Picking Up the Pieces

Chapter 2

Flashback:

Everything goes in slow motion.

I stare into her sparkling, crystal blue orbs. I watch as a tear leaks out of her eye. I see the emotion, the vulnerability she is trying to hide. It's a sad sight. I hold onto her hand as tightly as humanly possible. I am kneeling next to her, hunched over her fragile, petite frame.

"Please," I whisper.

"Everything will be okay," she lies. I don't say anything; I can't. I mean, it's not every day your sister dies on you. I'm still in full fledged shock. She was so young, so careless, so happy. Her eyes were always glimmering with joy. She was so blessed. Everyone loved her, she was so caring, kind, and gentle. She was my everything. I feel the urge to rip my hair out and scream at the top of my lungs, but I know that will only make matters worse. So many mixed emotions. I can feel my heart breaking, shattering into millions of little pieces. Broken. That's what I am.

A small smile tugs at the right side if her lip, "I will miss you Mel. Just remember that I love you and will always be right here for you," she states, reaching over and lightly pressing her trembling hand over my heart. That's when I break. I begin sobbing and chocking on my own tears. This can't be happening! It can't! She can't die on me! She just can't! Why lord? Why me? Why Lily? Why?! I silently pray to God.

"I love you too," I fake a smile and squeeze her hand reassuringly. I hear the slow, steady beats of her heart monitor. I take one last look at her; what used to be long, silky brown hair, now complete baldness, sparkling, crystal blue eyes, small nose, high cheekbones, and thin pale pink lips. (And she is still the most beautiful person I've ever seen!) Although, I can also see her pale, color drained face and the pain in her eyes as she winces with every intake of breath. I know she is trying to be stable for me. I know it's hard for her, which makes me insane. It should be ME reassuring her! That's not how it works! UGGGHHHH!!! I HATE CANCER!!! STUPID CANCER!!! LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO ME, TO HER!!! YOU HAVE MESSED MY FAMILY UP AND I WISH YOU COULD JUST DIE AND DISSOLVE, FADE AWAY, JUST GO AWAY AND BURY YOURSELF IN A HOLE, FOR ALL I CARE!!! LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE! WHAT HAS SHE DONE TO YOU?

Breath, Melody, breath. I unclench my eyes, hoping I didn't worry Lily. I push that thought away and focus on what really matters.

I lean down to pull her in for a hug, grasping her tightly against my body as if as long as I am holding her, death can't take her away.

"Mel?" She asks as softly into my hair. "Will you promise me one thing?" she sniffles. I can't help the smile that suppresses my face. I would do anything for her. I am just glad I can help her in some way.

"Sure," I respond gently, stroking her head where her hair used to be, eagerly waiting for what is about to come out of her mouth. She hesitates for a second and then begins to speak.

"I left the money in the..." She trails off, pretending to die a dramatic death.

"Ha ha, very funny," but I can't help the smirk that has placed itself upon my face.

"Will you try not to worry about me," she waits a few seconds, looking at me with questioning eyes, as if asking for my approval to continue speaking. I nod, gesturing for her to get on with it. "I will be in a better place, in better hands. I will always be looking down at you, smiling, laughing, and crying, along your side. Mainly laughing because of your clumsiness, but you get the point," she tries to lighten the mood.

"Anything for you Lil," I smile and ruffle the top of her head where her hair used to be. I sigh sadly.

"Oh, by the way, a few months ago, I kind used your toothbrush to get the dirt of of my shoe," she smiled weakly.

"You rascal!" I gasp and dramatic place my hand over my heart. "You wouldn't?!"

"Oh, but I did!" But, I can't stay mad at my little sister, my only sister.

Suddenly, I hear a faint, continuous buzz. That's when her eyes flutter shut. NO! I begin to cry on her sleeve. Its over...She's really...dead. I feel the salty tears stream down my face until there is none left. I sniffle some more and feel like throwing up. I feel...empty. Lily was a big piece of my heart. Now that piece is gone... And so is Lily.