Chapter 14 " And besides , once the semester starts , I can apply for a dorm room on campus . Rather than leaving this place empty , it makes more sense to use the space well . " " So you were planning to move out to the campus all along ? " The conversation kept circling back and forth . " I don't have to live there , " Alessia shrugged , her tone impossible to read . " If living at school makes things easier for you , I won't stand in your way , " Brendan said . " There's no place like home , no matter how fancy the alternatives ," Alessia replied with a little smirk . Everyone in the room chuckled at that . " Alright , it's getting late . We should all get some rest , " Brendan said , glancing at the clock . " Yeah . " As soon as Alessia replied , Zachary's face changed - he turned away suddenly and began to cough harshly . His parents rushed to his side , worry etched on their faces . " If you don't mind , may I check your pulse ? " Alessia waited until Zachary had recovered before she spoke . " Of course , " Zachary replied without hesitation , extending his hand . " You know how to do that ? " " I picked up a few things from an old … well , let's just say a family friend . " Alessia placed her fingers gently on Zachary's wrist . It was the middle of summer , but his hand was icy cold , as if he'd been gripping an ice pack . " It's honestly a miracle you've made it this far , " she said quietly . Zachary looked a bit surprised , but didn't seem offended . " Zachary and Liam are twins , " Karen explained , her face clouded with worry . " When I was pregnant and went in for a scan , the doctor told me there was little chance Zachary would survive . I thought my whole world was falling apart . But somehow , he pulled through . He was rushed straight to intensive care after he was born , but at least he made it . " 1/3 15.26 " That's right . Over the years , I've survived on all kinds of weird medications ," Zachary added lightly , clearly trying to break the heavy mood . " So why are you still in your senior year ? " Alessia let go of his hand , smoothly steering the conversation elsewhere . " I was sick a lot as a kid , so I had to take a year off from school ." " Got it . What meds are you on now ? " " Angelica , astragalus , ginseng … " Zachary listed off the ingredients in his prescription . Instead of looking relieved , Alessia's brow furrowed even deeper . " That's just the basics … " Zachary coughed , cutting her off . Alessia understood.immediately - clearly , Brendan and Karen didn't know the details . " Mom , Dad , it's late . You both should get some sleep , too . Don't you have to get up early to prep for the market tomorrow ? " " But you- " " I'm fine . It's the same old thing . The doctor didn't say anything new today . Lessie , the prescription's alright , isn't it ? " Alessia nodded . " Yeah , there's nothing wrong with it . " But she knew it wouldn't do much good either . Though still worried , his parents finally let themselves be shepherded off to their bedroom . Once the door closed behind them , Zachary let out a sigh of relief . He turned to Alessia , pressing a finger to his lips , a gentle smile on his face . " I get it , " Alessia said , meeting his eyes . " But tell me , did you memorize that prescription or … ? " " I wrote it myself . Don't let my looks fool you . I've been around medicine since before I could walk . I know my own body . I figure , if I've got a year left , I'd rather not waste a bunch of money chasing miracles ." Alessia nodded thoughtfully . " When are you free ? " " I've got one last shift tomorrow , then the morning after that I have to go back to 2/3 15:36 Chapter campus for orientation . After that , I'm free . " " Come with me somewhere ? " " Sure . " " You're not even going to ask where ? " Zachary just smiled , warm and steady - more like an older brother than ever . " I trust you're not planning to sell me off or anything . " " No promises , " Alessia said , grinning . Zachary just ruffled her hair with a laugh . " Oh , and write down that prescription you gave yourself for me , will you ? " 3/3