Two months had passed since Heloise Lawrence, my best friend, died of leukemia, though I could remember what single thing happened that day...
***
"Isabel!" Maria burst through my kitchen as I was preparing dinner. Surprised, I almost dropped the potato I was holding. I was more surprised when I saw tears in her eyes. "What is it?" I demanded. Maria panted as she blinked to swallow the moisture in her eyes.
"Hel...Heloise...... is..." "Heloise?" I asked sharply. "What about her?" I waited until Maria was breathing evenly again. "Heloise," She said. She was now breathing calmly, but her voice shook a little as she spoke. "Heloise... is... in the.... hospital........... The doctor says.... there's... no... much time.... left." After saying the last sentence, Maria broke into sobs. I could feel my eyes opening wide. It was as if someone had punched me in the face. "What are you talking about?" I finally asked. "We've... got to say... goodbye." Maria said. I felt a lump coming through my throat. "Is she.. going...?" I stuttered stupidly. Maria nodded. "And we've got to hurry!"I nodded, feeling my own eyes watering with tears.
After 30 minutes, Maria and I were entering the Los Angeles Medical Center. Maria and I went to the information desk. A woman with brown hair with curls was sitting there, reading a book. Her name tag said: Eva Smith. I cleared my throat. "We're looking for a patient named Heloise Lawrence," I said. The Woman looked up. She picked up a clipboard and glanced down. "You cannot meet this patient now." She said, in a surprisingly high voice. Maria pushed forward impatiently. "We need to meet her. This is a.... special case." The nurse shook her head. "Sorry, but─" "Look," I said. "We've got to meet her okay? We need to. This is important." Something in my voice made her obey. She led us past a couple of rooms, and into a hallway. She finally stopped in front of a room that said: Emergency room. I gulped. This wasn't good. She let us enter, and bustled out of the room. Mr. Lawrence was there, next to a girl on the bed. We rushed to the girl's side. "Heloise!" I cried. Mr. Lawrence looked and gave us a sad smile. "Oh hello Isabel. Maria." He greeted us. I wasn't paying much attention. I just stared at Heloise. She was breathing heavily, wearing a breathing mask. I felt a sob coming through my throat. "Heloise? Can you hear me? Heloise?" I said,blinking hard not to cry. Heloise's eyelids trembled softly. Mr. Lawrence sighed and said something like, I'll be out for your time. I took Heloise's hand and so did Maria. Heloise eyes were closed, but tears were slipping down her face. After a long silent, Heloise opened her eyes slightly. "Hey guys," She whispered. "I.... just wanna say... bye." Maria burst into tears but I just stared at Heloise's face, possibly too numb to speak or cry. "I'll miss you," I said. Heloise nodded slightly. "Me too. You two were the best friends ever." She said with a small but dreamy smile on her face.
And then she died.
***
At the Funeral, Mr. Lawrence handed me a note. His eyes were blank but he was forcing himself to be cheerful. "Heloise told me to give this to you." He said. I nodded. "Thanks Mr. Lawrence. I'm so sorry about Heloise.... She was the greatest friend I've ever had and...." I couldn't finish my sentence as a tear slipped down my face. "Anyway, I'd better go... I've got to.... do somethings" Mr. Lawrence nodded and gave me a sad smile.
I raced home, because I couldn't stay there anymore. The sobs I stifled at the funeral and were now falling freely on my cheek. People stared at me but I ignored them.
At home, I ran to my room and locked myself in. I cried for at least 20 minutes. All of this was stupid. I cried harder. Then I remembered the note that Mr. Lawrence gave to me. Carefully, I unfolded the note, and read what Heloise wrote to me. My hands trembled a little. It said:
Dearest Isabel,
I know you must be sad, reading this. But you know, don't worry about me. I know everything will end really soon, and I'll miss you. But it's totally fine for me. I mean, we'll always remember each other right? And that's what matters.
Isabel, thanks for being my best friend. You have a special place in my heart, and I love you. You were the best friend ever. You were the first person who's accepted me as a friend even though I was mental. And please don't go sad if I die 'cause everyone has their own way to go. And promise me that you won't cry over me, okay? I love you.
-Miss you, Heloise-
"I'll miss you more." I said. Then I burst out crying, breaking the only promise Heloise asked me to keep.
***
And that was it. Heloise was dead. And I was alone. Of course I had Maria, but something wasn't right. It was as if I'd lose something. It was as if there wasn't anything worth living. It was as if a huge whole had formed in my heart.
Written by. Mackenzie l Luna
Dear readers: Hey. It's Mackenzie and I'm sorry for uploading my story late. I've got a lot of homework to finish. Oh, and I've added "Luna" into my nickname! Someone here have copied my name, and I hope you don't get confused or anything.(You can check my profile if you can't tell which to which) Anyways, I hope you guys have enjoyed today's chapter:)