Meeting #2 (Maryn)

[stryderstalk]

Stryder had sent an owl to Maryn a couple days ago. Last week Stryder had gone up to the Owlery to find his bird Slate. On the way up Stryder had seen Maryn. She seemed upset so Stryder decided not to say anything to her. Over the next days Stryder couldn't stop thinking about her. He wanted to make sure she was alright. When Stryder saw her in classes she didn't seem herself. Stryder needed to talk to her.

He had finally found Slate who was hiding from him the whole time with Stryder's cousin Brigitte. After Stryder convinced the owl that he would never feed him old owl treats again, Slate obeyed and took Stryder's letter to Maryn.

Maryn,
I've noticed that you haven't been yourself lately. I know we don't know each other that much but that day out in the rain was so much fun and I would love to see you again. I haven't seen you in the Common Room for quite awhile and I just want to make sure that everything is alright with you. Let's meet after classes this friday in the Student Lounge. Hope to see you there.

Stryder Stalk

Classes were over for the week and Maryn's state hadn't improved. She still seemed distant to Stryder. Was it something I did? Stryder thought as he entered the Student Lounge and sat at the table closest to the fireplace.

Stryder wasn't sure that Maryn would show up or not. Knowing Stryder's owl, Slate probably never delivered the letter in order to seek revenge out on Stryder. He hoped that his bird wasn't that horrible. Stryder sat and waited as many people entered the Student Lounge, none resembling Maryn.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn shifted a bit reading the letter. She had been to the owlery writing and reading letters from her mother. Maryn hadn't been herself lately not by a long shot. Maryn was a generally happy yet crazy person, but she had one not so happy thing about her. Usually, when something went wrong, Maryn would get into some sort of depression. It happened when she was attacked on the train last year, but not lately. Maryn hadn't that feeling but it nothing she could control. Ever since she got that first letter from her mother, Maryn felt ill. Not in her body, her mind. Nathan was her brother. Maryn had always been close to him even though he was a muggle. Nathan was there for her before Maryn ever even knew what Hogwarts was. He helped her improve her game for softball and he would even help her read Maryn's tesk books to try and help her sometimes. Maryn loved Nate. The thought that he could die scared the living daylights out of her. Maryn hated to even think about it.

Maryn was reading the letter. It was from Stryder. Maryn wasn't too keen on the words but it said something about her not acting like herself lately. How does he know? He doesn't know me. Were her first thoughts, but then Maryn knew how rude that sounded even if she wasn't saying out loud. Stryder seemed like a nice guy that wanted to help. She didn't need to be mad at him for caring. Maryn finally finished the letter. He wanted to meet her in the student lounge on Friday. Maryn didn't know if she would go or not, but she had time to think about it. She silently turned to go back to the common room. My brother has acute leukemia. It was something Maryn would have to tell Stryder if she went. That was the whole reason for Maryn's weirdness for the past week. Maryn hadn't told anyone yet, not even her good friends Rosaliz and Leon or anyone else. She didn't know if she was ready, but she had time. Boy did she.

It was Friday. Classes had ended not too long before and Maryn was in her dorm. It was where she had spend much of her time besides the owlery when she first received the letters. Maryn avoided the common room seeing as she knew several of the Gryffindors would question her strangeness. Besides, Maryn didn't have too many third year Gryffidnor girl friends. Most of them were younger or older. So, she didn't really have to worry with talking to anyone about it in her own dorm. Actually, while in her dorm, Maryn usually just sat on her bed staring outdoors. It had been rainy lately, but she didn't want to run in the rain, not anymore. After a few long moments of thought, Maryn gave in. She was tired of being so quiet. She would go meet with Stryder. Maryn took her time changing out of the pajamas she had thrown on the minute she entered her dorm. She didn't put anything fancy on. Seeing as it was now the weekend, she just put on some old jeans and a simple red shirt. Usually, Maryn was big on jewelry that looked like it was from the sixties, but she hadn;t bothered with that lately. She just put her Gryffindor robes over her clothes, put her hair up, her wand in her pocket, and she left without muttering a word.

