“What’s your plan for the weekend?” Laying with my back down on my plush carpet in the middle of my room facing Bailey who’s in the same position with me only that her legs are crossed resting on my bed.
“Not sure. Mom and dad is coming in tonight and I have to be home.” Her brows furrow. “I don’t know how long they’ll be in town that’s why I want to spend every second with them.”
I could hear the sadness and longing in her voice as I watch her. I know she tries to put up a front for it but sometimes her iron wall crumble. Not having my parents near me will surely kill me. She’s such a strong person to grow up surrounded by nannies and housekeepers most of her life.
“What about you?” she eyed me smiling.
“I don’t know.” propping my hands behind my head facing up.
“You sure about that because I bet Austin has otherwise to say.”
“He does NOT have a say in my life and besides I’m hoping he reject my proposal and find
someone else to tutor him.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.” Her body movement got me checking on her.
"Mmhmmm" she turns to her side facing me, her head under her knuckle fist.
“What?! I’m being serious here.”
“Oh I believe you.” She lay back down amused. “Too scared you’ll be the one to break his heart by leaving him.”
“I’m not breaking anyone’s heart Bailey.” I sigh deeply and silence engulfs us. “Look, the plan was to continue living the rest of my senior year like the past years just barely living, barely coping, rarely have any sort of fun or go to parties, you know.” I pause. “But now…”
“But now you seem to be rethinking all that.” She finishes for me and I nod solemnly just noticing she’s no longer on her back anymore but watching me intently.
“What do you want to do now?”
“Many things Bailey, many things. I just want to feel what it actually means to be alive. I don’t know how long I have so if this is my last month alive, I have to make it count.” Sadly she nod in understanding looking at me.
“I get it.” She covers my hand with hers with a reassuring smile. “Have you told him yet?” I shake my head.
“I don’t want to.”
“But he needs to know. What if he finds out?”
“He won’t find out; I’ll make sure of it. Trust me.” I sat on my knee.
“I just need to write down the list of things I need on my list.” I rest my weight on my knees scratching my hair. “Ugh! where did I keep my pen?” I glance around thinking clearly frustrated for no just cause. Oh yes, the table. Standing up I held my reading desk for balance. Is it just me or am I having dizzy spell?
“Babe! are you okay?” she sits up watching me in a frown.
“Prrft, I’m fine just need to write this down.” But it didn’t stop her from watching me sit down picking up my pen and writing. After some time, I could still feel her watching me wearily.
I guess if see your best friend frequent the hospital like a movie date instead of the actual date, you tend to get worried more than usual. I cannot forget the memory of how we met. Mom and dad was about to refuse an invite because I fell sick and was almost hospitalized. That scared them a whole lot, but it was dad’s boss party and he had to make an appearance. They both decided to take me along keeping watchful eyes at me. Me, I was just ecstatic I could leave the house and get to dress pretty despite my condition. The party was already full on swing when we got there. Mom and dad were busy with their friends and lonely I went wandering off searching for some fun time. Then I saw her in a poker dot gown with golden curls standing beside the chocolate fountain. At first, I wondered why she just stood there gawking at it instead of to enjoy the rich goodness and that’s when I noticed how small she was, we both were because of our height difference. I went searching for empty seat and finally found, dragging it across the green lawn where the party is being held to the chocolate fountain.
“Here help yourself.” My voice startled her and then she smiles timidly at me muttering a soft thank you. She climbs on the chair dipping two strawberries in it, she turns handing me one with a smile biting on her own. It dawned on me that I just made a friend and a pretty one at that. We had fun throughout the party, running around and playing games as we got to know each other.
I held my head hearing a loud ringing go off, my face squeeze in pains as I groan loudly.
“Babe, please come and lay down. I’m getting worried now. Should I call mom?” And that made me snap.
“I said I’m fine dammit. Go if you are tired already.” The shocked look on her face said I really hurt her feelings.
“Fine. I’m leaving.” She takes one last look at me and stormed off.
What did I just do? Why did I snap at her like that knowing she’s only concerned and trying to help? Angry Tears well in my eyes. I stood up hoping to meet her before she leaves and apologize, this time the migraine came back tenfold making me lose my step and falling.
“Mary-Vienne!” I heard Bailey’s shrill cry rushing to me. She didn’t leave me. I smile at that.
“I’m sorry.” I could feel my eyes tearing up. “I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.” I hear her sniff.
“Stop talking, please”. She cries holding me.
“Mrs. Whyte!” She screams for my mom.
“Please forgive me.” I blink trying to stay conscious. “You forgive me right?” I sniff feeling my voice sound distant to me, she nods crying for me to stay awake.
“Mrs. Whyte!” She screams louder in tears watching my eyes roll back in my head.
“Stay with me. Please babe.” Tears roll down her eyes and a lone tear slip from mine.
“It hurts Bailey.” The migraine increase more tears slipping from my eyes.
“I know, help is coming. Tell me about yourself. Anything, please.” I moan trying to remember something about me feeling her hand brush the hair away from my face.
“Baby?!” mom cries broke my thoughts of reason. Gently she place my head on her thigh speaking to Bailey. It came out faint for me. I groan going in and out of it.
“Get the car ready Bailey and call her dad while at it.” mom says crying. I wonder why I tend to hurt the people I love most.
“Stay with me baby, mommy is here.” Her voice seem to sound distant.
“Open your eyes for me honey.” I feel so tired.
“But I want to sleep. I'm so tired.” She cries harder this time holding onto me tight.
“No baby, please don’t sleep. Stay awake for mummy. Bailey!” I blink fighting the pull dragging me in the dark abyss. Scanning the room confuse.
“Where am I?” it came out hoarse. I close my eyes feeling like a heavy weight sat on my head.
“Your room honey, with me.” I smile faintly hearing her sniffs.
“Help is on the way and dad is on his way here.” Bailey says rushing in but mom paid no mind at her, just rocking me back and forth crying heavily. They both are.
Help? Why do we need help?
“Baby open your eyes for mommy. Please baby open your eyes. Baby! Baby!” That was the last I heard before I felt my body welcome the darkness.