Dying To Save The Main Character

I was setting the bowl of iron-rich protein milkthe kind that smelled faintly metallic and never seemed to warm you upon the kitchen counter for my sister when the blood gushed from my nose.

I grabbed a paper towel and pinched my nostrils shut, bracing myself against the island. But it was too late. The crimson spill had already hit the white tile. And as it did, a strange, electric current of text flashed across my vision.

It was The comments.

Perfect. Two more bleeds and the side character finally kicks the bucket.

Thank God. Once shes gone, the main girl wont have to keep giving blood and choking down that nasty recovery sludge.

My hand, holding the blood-soaked tissue, froze. The side character? Was that me?

Was I going to die?

Poor little Ella. Shell be sad when her sister dies, but its a necessary sadness.

They were right. Ella cried if I just scraped my knee.

The sadness is temporary. Without her anchor sister dragging her down, she can go to the best schools, meet the hero who heals her, and live happily ever after.

Ella would be happy? She would have a good life?

Then it was fine. If I was going to die, then it was all for the best.

1.

Ella, who was hunched over her textbooks on the worn sofa, rushed over the moment she saw the blood.

Aria! What happened?

She was frantic, practiced. She deftly tilted my head, applied pressure, and guided me to sit at the small dining table.

The Comments were mocking the scene.

My heart breaks for the sweet little thing. Born to be the sisters blood bag, and still so devoted.

Why wont the side character just die already? Stop dragging the whole family down.

Seriously. Ellas a senior. Its crunch time for college applications, and she wont even board at school for evening study because of her.

Ella, a blood bag? No. She was the one wed all waited for, the miracle baby born into a life of expectation and love. But they had a point: I was the weight that was sinking her future.

I pulled my hand away from Ella, who was reaching for my clotting medication, and smiled a reassuring, tired smile.

Im fine, El. Just rubbed my nose too hard. My voice was soft, but steady. Im doing so much better, sweetheart. You dont need to hover over me all the time.

I squeezed her hand. You only have a few months until your exams. Please, go back to the campus dorms and focus.

Ellas face hardened, her expression suddenly mature and stubborn. Absolutely not. I went back for three days last month, and you nearly bled out. You ended up in the ER.

She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly. You are the most important thing to me, Aria. Nothing comes before you. Nothing.

I didnt argue. What was the point? Once I was gone, Mom and Dad would have no choice but to send her back.

Later that night, Ella went to pick up Mom from her late shift. I slipped out to take the trash to the bins, but as I passed the fire exit stairwell, I heard their hushed, broken voices.

Its all my fault. I was too sick to terminate the pregnancy back then. Why did I let our little Ella be born into all this hardship?

Moms voice, usually a fortress of strength, was choked with tears. Your father and I would gladly take care of Aria for the rest of our lives, but we cant let her ruin yours.

We have to bank blood for your sister every month. How much is that draining you? Her voice dropped to a desperate whisper. Do you want to spend the rest of your life tied to a burden? This is going to destroy your future.

I stood still, paralyzed, my chest contracting painfully. They were right. All of it was my fault. To stabilize my rare, crippling clotting disorder, my father, Rob, worked the hardest, longest construction jobs miles away, rarely coming home. Mom took every double shift she could get. And Ellamy brilliant, focused little sisterrefused to apply to any college that wasnt within commuting distance.

My sisters response was a fierce, audible roar.

Mom! How can you say that? Ellas voice was as clear and ringing as a bell. I only have one sister. She is not a burden. She is my most important person.

Her tone softened but remained resolute. Wherever Aria goes, I go.

My hand rested lightly on the cold stairwell handle. I will not ruin her. I closed my eyes and whispered a silent promise into the stale night air.

Im dying soon. And then, Ella, your life will finally be yours.

2.

I pushed the door open, trying to mask the tremor in my hands. The two of them jumped, their faces registering a fleeting moment of guilt and panic.

I forced a cheerful grin. Mom, El, what are you two doing out here?

