Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

"The milkshakes are here," Brandon said as he entered, holding some fruits.

He didn't ask any questions, but I could tell that he knew something was wrong.

I was too upset to explain, so I just followed him into the room.

Ellie's face brightened when she saw me. "Mae, the milkshakes are here! I've been waiting for you to try them."

Brandon went straight to the kitchen with the fruits, and I watched him for a moment before going over to Ellie.

"Mae, I've got everything ready. I was just waiting for you to help with the milkshakes," Ellie said, putting several cups on the table.

I wasn't in the mood for milkshakes. "You don't have to share them. You can have them all to yourself."

"Really?" Ellie's eyes sparkled. "But I don't have that big of a belly."

Ellie poured the milkshakes while chatting. "Mae, where were you? Bran got worried and went looking for you after he finished with the groceries."

I said, "I ran into a friend on my way here."

Ellie handed me a milkshake and said, "You have so many friends. I want to make more friends, too."

I replied, "You're so friendly. You'll make lots of friends soon."

Ellie tasted her milkshake and said, "This is so good! There are so many flavors. I want to try them all. Mae..." "Mae?" Ellie waved her hand in front of my face. "What's wrong? You look like you're not feeling well."

Before I could answer, Ellie called out to the kitchen. "Bran, come and check on Mae."

Brandon came out of the kitchen with a bowl of cherries and a plate of strawberries. He looked worried as he set the fruit down and placed his cool hand on my forehead. His touch felt nice and soothing.

"I'm okay," I said, taking his hand and pulling him to sit beside me. I leaned on him and rested my head on his shoulder. "I just went to see Emma Finnegan, Charles's mentor." Brandon knew about Emma from before, so he understood without needing much more.

"Did something happen that upset you?" he asked gently.

I could tell he was concerned. "Emma's family is giving up on her, and Charles is really upset. It's tough for me, too."

"No life should ever be given up on," I thought, feeling the heaviness of the situation. But with Emma's condition, it seemed like holding on might not make a difference. Brandon didn't say anything, but he gently rubbed his cheek against my hair to comfort me.

"We need to look after ourselves, too," I said, holding his arm tighter and glancing at Ellie, who was now watching us and had set her milkshake aside.

I reached out my other hand, and Ellie took it. "Mae, what's going on with Emma?"

Brandon spoke up for me, "She's very ill and in a persistent sleep."

He spoke gently to avoid upsetting Ellie.

I felt bad for mentioning Emma, especially since Ellie was about to have a big surgery herself.

"Is she in a vegetative state?" Ellie asked, understanding the situation.

Brandon nodded, and Ellie moved closer, holding our hands. "Bran, Mae, I need to talk to you about something important."

Her usual cheerful tone was gone, replaced by seriousness. Brandon and I exchanged worried looks as I lifted my head from his shoulder.