When It Rained

A/N: Dedicated to Sharlay for the beautiful book cover she made for moi...merci Sharlay :)

Character on the side is Leila Eisenberg (Mischa Barton)>>

When I woke up Chesmu was kneeling by my side, staring down at me with his dark brown eyes. I didn't have any idea what was going on for a whole minute, but then it all came flooding back to me when I saw his uncle laying sloppily on the couch, his mouth wide open and his eyes closed. A large throbbing bump had formed on his head where I had hit him. Then I remembered Rocky had been hurt and the truth about his life.

Before I could stop myself I had thrown myself into his unsuspecting arms, tears freely flowing from my eyes. To my surprise he did not pull away, but held me close to him. His cinnamon scent wrapping itself around me and his body feeling warm and safe. The steady rising and falling of his chest soothed me and the warmth of his spicy breath on my neck sent tingles down my spine.

"I'm so sorry, Ches-I mean, Rocky!" I sobbed as I reluctantly pulled away from him. He smiled placidly, not releasing his hold on me.

"How is it your fault my life is messed up?" he said, keeping his eyes fixed on my own. There was a light in them I had never seen before, an indescribable look that if I could define it would be euphoria. He raised a finger to my hot, wet cheek and gently wiped a tear away. The feel of his skin sent electric currents through my whole body, and I suddenly felt giddy, light-headed and foolish, as though I was thirteen again.

"I'm really happy you understand me Freya. It really means alot," he whispered, his husky tone lulling me into a kind of stupor. He leaned closer to me, my body suddenly felt about 100 degrees hotter.

"Freya, did I mention I love you?" My heart seemed to stop temporarily. I automatically closed my eyes, knowing that the kiss was bound to come. My lips were trembling, I'd never wanted to be kissed more than I did at that precise moment...Then it came. His soft lips pressed romantically against mine and he ran his fingers through my messy blonde hair. It was the single most beautiful feeling I'd ever experienced and when it ended I was forced to stop myself throwing a tantrum in protest.

"Rocky, we should go to CC. Your uncle said that she was in hospital, why?" I suddenly remembered, and felt a horrible feeling in my stomach that told me Elsu had hurt her. Rocky must've read my mind because he said,

"Don't worry, he would never hurt Dakota,"

"Dakota?" I asked,

"Oh, that's her real name. She's in hospital for a different reason." His face was suddenly serious, and he loosened his hold on me noticeably.

"We should go to her, she'll want to see you. Just leave him there he'll come round," he added bitterly when he saw where my gaze was directed.

We made our way to the hospital in silence. Rocky didn't even play any music on the way so I knew something was wrong with CC. I was so nervous for her, I hoped nothing terrible had happened to her. She was such a bubbly and energetic character, you couldn't help being happy in her presence, and Rocky was a completely different person around her, he would do anything for his little sister; die for her even. More than he would do for anyone else in the world. He was lively and funny and playful when he was with her, she was the yang to his yin, the light to his darkness...I just hoped she was okay.

CC was apparently waiting for us when we reached her ward. A doctor was sitting by her bedside telling her stories about an Indian Maharaja from ancient times. CC looked incredibly weak and pale, although the light in her big brown eyes never died, she looked as optimistic as ever.

"Rocky, Freya!"

"Hey Chilali, how are you?" Rocky said, stroking his sister's silky black hair affectionately. CC scowled at his use of her full pseudonym. She, like him, had an aversion to her fake name.

"Dr Chandra, may I ask why she's here?" I asked, my curiousity had got the best of me. The doctor gave me a grim smile and explained.

"I'm afraid Miss Iskemu has cancer, leukaemia to be exact. Usually this type of cancer is curable, but it seems it has just got worse even with her regular treatment. I'm sure we can cure her eventually though." I stared at CC, my eyes wide with shock. I probably looked like a complete idiot. How could this happen to someone who wasn't even ten yet? She-no doubt-had an amazing life ahead of her. She could be anything she wanted, and I was sure she was strong enough to get through this. To my amazement, CC didn't even seemed phased by her state.