The halls were crowded as usual. Maryn hadn't ventured in them besides for class lately. She was nearing the Students Lounge. This was it. Maryn would have to tell Stryder, she could very well avoid the reason why he asked her to meet him. She would be truthful even though she really didn't want to. Maryn pushed herself through the crowds of people until she went inside the room. Her eyes soon found Stryder and she silently walked over to him and took a seat in a nearby chair. "Hello Stryder." She said calmly feeling a bit tired actually. "So, what is up with you?" She asked the normal opening the conversation question. Maybe, they would just avoid everything, but Maryn doubted it.

[stryderstalk]

Stryder continued to sit and wait. He had a feeling that Maryn wouldn't show up. Stryder didn't even know her that well. When she read the letter (if she got it), she probably freaked out because she doesn't even know me. I don't blame her though. I just want to get to know her. Stryder wasn't sure what he wanted. He wanted to talk to Maryn but he how could he expect her to tell him her secrets and what has been happening to her. They had just technically met a couple weeks ago. Stryder just knew that he liked the girl he had met in the rain. She was fun.

The time was passing quickly. Stryder had been sitting in the Student Lounge for at least ten minutes waiting for Maryn. She wasn't going to show up. Stryder sighed and grabbed his bad. He would give her fifteen more minutes. That was enough time to draw. Stryder pulled out his sketch book and turned toward the middle to find the page that he was working on. It was the same picture he was attempting to draw in the rain. His picture had improved a bit, it was no longer a weird circle. It was now a weird circle and a well drawn willow tree.

It had taken him days to draw the willow tree. So much detail had to be put into it. He was surprised to she how well it actually looked. His talents were slowly coming back, finally. It had been three years, long enough for Stryder. He now had to concentrate on the lake. Stupid, bloody lake, why are you so hard to draw? Stryder thought to himself as someone joined his table. He looked up and was surprised to find Maryn. She had showed up after all.

"Hello Stryder. So, what is up with you?"

"I didn't think you were going to show up. Well not that much is happening with me. I passed out in the Great Hall last week and ended up in the Hospital Wing. Other than that nothing too exciting is happening."

Stryder smiled hoping that Maryn would laugh. He put his drawing aside and looked at Maryn. Her face was paler than before, same with her eyes. They were sad and looked as if she had been crying right before coming to see him. He hoped that wasn't the case.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn listened to Stryder as she shifted in her seat a bit. This would be uncomfortable, she knew it. Maryn didn't know what sort of feelings this would bring up. She had cried over Nate, yes, but no one had seen it. Maryn knew she wasn't so strong. Actually, she often pondered why she had been placed in Gryffindor to begin with. But, that wasn't the point now. Maryn's thoughts had been consumed with Nate for a week now. He was all she could think about. Maryn didn't know if she would cry infron of Stryder or not. She didn't want to, but Maryn didn't know if she could hold in the tears or not. She didn't know how strong she was for the moment, but she would soon find out. Maryn looked at Stryder. How could he tell she wasn't being herself? Maryn wasn't even sure her friends could tell so how could he? Maryn had known Stryder for years as they were both Gryffindor third years, but she was just now getting to know him. Maryn didn't know if she could tell him. She didn't know if she had the strength to do that. Maryn had been strange for a week. The crazy, happy girl with the punk like fashion sense was pretty much gone. And Maryn didn't know when or if she would return.

Maryn glanced at Stryder as he answered her questions. She nodded while he said something about passing out in the Great Hall and having to go to the Hospital Wing. However, Maryn quivered when he said Hospital Wing. “Are you okay?” Maryn asked instinctively. She wondered how bad it had been. Maryn had been scared of her friends dying at a young age. Even though she was just now talking to Stryder, Maryn didn’t want anything to happen to him. She just didn’t. Maryn glanced at him awaiting an answer. He had to go to the hospital wing. Hospital. Maryn’s mind hung to that word. At first Maryn just wanted to scream the word Nate, but she held it in She would be strong. She would do it for Nathan. Maryn threw her face in her lap for a moment trying to hold in the tears, it took a few moments, but she had succeeded in holding them. Maryn then looked back at Stryder wondering what he would say without a tear in her eye. Could she do this?

