Tears rolled down Stevie's cheeks as she packed. Her her best friend and sister in law, was gone. They were so close and they were always there for each other. Now, Lori was gone.

Also, she cried because she was so worried for her baby brother Christopher. She prayed that Christopher would make it through this.

An hour or so later, she and Karen are on their way to the airport. Karen was able to book a private jet and she was able to pack for herself.

Stevie cried all the way to the airport and continued to cry until they were in the air. She was sniffling here and there but was okay for now. The grief of losing her sister was now just weighing on her.

It was only a few hours to Phoenix so, she tried to relax. Sulamith cuddled up next to her as she could feel Stevie's need for comfort.

Stevie ran her fingers gently through Sulamith's fur, as a way of helping her calm down.

Before they knew it, Stevie and Karen were rushing through the doors of the hospital. They had made a quick stop at Stevie's house in Phoenix to drop of Sulamith and make sure she was settled in Stevie's room.

Karen asked for Christopher Nicks and the nurse told them what floor and room number he was in.

They had to take the elevator up to the fourth floor.

When the elevator doors opened, Stevie saw her father sitting on some chairs in the waiting room. He had been waiting on Stevie's arrival.

She rushed over to his side and he stood up once he saw her approach. She hugged him tightly and cried into his chest.

Jess held his daughter close and comforted her the best he could.

She pulled away and asked. "How's Christopher?"

Jess sighed heavily and said. "He's hanging in there, but, it doesn't look good."

Stevie broke down again and held onto her father.

"Your mother is with him." Jess said. "He wants to see you."
"He's awake?" Stevie asked.
"He is in and out of consciousness." Jess replied. "Come on. Let's go so you can see him."

Stevie nodded and took a deep breath. She was unsure how she would find her baby brother. She was scared.

Karen stays behind in the waiting room and sends up a silent prayer that Christopher will be okay.

Before going inside the room, Stevie takes several deep breaths.

"I have to stay outside. Only two visitors at a time." Jess said giving his daughter a side hug and a gentle squeeze. "It'll be okay, sweet pea."

Stevie nods and walks to the room her father pointed out. She takes one more deep breath then let's it out before going inside.

Her mother, Barbara, was holding onto Christopher's hand. Tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Mama..." Stevie said as she stares at her brother unable to move closer.

He had so many wires on him, his eyes were closed. His face and body covered with cuts and bruises.

"Come here, Teedee." Barbara said gently with a sniffle.

Stevie felt her legs weigh her down but she moved to stand next to her mother.

Finally she let everything out and sobbed. Barbara stood up and held her daughter.
Barbara guides her closer to Christopher's bed and Stevie grabbed his hand and held on tight.

Stevie started to talk softly to her brother and telling him how he needed to be strong and that he needed to fight to get better.

Stevie looked over at her mother and finally asked about her niece.

"Where's Jessica?" She asked.
"She's at a neighbor's." Barbara said. "She was with us while Christopher and Lori went out to dinner. A date night. It was...it was a drunk driver that hit them. She doesn't know yet."

Stevie nodded.

They both take a seat and just sit there beside Christopher.

Some time later, Christopher opens his eyes. He moves his head a little and sees that Stevie is holding his hand.

"Stephanie..." he said in a weak voice.
Stevie gasps and smiles a little. "Chris...."

He takes some deep breaths and says. "Mom...could you...give Stevie and I....some time alone? Please."

Barbara didn't want to leave her baby boy, but she nodded. She placed a kiss on his forehead and leaves the room. Jess waiting for her out in the hallway.

"Stevie...." he breaths deep. "...Stevie, I want...I want you to take...take care of Jessica...for me." He said weakly. He knew about Lori and he needed to tell his sister his wishes in case he didn't make it.

"Christopher, shhhhh." Stevie said. "Save your strength. Don't talk. Please."
"Stevie...." he said his voice a little stronger. "I...I don't know...if I....will make it. I need to say this. Promise me, that...that if I don't make it...that, you will raise...raise Jessica. I want you...to..." he stopped to regain his strength.

He takes a some deep breaths then continues. "Mom and dad...are older now and...and I know you are...in a better place...in, in your life now. So...please, Stephanie...will you please, take care of Jessica."

Stevie was crying, tears rolling down her cheeks. She was so scared to lose her brother and prayed harder.

She look into his eyes and nods. "Of course. I, I promise Christopher. I'll take good care of her."

Christopher closes his eyes, tears rolling down his own cheeks and he gives a little nod. He didn't want to die, but he felt he wasn't going to make it and he needed to make sure his five year old little girl was going to be taken care of.

Christopher drifts off to sleep again and doesn't regain consciousness. He passes away later that night with his family by his side.

Note: Decided to make Jessica a little older in this story.