Pained Hearts

Chapter 6

Authors Note: Hey all… I am sorry it has been almost a month since my last installment. Now that I have two jobs and a BF I was a little busy… Plus I had wicked bad writers block which sucks. But here it is…

As dinner came around the Cobb family refused to let anyone lift a finger to help out. “Come on Jayne, it’d be rude to have our guests workin’… Tomorrow might be another story.” Josh laughed out. Jayne chuckled, knowing full well he was going to be the only one from Serenity doing any of the work Josh was talking about. Everyone was telling jokes and making small talk while they were serving themselves some food. Kaylee was hurrying around the table with two plates trying to get food for Simon and her. “Kaylee, dear, let me help you with that.” Ellie said picking up one of the plates. The two women headed into the house together half smiling.

“So, Mal, Jayne told us you get shot a lot.” James said with a smile. “What’s that like?” Mal looked up at him and smiled. “Well, it is a barrel of fun… You should try it sometime.” He said taking a bite of his biscuit. Mostly everyone burst out laughing leaving Vera and Inara to glare at the men and River who seemed to be shrinking into her seat.

Zoe was the first to notice how pale River was. Sweat was gathering on her knitted brows and her eyes were unfocused. Her voice broke through the men’s laughter. “River honey, are you alright?” The only reply was a small soft whimper.

What’s wrong with her?

She don’t look good…

Ain’t gonna go all fung luh on us is she?

Something isn’t right, she is too pale.

What’s wrong? How come I didn’t notice there was something wrong?

I hope she isn’t ill, that poor child has been through enough.

River whimpered again. All eyes were on her now… Her head snapped to look at each person’s new thoughts, there were too many. Her stomach turned and her eyes started to roll back into her head. Then suddenly her eyes snapped open when she heard Jayne’s voice. “Crazy?” His arm was around her ke