[stryderstalk]

Maryn seemed uncomfortable, Stryder wasn't sure what to do. He was expecting to much from her. Sure he knew of Maryn since his first year but he didn't know her. It was a bad time to meet her now, least it seemed like that to Stryder. Then again maybe it was the perfect time. Maybe Maryn needed someone to spill out to. Stryder doubted that though. Maryn seemed popular, popular enough to find someone else to cry to instead of a boy she had only talked to a couple weeks ago. Either way, Stryder wanted to be there for her, even if she didn't want him to. He didn't really know why, he normally hated getting in peoples drama but he didn't want to see Maryn sad.

Stryder was surprised that she barely had a reaction to him being in the Hospital Wing. He was expecting a gasp but all he got was a shiver. He was expecting too much again. He did get something though, it was small but it was better than nothing .

“Are you okay?”

Stryder was about to tell her the story considering it was a bit comical in Stryder's point of view but Maryn all of a sudden threw her face in her lap. After a couple of seconds she returned looking up at Stryder as if nothing had happend. Stryder was going to ask what that was all about but he had a feeling that if she wanted to talk about she would. He as well pretended like nothing had happend and looked into her eyes.

"Well it's actually kind of funny. You see I was in the Great Hall and all of a sudden a girl hit me in the back of the head with her book bag. He bag sent my head crashing into the table where I passed out for a little bit. I must have passed out for at least five minute because when I woke up Dresden was there as well as the girl who hit me, also known as Aneen. They had cleaned my head and put bandages on me. Well I tried to act cool and stand up to go to the Hospital Wing by myself but I almost passed out again so both girls carried me up to the Wing. I got up there, talked to the girls a bit then felt as good as new. If you look close enough you can still see the battle scar."

Stryder smiled and pointed excitedly at a small scratch on his forehead. He hoped that it would make Maryn laugh to see that he was alright and was proud of his battle scar.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn nodded taking a sharp breath of air in. "I'm glad you're okay." She said eying his scar. Suddenly, without thinking, Maryn pulled back a strand of her hair. With it pulled back, you could noticed a small yet dark scar still remaining from a piece of glass. Maryn had been in the back of the train at the beginning of the year. She and her good friend, Elisabeth, were talking when they heard cries of "Death Eaters!" in the halls. Within seconds, the train tilted and Elisabeth sprained her ankle Maryn was covered in glass. She received a deep wound to her thigh, but Madam Pomfrey had cleaned that one up. However, the smaller ones she didn't have time for so Maryn was left with this mark. She looked at Stryder. "I guess we both have one, of course, mine has had more time to heal. I doubt it will ever go away." She said. There was probably magic to cure it, but the scar didn't bother Maryn. It did remind her of that day, but it also reminded her that she was no longer that girl on the train. Maryn was more mature and knew more about the world. That day changed her.

Maryn glanced at Stryder. She put that piece of hair back covering the line of a scar. It wasn't really noticeable to anyone without Maryn pointing it out. She liked this because it sort of made it her secret. Her secret that she would only tell some. Maryn had that choice for once. She looked at Stryder. Maryn was scared. The memories flooded over her and she had to fight back the tears. "That was the most scared I have ever been, that day." She admitted fighting back tears. They didn't come up and she was relieved. "Well, I'm scared now too, but not about Death Eaters. I'm scared for someone besides myself." She said feeling selfish. That day, Maryn had been very concerned for Elisabeth too but she wouldn't bring that up. She didn't want to. Maryn looked at Stryder. For a moment, she wondered if he had ever been in pain. Not physical pain, emotional pain. Had he ever lost someone or almost did? Maryn wanted to know, but she wasn't about to ask. He would tell her if he wanted. Maryn eyed Stryder sitting back a bit in her seat.

[stryderstalk]

Stryder knew that his 'battle' scar wasn't that impressive. It just looked like a tree branch had scratched him, well that's what Drew had said when Stryder had showed him. It didn't even hurt that much when Stryder had received it. He was too caught up in the confusion of the moment to really care about his head then. That was a stressful day but he was glad it was over with. Now he had more important things to worry about.

