Silent Terrors

"That's right" Randy grinned "You be a big girl for me."

Alanna nodded, then pointed to Aiden.

"Come too?" Alanna mouthed.

"Of course Aiden's coming" Randy smiled supportively "We'll all be there, don't worry."

Alanna nodded, holding tightly onto Randy.

"Don't worry 'Lanna," Aiden said. "I'll never leave."

"I know you won't" Randy smiled and then looked up as John pulled into the parking lot "Alright, we're here, Aiden, would you like to sit in my other arm so I can carry you in together?"

Aiden nodded as Alanna let out a small whimper.

"It's okay" Randy whispered encouragingly "Big girl, remember?"

Alanna nodded.

"Big girl," Alanna mouthed.

"That's my girl" Randy smiled, holding the twins tightly as they entered the hospital.

Alanna hugged Belle tightly to her chest, trying her best to be brave.

Since it was a slow day at the ER, Randy was able to get a doctor to see Alanna right away

"It's okay sweetie" Randy whispered soothingly "He's just going to check your temperature and a few other things, okay?"

Alanna bit her lip and shook her head, she wasn't opening her mouth for anyone but Randy.

"May I?" Randy inquired, reaching for the tongue depressor the doctor was holding "She trusts me, I'll tell you what I see." Taking the stick, Randy slowly got Alanna to open her mouth and he looked inside "Okay..." he slowly murmured "The throat is bright red, and it looks wet"

Alanna let out a pained whimper as she started to cough

"Shh, it's okay" Randy whispered "I'm done, well doctor?"

"Given her coughing and her fever" the doctor mused "It sounds like a simple case of bronchitis to me, some antibiotics, lots of rest and a little shot and she can be home in less than an hour."

Alanna's eyes widened, and she buried her face in Randy's chest, shaking her head.

"Alanna remember what we talked about" Randy looked over at Aiden "Come on sweetie, come hold your sister's hand, it'll help."

"N-N-N-N-N," Alanna repeated the sound, trying to speak. "No!" she finally forced out.

"Alanna you talked!" Randy and John couldn't believe their ears "Sweetheart, I know you don't want to, but remember, you can hold onto me, okay? Squeeze as tight as you can and then we can go home, okay?"

"H-H-H-H," Alanna struggled again. "Home?" she asked.

"Yes, home" Randy was nearly in tears "Remember how you said you were going to be a big girl for me?"

Alanna nodded.

"B-B-B-But n-n-not f-f-fair!" Alanna whined. "A-Aiden n-n-no g-g-gots to!"

"Aiden's not sick" Randy murmured, his face tweaking into a wry smile "This shot will make sure that what you have doesn't pass to her, okay?"

Alanna nodded, wrapping her tiny hand around a few of Randy's fingers.

Randy kissed Alanna warmly on the cheek, pulling her up into his arms so she could have no chance of seeing the needle

"Quickly" he mouthed to the doctor, tightening his grip when the doctor inserted the shot and Alanna began to cry

"It's okay" he whispered soothingly "Go ahead sweetie, squeeze as hard as you like!"