Seeing that I hadnt overheard anything, they relaxed slightly. Ella came forward and grabbed my hand. I watched Mom quickly wipe the corners of her eyes behind Ellas back.

We were just talking about Dad, Ella chirped, her eyes shining. Hes coming home soon! Arent you excited, Sis?

I looked at the genuine excitement in her eyes. It was pathetic how little time my father got to spend with his favorite daughter because he was constantly chasing money for my care.

Lets celebrate, I suggested lightly. We should bake him something. A surprise.

Mom and Ella walked with me to the trash cans. The Comments immediately sprang to life, a fresh wave of vitriol.

Wouldnt it be nice? If she wasnt a leech, Ella and her parents could have a normal, happy life.

Its a pity. Why isnt the side character dead yet?

I curse her to an early grave.

Curse her to an early grave +1.

+10,000.

I curse Aria Sullivan to an early grave +1. I silently added myself to the list.

I walked a few paces behind them, watching Mom and Ella under the flickering streetlight. From a distance, they looked like any ordinary, happy mother and daughter. But look closely, and the truth was heartbreaking. Ella was pale and too thin. Mom, barely in her early forties, was already hunched and silver-haired. I remembered the pictures from the factory Christmas partiesMom, the undisputed "Factory Rose," the one Dad was always playfully jealous of. Now, she was a frail, hollowed-out woman, worn down by worry and financial strain.

I was the reason. I was the wreckage.

In our shared bedroom, I lay on the bottom bunk, watching the halo of light spill from the top one, listening to the soft scratch-scratch of Ellas pen. She was brilliant, disciplined, and infinitely better than me in every way. The local State University, where I was enrolled, was beneath her. She deserved so much more.

Ella, I whispered into the dark. Im sorry. You could have gone to Stanford.

The sound of her writing stopped. I heard a sharp, suppressed sob above me, followed by the soft sound of a book closing. A minute later, the light went out, and the mattress creaked.

Ella was climbing down.

Like we used to when we were kids, we curled up together in the same small bed, whispering our deepest secrets.

Aria, youre the most important thing, she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder.

Once I start college, I can go to the library with you, we can get part-time jobs together, we can shop, we can build a future that belongs just to us. Any other future, no matter how good, is worthless if youre not in it.

Her voice cracked. Besides, medical science is advancing so fast. In a few years, theyll probably have a cure for you.

We gripped each others hands, our tears soaking the same pillow.

But I knew I wouldnt make it. The only comfort was that time heals all wounds. Once I was gone, once Mom and Dad and Ella were finally free of this terrible weight, they would forget this difficult time. They would move on.

The next Saturday afternoon was Ellas birthday. I took the cash from my part-time job and paid for a proper photoshoot for her. When the photographer suggested we take one together, I quickly agreed. Deep down, I was selfish. I wanted to leave them something, a memory, so they wouldnt forget me entirely.

I was in the changing room when my legs suddenly gave out. I stumbled, barely catching myself on the vanity. The floor was instantly splashed with vivid, startling blood.

I frantically wiped it up with a towel and swallowed two clotting pills.

Second time! Second time! The Comments were celebrating.

Universal rejoicing. The third time has to be soon.

It does. If the side character dies before Ellas next blood donation, it wont affect her exams.

Die! Die! Die!

One more time? At this rate, I had maybe a week. I wouldnt need Ellas blood donation. That really was good news.

But then, a raw, cold spike of fear pierced through me. The fear of oblivion. Tears, hot and traitorous, spilled down my cheeks. My hands started to shake uncontrollably.

Dont be afraid. Dont be afraid.

I huddled on the floor, trying to soothe the panic.

Knock, knock, knock.

Aria? Are you ready?

I scrambled up, desperate to clean the last traces of blood, but Ella pushed the door open just as I stood.

3.

Aria, what is it?

She saw my tear-streaked face, my hand clamped over my bleeding nose, and the other hand desperately trying to hide the crimson-stained towel. She rushed forward and gently helped me to my feet.

Whats going on? Is the bleeding constant? Were going to the hospital! I have to give you blood right now, or youll die!