Stryder looked at Maryn. He was pleased to know that she was glad that he was alright. Then again even if Maryn didn't care she would probably say that. Stryder wasn't sure what his feelings for Maryn were but he knew that he cared about her even though he had only just started to get to know her. She was a good friend and made Stryder laugh. Plus Maryn was in the same house as Stryder and it was nice to have a chick friend to bug every now and then.

Stryder smiled at Maryn as she started pulling back her hair. Stryder didn't think anything of it because he lived with a girl, even if Brigitte was a year older than Maryn she was still a girl. Stryder had learned from his cousin that girls love changing their appearance all the time. They also played with their hair a lot. Brigitte would always mess around with her bright red hair. She would dangle her fingers in it then try different hairstyles and ask Stryder which one he liked better. Stryder didn't understand girls that much. Sure he had to admit that he liked his hair as well but he didn't 'check' on it every other two minutes like girls did. Maryn seemed different though. She didn't seem like the girly girl his cousin was. Maryn was different but Stryder supposed it was just girlish instincts to play with hair when girls got bored. He was surprised but glad that Maryn had moved her hair to show him her scar.

"I guess we both have one, of course, mine has had more time to heal. I doubt it will ever go away."

Stryder had completely forgotten, for the second time. He really needed to keep a mental note of things from now one. The first time Stryder had forgotten that Maryn had been attack he had something that offended her. Now he had forgotten that she had had a huge scar on her face for quite a while. Now that it was barely there Stryder had simply blocked it out of his memory. Then again Maryn couldn't really block it out. Stryder felt sorry for her. He knew what it felt like to be scared, well emotionally at least. Whenever Maryn looked at her scar, she probably could feel the attack all over again. That's how Stryder felt when he saw threstals.

It was after his father had killed the man. They were in the stables at the mansion. Stryder didn't understand why he was there and he had always been curious why his father kept empty stalls. After seeing the man die the first thing Stryder saw after his father laughing over the bleeding body, were creatures. They frightened Stryder because he didn't know what they were. All of a sudden the empty stalls were replaced with these huge beasts that Stryder had never seen, it scared him more than anything. After learning what they were when Stryder arrived at Hogwarts he did everything in his power to avoid the threstals. Every time he saw one it brought back the memories. The memories that Stryder had tried to erase for the past six years.

Stryder normally would have thought of a joke to break the tension but he couldn't think of anything to say to Maryn. That day had impacted her life greatly, he could tell. Sure he didn't know anything about Maryn before the attacks. She was in his house and classes then one day she comes back and Stryder sees a huge scar on her face. He had heard about the attacks and all about the girl called Maryn who had been on the train. It wasn't a matter to joke about, not now, not never.

Stryder looked at Maryn. She was a strong girl. Sure she was strong and brave since she was in Gryffindor but Stryder was pretty sure that the attack was proof of how strong Maryn really was. To think it hasn't even been a year since the attack and she's already laughing and dancing in the rain. Stryder wished that he could have been that strong his first year at Hogwarts. When he broke up with Catrina he was a wreck. He wouldn't talk to anyone and just stayed to himself, and that was over a break up. Sure he liked Catrina a lot but what would he do if he actually lost someone forever. Or even if he was in an attack and had to witness all of the pain and torture. True Stryder was a lot more mature and stronger now than his first year but he still wasn't sure what he would do.

"That was the most scared I have ever been, that day. Well, I'm scared now too, but not about Death Eaters. I'm scared for someone besides myself."

Stryder looked back up at her. When she spoke her voice trembled. She was about to break, Stryder could tell even though she was trying hard to hide it. Stryder didn't know what to do. He wanted to hug her and tell her that everything would be alright but there were two problems with that. First of all, Maryn might freak out if Stryder tried to hug her. Second of all, and more importantly, Stryder had no clue what she was talking about.

"Who are you scared for? I mean it's alright if you don't want to talk about it. Trust me I understand. Just if you ever need a shoulder to cry on I'll be here k?"

Stryder had moved in closer to Maryn to show that he was being serious. He would be there for her, even if she came crying to him in the middle of the night up in his room. Stryder still didn't get why girls could go into his room but he couldn't go into theirs but oh well, the point was he would be there for her.

