Charisma by Jeanne Ryan

Author:Jeanne Ryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group, USA
Published: 2015-02-12T05:00:00+00:00

No.

No.

No.

I lurch forward as if to dive into the TV after her. The camera follows the doctor’s descent to the water far below, which she hits with a soundless splash that swallows her whole. For a long moment, the water remains unchanged, and then the video cuts out.

Shane and I turn toward each other. His features are rigid with shock.

The newscaster returns. “Our sources are trying to identify where this bridge is, but the video appears genuine. We’re working to uncover whoever sent it.”

Shane explodes. “That’s bullshit!”

I can’t stop holding my stomach. “Why would she do this? It doesn’t make sense.”

Shane aims the remote, firing up one station after the next. He throws the remote onto his bed. “If she isn’t dead, I’ll kill the bitch.”

I stare numbly at the TV. Rosa’s death killed my joy. Dr. Sternfield’s death has killed my hope.

I scan the room. Jesse’s awfully still. I stumble over to nudge his shoulder. His breathing is so shallow, and he won’t respond when I tug at his arm. “Wake up!”

Shane buzzes a nurse and puts on a mask. Within minutes a medical team arrives in a flurry of activity along with another gurney. Two large women load Jesse on and roll him out. Just like that.

And now there are two of us left. With no researcher who’ll swoop in and announce she’s developed a cure.

Shane’s face is pale. “Damn. This is scary.”

I clamp my eyes shut, trying desperately to keep the tears at bay. I’m not even seventeen. This can’t be it. I should be home, with Mom and Sammy, doing normal stuff, working at the pool, hanging out with Evie, telling my family how much I love them. I can’t let them not know that.

I wipe my cheeks. “Maybe we should do those good-bye videos you talked about.”

Shane breathes deeply. “You want me to go into the bathroom so you can have some privacy?” Oh, God, if Shane’s respecting boundaries, our hours are truly numbered.

I take deep breaths to fight off the panic. “I don’t know what to say.”

He sits next to me on my bed. To think that at home, no guy my age has ever been inside my room. When Shane takes my hand, it’s comforting, not like he’s hitting on me. “You tell each person how much they mean to you. Maybe talk about your best times together. And what you wish for them in the future.”

His suggestions sound so final. Yet that’s what these videos might be, dammit.

My words come out in hiccups. “I don’t want Mom and Sammy to see me crying.”

His voice is gentle. “Then you stop the video, wash your face, and try again.”

I nod.

“I’ll leave now, but if you want me to come back, just holler.” He takes his laptop into the bathroom and I stare at mine, planning to do the video for Mom first. I inhale deeply. And then again.

Sniffling, I press RECORD. Then I tell Mom how sorry I am, and that she’s the best parent anyone could hope for.

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