Massive blood loss meant no oxygen to the brainyou either end up severely disabled or dead. I knew the drill. But I held her back, pulling the blood-soaked tissue away from my nose.

Its okay, El. It stopped. Lets just finish the pictures, then well go.

Ellas eyes narrowed with suspicion. I smiled weakly.

No, really. It still happens easily, but it clots much faster now. Maybe maybe Im actually getting better? It was a lie. I was just so anemic that there wasnt much blood left to bleed.

Her eyes instantly flooded with delighted surprise. Really? Oh, thank God! Thats amazing!

After the shoot, we were walking down a quiet side street on our way home, Ella excitedly going through the photo proofs, when two stumbling, drunken men appeared from the shadow of a nearby corner bar.

Well, well. Look at the two little ladies.

Come on, girls. Come have a drink with the boys.

They moved toward us. I quickly shoved Ella behind me and turned to run toward the main road.

The men yelled curses behind us. Why are you running? We were being nice calling you over.

Fucking ungrateful little bitches.

I kept pulling Ella, but one of the men hurled a beer bottle. It hit Ellas shin with a sickening thud.

Ah! Ella screamed, collapsing to the ground. As the two men closed the distance, I snatched up the broken neck of the bottle. My hand was shaking as I held the razor-sharp glass out toward them.

Stay back! I screamed.

The men sauntered closer, savoring the fear on our faces, like predators toying with their prey. Ella used her good leg to frantically shove me away. Aria, run! Go! Dont worry about me!

I couldnt leave her.

The men were close enough that I could smell the stale beer and sweat radiating off them. I saw a hand clamp down on Ellas arm.

Without a second thought, I plunged the jagged glass neck into the attackers throat.

He screamed and stumbled, shoving me to the ground in his desperate flailing. My wrist landed hard on a patch of broken ceramic, slicing open the skin above my artery. Bright, shocking blood immediately began to stream out.

The screams brought out neighbors and passersby. Someone called the police. Someone else called 911.

I woke up in a hospital bed to the sound of Ellas desperate sobs beside me.

I tried to smile, though my lips felt numb. Dont cry, El. I finally got to protect you, didnt I?

Then, the world went dark.

Had I died?

The next second, The comments scrolled again.

Too bad. She didnt die.

The evil that men do lives after them. The side character has nine lives.

I slowly focused on the fluorescent light of the hospital room. A nurse was changing the dressing on my arm. She sighed sympathetically when she saw I was awake.

You have a severe clotting disorder. You were this close to not making it. She shook her head. Its a good thing your sister fought to give you a transfusion. Honestly, it was a life-for-a-life scenario.

My heart lurched. I grabbed the nurses hand. Where is my sister? How is she doing?

Calm down, the nurse said gently. Shes next door, still sleeping, but your mother just arrived.

I immediately tried to struggle out of bed, managing to walk the few unsteady steps to the room next door. Through the glass, I saw Mom sitting by Ellas bedside, gently stroking her hair, her eyes glistening with tears.

As if sensing my presence, Mom looked up. I pushed the door open and started toward the bed.

Mom!

The sound of my name was cut short by the sharp, stinging slap of my mothers hand across my face. I gripped the edge of Ellas bed to keep from falling, looking up at the furious, exhausted expression on her face.

4.

Moms hand was still shaking. She looked at me, her voice a raw, desperate rasp.

Why couldnt you just stay put?

She was hysterical, her breath catching in her throat. You knew you were sick! Why did you have to go out? Were you trying to make your sister risk her life for you?

Tears streamed down her face. She has done so much for you. Why cant you have a little pity on her?

She sank onto the chair, covering her eyes.

Why did I give birth to a parasite? she whispered, the words like shattered glass. Why cant you just die? Why are you still alive?

I stood frozen, staring first at my sisters pale, lifeless face, and then at my mother, who looked a thousand years old.

Shes right. Why am I still alive?

I drew a deep, shuddering breath and sank to my knees at my mothers feet. I bowed my head until my forehead met the cool tile floor.