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn took a deep breath. This was it. Stryder wanted to know who she was scared for. Could she trust him? Maryn knew she probably could, but was she ready for that? Was she ready for people to know about this? Maryn knew that people would have to know eventually. They would have to know about Nate and they would want to help. Help, Maryn hadn't even responded to her mother yet. Her mom wanted her to stay with him at the hospital too. Maryn didn't mind spending her summer with Nate, but it was the mere fact that he would be staying there that bothered her. Nathan had a week before he went to the hospital for treatment. And Maryn couldn't even be there for him. Exams weren't over yet and Maryn had to stay until they were. So, Maryn couldn't even see her brother outside of the hospital. How knows, maybe the hospital will be the last place she sees him. But, Maryn couldn't think that yet. Nate would live. He had to. Maryn had been telling herself this for a week. But, was it enough? Maryn couldn't stop Nathan from dying, but she knew she would be for him every step of the way. If Nathan had to dye, then Maryn was going to watch even with tears in her eyes. Maryn would be there for him until he left her.

She looked at Stryder. She wouldn't let the tears fall. Maryn had never thought of herself as a strong person, but she knew she had some strength. Somewhere in her she did. Every inch of her strength was stopping her from crying. She just couldn't do it, not now. Maryn didn't think she was strong, but she still wanted to keep her dignity. Besides, she hated to think that people would call her weak because then, that would just prove she really was. Maryn's eyes met with Stryder's. She hung her head low for a few seconds before staring at him again. She took in a sharp breath. "It's a long story." Maryn announced calmly. "Actually, it's a painful story, but I think I'm ready to tell it." Maryn's words stopped for a moment. She had strength enough for this. She could do this. Maryn knew she really could. "Umm, well I don't know where to start.." Maryn racked her brain for a moment until the words began to slip out. "As you know, my parents are muggles. My sister and brother are muggles too. Well, except for Tommy he's five, but we know he's a wizard." She stopped for a brief moment. "I am scared for my brother." Maryn said finally. She couldn't find anymore words for the moment. Those six words summed to up, but that wouldn't last too long. She would have to explain them. Maryn needed to explain them.

"Umm, Nate is ten." She said. Maryn's words were choppy and seemed out of place, but she couldn't stop that. Maryn glanced at Stryder. He was a good guy. Maryn felt as if she knew him pretty well even though they had only been talking for a few weeks. But, Maryn was glad they were. "I starting getting letters a little over a week ago." She said calmly. Maryn was now just telling the story. Her emotions were on her wet pillow that she slept on at night. Maryn knew it would be wet in the morning too. When she was alone, the nears fell and Maryn couldn't stop them. But, she would get stronger. She would get used to this. It would just take time, but Maryn would do anything for Nathan. "He has acute leukemia." She said looking at the floor. Her gaze then met with Stryder's. "Acute means fast spreading." She told him just in case he didn't know. "Mom sent letters that he was getting tests because they thought something was wrong, but now they know." Maryn said shrugging slightly. "It's cancer."

It took a few moments for Maryn to say anything else. "I'm staying with him this summer in the hospital." She announced finally. "I need to be with him and he wants me to be. Nate has always been weak. At birth he was just so tiny. So, he always had problems, but not like this." Maryn was growing stronger with each said word. She could feel it. Suddenly, Maryn looked at Stryder. "I'm sorry. I've been bombarding you with words you probably didn't even want to hear. You didn't ask for the whole story, but I'm glad I finally told someone." Maryn apologized. She remembered his comment about needing a shoulder to cry on. Maryn gave a little laugh even though it wasn't a funny moment. "Right now, I don't need a shoulder to cry on. I have a pillow for that. But, when I do, you'll be the first to know." Maryn told him calmly. "Right now, I just need someone to talk to."

[stryderstalk]

He still wasn't sure if Maryn would admit to anything being wrong with her. Even if she didn't' say anything Stryder knew that something was up. It was way to obvious. He wanted to know badly but he knew that when Maryn was ready she would tell him. It would only make things worse if he pushed it out of her.

