’m really glad things are working out. So…” Chris hesitated, “You seemed pretty upset with Scott.”
“I’m fine, but I’d really rather not talk about him right now.”
“Works for me. So, when do I get to take you out again?”
“Well, I really can’t leave Sydney alone for too long right now, but until then, you could come over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“I’ll be there,” Chris smiled.
“See you then,” Karen unknowingly matched his smile before hanging up the phone.