Chapter 4 I forced my palm open-a few blood soaked twenties. Didn't want to owe Blake anything when I died, but this was literally all I had. I got a nurse to buy drawing paper so I could finish my design. ALS is fucked up because it steals your body piece by piece. Couldn't walk anymore, so I drew from my wheelchair. When my right hand went numb, I used my elbow, my teeth, whatever worked. Day before the finals, when I finally scrawled "Genesis" in the signature box, I laughed and cried at the same time. Staring at my finished design, tears streaming. This was my last thing in this world. Hoped it could keep protecting those kids long after I was gone. To make tomorrow's competition, I forced myself through discharge paperwork. That's when I saw Blake babying Brittany through some follow-up appointment. Don't blame Skylar-she was having a breakdown, hitting me was understandable." brittany showed off her twisted ankle: "Even though she nearly crippled me, don't go after her for my sake, Blake." We're all old friends. I don't want drama between you two." ¡lake's face was dark the whole time, clearly thinking hard about something. laughed bitterly. Brittany's ankle got twisted when she lost her balance stomping on my fingers. ut I had days left-no point wasting energy on her bullshit. tarted rolling away when I heard Blake's furious yell: SKYLAR! Get your ass over here!" pretended not to hear but he grabbed my wheelchair. Skylar, you've let me down so bad." His voice like ice: "Brittany tried to HELP you and you attacked her. Do you have any conscience left?" What kind of trash upbringing did you have?" "Apologize to Brittany RIGHT NOW or I'm calling the cops!" Looking at this face I used to know so well, I actually laughed. Make the victim apologize to their attacker? "Go fuck yourself!" I tried wheeling around him. But Brittany snatched my portfolio. "Skylar honey. I forgive you for hurting me, but why are you at the hospital?" "Please tell me you're not stealing medical supplies because the charity scam failed." My heart raced: "Give that BACK!" 1 lunged for it but Brittany threw herself dramatically on the floor, starting sobbing: "Skylar, stealing is wrong! Even if you kill me, I can't watch you become a criminal" Everyone stared and whispered. The whole hallway filled with people shit talking me. "That's My work-give it back!" I kept reaching desperately but Blake shoved me back. He flipped through my sketches, face getting uglier by the second. Then looked at me with pure hatred. Skylar, I was completely wrong about you." Blake, listen, that's actually my-" SHUT UP!" lake screamed and threw the papers at me. Do you know whose work you STOLE? Do you know what Genesis means to me?" She's a fucking goddess and I won't let your dirty hands touch her work!" le pointed at me, shaking with rage: "I kept giving you chances. I told Brittany not to press charges, but you're just rotten to the core." since you have no shame, I'll show everyone what kind of person you really are." lake grabbed my bandaged hand and violently ripped off the gauze. Love faking injuries for sympathy? Let's see you fake THIS!" he agony made everything go black and I went limp. ut Blake froze completely. Inder my bandage was a raw, bloody crater where my palm used to be. (0) (0)