Stryder sighed when she said that it was a long story. When people said that they normally meant that they didn't want to explain the whole thing. Stryder had tried though. He had done everything to see if he could help Maryn with whatever it was. The plain hard truth was that she wasn't ready to tell him and he would have to wait until she was.

It turned out that Maryn was ready. Stryder didn't say a word to her when she was thinking of how to start. He was proud that was telling him. Stryder wasn't sure if she had told anyone else her painful story. He had a feeling that she hadn't. Normally when you tell one person your story it gets easier to tell to other people. Then again maybe she had and the story was so horrible that everytime she told it it was as if it was the first time. Stryder wasn't sure. Everyone was different.

"As you know, my parents are muggles. My sister and brother are muggles too. Well, except for Tommy he's five, but we know he's a wizard." Stryder nodded. He knew all this from hearing about her after the attacks. Well he didn't know that she had a sister, brother and a younger wizard brother, but other than that he knew that they were a muggle family.

"I am scared for my brother."

Stryder was confused. She hadn't said which brother she was scared of. Stryder assumed that it must be Tommy. It made sense for her to be scared for him. He was five and a wizard in the making. He was also and muggleborn like Maryn. That meant that when and if he was asked to go to Hogwarts he would be teased by the Slytherins. Then as well Maryn's trust in Hogwarts security had diminished that she was probably worried for his safety. Stryder assumed that this was what she was worried about but it didn't make all that much sense. Sure it could be that but Maryn wouldn't have been that upset about it would she? I mean the boy still has six years until Hogwarts starts. Why would she be worried about it now? There had to be something else.

"Umm, Nate is ten."

Oh... her other brother. That makes much more sense. Stryder thought to himself as Maryn looked up at him. She didn't have a tear in her eyes. She was a strong girl, especially for a girl. Other girls start crying about everything, especially when they're thirteen. Stryder had caused so many girls to cry for no reason. They would just start bawling out of no where. Not Maryn though, she was different.

"I starting getting letters a little over a week ago. He has acute leukemia."

Stryder didn't know what acute leukemia was. He could tell though that it was something bad. The way that Maryn said it explained everything to him, her brother was really sick. Stryder hadn't expected this to be the reason for Maryn's sadness, this was worse. Maryn must have realized that Stryder didn't know muggle diseases so she explained to him what the disease meant. Stryder's mind stopped when Maryn said Cancer, he knew what that was. The MacMasters friend Tony, had cancer and Stryder would have to visit him with the MacMasters. It was a horrible disease and Stryder never wanted to get it. He wasn't sure that he could since he was pureblood, Stryder never was good at Medicine talk, either way it was a horrid thing.

Stryder immediately felt horrible for Maryn. To have someone that you love so much having a horrible disease like that, Stryder wouldn't know what to do.

"I'm staying with him this summer in the hospital. I need to be with him and he wants me to be. Nate has always been weak. At birth he was just so tiny. So, he always had problems, but not like this."

Stryder was glad to hear this. She needed to see him, it would keep him stronger. Least that's what the MacMasters had told Stryder when he complained about going to see Tony. Stryder hated being in the hospital, it was too depressing. Visiting someone like that is hard. You go one day hoping to visit but you can't because they feel horrible. Then when you actually see them it kills you because they are in so much pain and it seems like there isn't an ounce of happiness in them. The MacMasters explained to him though that visiting them and talking to them show that you care and that they will make it through this. Unfortunately Tony hadn't survived. Stryder didn't know the muggle that well but he couldn't imagine how horrible it must have been. Tony had fought the cancer though for six long months. Stryder was surprised the day that Tony died. The day before, when he had visited, he seemed fine, Tony had even smiled. Stryder knew that the reason that Tony smiled was because he knew the pain was going to be over soon.

Stryder looked back at Maryn. He couldn't believe she would have to go through that. Watching her brother be in so much pain and knowing that there isn't anything in your power that you can do to help him. It was the worst feeling in the world.

"I'm sorry. I've been bombarding you with words you probably didn't even want to hear. You didn't ask for the whole story, but I'm glad I finally told someone. Right now, I don't need a shoulder to cry on. I have a pillow for that. But, when I do, you'll be the first to know.Right now, I just need someone to talk to."