I heard my mothers choked sobs stop abruptly.

Mom, I said, my voice barely audible, thick with genuine emotion. Im so sorry. I know how hard you, Dad, and Ella have struggled these past years because of me.

I looked straight at her, engraving her tired, loving face in my memory, as if Id never see it again.

It was my luck to have you. But I have only brought you misfortune. I am truly sorry for being born.

I pushed myself up and walked out. The moment the door clicked shut behind me, blood gushed from my nose again. I pressed my thin sleeve to my face, but it was immediately soaked through.

The comments was back, jubilant.

The final one! The final one! Thirty minutes, tops! The side character is done!

Thirty minutes? That was enough time to do one last thing.

I found the doctor who had managed my case for years. I signed the organ donation agreement and the consent form for my body to be used for medical research.

The doctor looked at me with profound pity. Are you absolutely sure, Aria?

I nodded. Please, wire the payment to my mothers account. Ella is still out, so please dont tell Mom yet. She wont be able to handle it.

A few minutes later, I was floating above the operating theater, watching my own lifeless body being placed on a gurney. I watched the team prepare the recipient who was waiting for my heart.

The successful donation would bring in a hundred thousand dollarsenough to clear our family debt and finally send Ella to the prestigious university she deserved.

I followed my body, now covered by a sheet, toward the operating room, but a new movement caught my attention. Mom.

Excuse me, which room is my daughter, Aria Sullivan, in?

The nurse checked her records, confused. Aria Sullivan? Her records have been cleared. She must have been discharged.

I saw the sudden guilt and panic on Moms face. Discharged? How could she be? Its my fault. I shouldnt have yelled at her. She must be angry.

Mom, Im not angry.

Just then, Mom passed the gurney. The white sheet had somehow lifted at the edge, revealing my ashen face.

Moms footsteps faltered. I tried to float forward and block the view, forgetting I was just a transparent soul.

5.

Ella I mean, Ella Sullivans relative? Ellas awake.

The nurse watching Ella called Mom away. Mom, startled, glanced at my gurney one last time, then rushed off in the other direction, heading with relief toward Ellas room.

I followed them, feeling a massive wave of relief that Mom hadnt seen my body. The shock of my death, following her outburst and the fear for Ella, would have been too much for her.

My body was wheeled into the operating room. The organ harvest was about to begin.

Anxious about Ella, I drifted into her room, where Mom was sitting by the bedside, listening to her recount the events of the previous night.

I took a seat across from them. Ellas face was still a deathly white from blood loss, and she was shaking, reliving the terror.

Aria took me out for birthday pictures, and we ate at my favorite bistro, Ella explained, grasping Moms hand. But on the way home, two drunk thugs cornered us.

Moms face was a mask of shock. She hadnt known the full story, only rushing to the hospital straight from her shift.

And and then?

Ella squeezed her hand for reassurance. They hurt my leg first, then they rushed up to drag me away. But Aria protected me.

I sat by her side, gently running my incorporeal hand through her hair. I was the one who was dying. Of course, I protected you.

I told her to run, that I was already hurt, that we couldnt both die there.

Ella started to sob. But she wouldnt. She pulled me behind her and fought them.

She stabbed one of them, but then she got pushed, and her wrist hit the broken glass. The blood it just poured out. If those people hadn't called the police, we both would have died.

Ella looked frantically at Mom. Mom, where is Aria? Is she okay? What happened to her?

Moms eyes filled with shame. Aria woke up before you. She came to see you, but I I made a mistake.

She buried her face in her hands. I was so angry and scared, I yelled at her. I didnt even let her explain. She must have been so weak, and she checked herself out and walked home. What if she collapsed on the street?

Go home, Mom, Ella urged. Im awake now. You need to go find Aria and bring her back. And maybe bring me some lunch.

Mom nodded, preparing to leave, when the hospital room door burst open. Two police officers strode in, their expressions grim.

The leading officer spoke in a cold, professional tone. Who is Ella Sullivan?