"You don't have to apologize for anything. I'm glad you told me. I just wish there was something I could do. I had a friend that had cancer. It's hard."

Stryder didn't really know what to say to Maryn anymore. He had dreams that this summer they would go riding together and have fun visiting the Broken Ranch and Stryder seeing her horse. Instead Maryn's summer would be with her brother. Stryder would have to visit Nate sometime to make him stronger. Unlike Tony, Nate actually had a whole bunch of people who cared and loved him. Tony had only had the MacMasters.

"Well you can talk to me about it whenever you want. Tell me how he's doing and stuff. I'm so sorry Maryn. I had no clue."

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn gave a weak smile. She knew Stryder would understand. After all, he had arranged this meeting because he knew something was wrong with her. Maryn was too predictable like that. She had always been. Stryder said that she didn't have to apologize and that he knew someone that had cancer. Maryn nodded. Many muggles did. Of course, Maryn didn't think she or Tommy could get it, but Nate had. He was a muggle of course. Maryn couldn't just put a spell on him to make him better. Sure, she really wanted to, but she just couldn't. Nathan hadn't been chosen to be a wizard by whatever force of nature chooses it. He had been destined to live the life of a muggle and unfortunately, that included muggle diseases and muggle lives. Maryn was also afraid for Mercy. What if this was hereditary? Mercy was Maryn's only sister. She couldn't loose her, not yet. She didn't want to loose Nate either, but Maryn couldn't stop that from happening. Whatever is meant to be, will happen. Maryn eyed Stryder for a moment. She was glad he understood. She knew he could. Maryn hadn't talked to Stryder for too long, but she trusted him already. And Maryn's trust wasn't an easy thing to get.

Stryder said that they could talk about whatever she wanted. She gave a small grin. Even in the saddest of circumstances, Maryn couldn't help but smile. She was still Maryn despite her emotions. Maryn nodded looking at him. "No one did. Please don't apologize." Maryn said softly. She hated when people did that. Maryn wanted to be the wrong one, she didn't want her friends to. Maryn smiled weekly again she couldn't help it. "Umm, he's fine for now." Maryn told him. "I mean it wasn't caught up with him yet or anything. He isn't even at the hospital yet." Maryn explained. "He goes in Thursday. They wanted to give him some more freedom before he stays there for the summer." Maryn took a breath of air. She liked talking about this stuff more. It was much easier to say that he was doing good for the moment than explain what his condition was. "When he gets there, he will start the medication and stuff like that. And of course he will go through chemo. Which to be truthful I don't know what it does exactly. But, I do know it will make him a bit worse before it gets better." She said calmly. Maryn didn't know a thing about leukemia. Not really. She had never though she would need to, but now she did.

Maryn glanced around the room for a moment before looking at Stryder. "Nate will loose his hair witht he treatments, but I don't think he really cares." Maryn said calmly. "I think he just wants to do what he needs to do to get rid of this thing forever." Maryn explained calmly. "He just wants his life back." Maryn knew Nate was strong. He knew what he wanted and he was always there for Maryn even though he was three years younger. Maryn would bring him some books from Diagon Alley of course even though he was a muggle. He wanted to know about her world. Maryn tried to explain, but Nate was a book worm. Maryn was convinced that if he was a wizard he would be placed in Ravenclaw. Maryn glanced at Stryder. "I've never lived in a hospital. I mean, sometimes when I was younger Nate would be there for doctor's appointments or he would even stay overnight sometimes so they could monitor his breathing. He was asthma." She explained. "I would stay in the waiting room usually, but I'm actually going to live there for the summer." Maryn put her palm to her face. "I mean, my parents will stay with him for a few hours every now and then. They still want me to have a life and take care of Casey every once and awhile. Which is good. I dunno I just want to get the summer over with and Nate better." She said softly. Maryn looked at Stryder waiting for him to respond.

[stryderstalk]

Stryder couldn't picture Maryn being in a hospital all summer. Stryder didn't like hospitals that much, especially not muggle ones. He had to stay in one a couple summers back after he got in a rodeo accident. He only stayed in the hospital for two days and it was already driving him insane. He had no clue how Maryn could do that, or even more how Nate could do that. Stryder knew though that Maryn would do anything in order to help Nate get closer to recovery.

Stryder gave Maryn a weak smile. He didn't know what to say let alone no waht to do. He just hoped that Nate would make it through it and Maryn would help him. Stryder sat and looked at Maryn, he wanted to make her smile but he knew that it wasn't the right time to say a joke or say anything.

"Well I hope he gets better. You should write me during the summer and let me know how he is. Hey I could even visit you in the hospital if it was alright with Nate and all."

[Maryn Livley]

Maryn gave a weak smile. This summer she wouldn't be as stupid as the last. She wouldn't do anything she would regret nor would Maryn do anything to hurt her parents again. Last summer she was stupid. She did things for no reason. Maryn just wanted to prove she wasn't a baby, but really her wanting only made things worse. Maryn knew this summer would be so very different. This year Maryn had literally been through a lot. She had been hurt mentally and physically, but she would make it through. She had to. Maryn would be strong for Nate and even for herself. She needed him just as much as he needed her. Even though Maryn was older than Nate, she had always looked up to him. He was the smart one. He was the one who helped Maryn study when she was home even though he was a muggle. Maryn sometimes wondered that if Nate was a wizard if he would still be sick. Could witches even get leukemia? Maryn knew it wasn't like a contagious diseases like a cold, but was it heredity? She really didn't have a clue.

Maryn looked at Stryder as he talked. She was so glad she had recently started talking to him. Stryder knew that something was wrong with her even though other people didn't. Maryn knew she could trust him already. It usually took her longer to trust people, especially lately, but Stryder made her feel normal. That was just the way it was. Maryn gave a little smile as she could muster nothing else up. She nodded her head. “Of course I’ll write you and come visit anytime you want.” She said calmly. “I’m sure Nate will want to meet you. Plus, I get bored very easily and could use some visitors.” Maryn was glad he wanted to come and she really knew she needed friends over the summer more than anything. Maryn looked at Stryder once again. “Umm, I should probably go.” She sighed. “I owe Nate a letter right about now.” Maryn got up and gathered her things. “Thanks for listening to me. It’s a job some people would rather pass.” She said calmly as she gave a brief giggle. Maryn said goodbye again as she turned and left the Student Lounge. She was glad all of that was said. Maryn needed it to be.

(Well, I figured since school is out I should finish the thread up.)

[stryderstalk]

Stryder didn't really want to visit the hospital. It wasn't that he didn't want to see Maryn or her brother, it was just that he didn't want to spend his summer in a hospital where he could instead be riding. He didn't know how Maryn could do it. Would she even be able to hang out out of the hospitall? He was sure that she could. I mean there's nurses there and stuff to look after him. Maryn's just there for company. Stryder tired to convince himself that he would be able to spend time with her out of the hospital but it was hard. Maryn's priority was her brother, not Stryder, not friendships. He totally understood. He couldn't even imagine what would happen if Nate ended up dieing. Maryn would be devestated and depressed. Stryder knew that wizards lived much longer than muggles and Nate was a muggle. He hoped for Nate and Maryn, that he would survive.


Stryder smiled at Maryn's comments, not really knowing what to say. He had already said everything that he wanted to say and he didn't want to repeat himself. The hospital could be fun. You don't have to do your own chores and get served hand and foot on but still, it's the hospital. Stryder shuddered at the thought. At least she would be safe if their were any more attacks. That made Stryder a bit happier. He nodded when Maryn said she had to go. He should study as well but it was hard now that he knew what Maryn was going through. Stryder got up and smiled at Maryn.

"Alright. Well I'll see you tomorrow during classes."

With that Stryder left the Student Lounge and headed up towards the Common Room feeling bad for Maryn, but not too bad at the same time. It was her choice to stay with Nate. Stryder couldn't help to think about the chances of Nate surviving though. Maryn had already changed by finding out about Nate. Stryder wondered what she would be like if she actually lost him. He didn't ever want to find out. Days like these made Stryder want to become a healer.