Living the In Between

Chapter 1

September 15

Messenger via Instagram | 9:30 PM

@leilayasmin_02
Hey! You up?

@itsannie
Yeah. Why?

@leilayasmin
You up for some ice cream?
My treat!

@itsannie
Yeah sure.
See you in five at the convenience store down the block.

Seen 9:31 PM

The Store 24/7 | 9: 36 PM

I enter the store where me and Leila are supposed to meet for ice cream. Her chat was unexpected so I didn't bother dolling myself up. Plus, it's already late so there won't be a lot of people here. I just wore my gray oversized sweatshirt underneath my plain shirt and cotton shorts. I brought with me my apartment's key, phone, and wallet.

I roam my eyes around the store to look for Leila. I immediately see her standing in front of the freezer where the ice cream's located, spacing out. I walk towards her and tap her shoulders to stop her momentum. She must've really been out of the ordinary 'cause she's surprised to see me in front of her.

"Hi! What's up?" I ask and check her face for changes for me to distinguish what's wrong but there's none. She smiles at me and hang her arm around my shoulders, bringing me closer to her. Her usual movement whenever we're together. She shrugs and open the freezer's door so she could choose a flavor. "Well, typical days. Studying and going home. Nothing out of the ordinary. You? How are you?"

"What flavor do you want? Cookies 'n cream? The usual?" She asks. I turn to look at her and gave her a smirk. I put down the cookies 'n cream flavored ice cream and got the coffee crumble instead. I've been craving for this flavor for weeks now but I'm too lazy to go out and get some. Good thing Leila asked me out tonight so I get to satisfy my week-long craving. She smiled at me and got the mango graham flavored one and we both walk towards the counter to pay for it. As soon as we got the change from the cashier, we find ourselves comfortable sitting beside the store's window. Watching the raindrop pour one after another. We didn't even realized it's raining.

We start to dig in in our ice cream while catching up about each other's lives. Leila and I talked for hours nonstop. We even had to get another refill of our ice cream 'cause we couldn't have enough. "Why don't we call Enzo to join us? He misses you terribly you know." Leila's facial expression changed upon the mention of Enzo. From her big smile, it turns to a grim line. "Is there any problem? I mean, you and Enzo? He's been asking me lately about you."

"Nothing. We just had a misunderstanding. That's all. No need to worry about us." She gave me a small smile and turn to eat her refilled ice cream. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from saying anything that could ruin tonight's mood. I don't want this night to end badly. I knew Leila's having a hard time lately because she rarely calls during this time of the night. But I just couldn't bare watching her keeping it away from me. We are best friends after all.

"I get that you don't want to share anything right now but I'm always here for you, okay? You could always call me and I'll answer just like the old times... I won't force you to tell me anything, but I'm just a little worried. Worried about you and Enzo, about us." I reach for her hand placed on the table and squeeze it lightly, to assure her that everything's gonna be okay. And that I'm always available for her and Enzo.

She returns my smile and hold my hand above hers. "You too. I'm here... but I couldn't promise I'd be available to talk to everyday. But if anything comes up, I'll surely let go of everything and come running to you. Just hit me up like always." I bit the inside of my cheeks to control my tears. There's just so much that's been happening around us lately but I'm lucky to have this connection with her and Enzo. A connection I'd sacrifice anything for just to save it.

Leila and I spent another two hours talking about random things before we decided to part ways. The direction her house at is opposite to mine so we bid our goodbyes when we reached the street that connects each of our direction. It's not too dark to walk alone and security often roam around this time of the night so it's safe to take a walk. The street lights gave off enough light for me to see the quiet homes. I look up to see the crescent moon shine at its brightest during the night along with the countless stars blinking like head lights.

I hug myself as the cold night breeze brush off through the fabric of my sweatshirt and tshirt until it reached my skin, making me shiver. As the wind blows harder this time, I let it take my mind and wander my thoughts elsewhere. Taking the chance to think of another plot to write about. It's been weeks that I couldn't come up with anything, and it's getting frustrating.

After minutes of silently walking, I finally reached my apartment. I take my keys from my pocket and open the door to it. As I enter the usual quiet safe space of mine, all the frustrations and pressure come running inside my mind like horses in a race. I close my eyes and take my slippers off, not turning the lights on. The light from the moon's visible from my window, giving me enough light to see through the dark walls of my apartment. I lie myself down the couch and cover my eyes with my arm above my head. I wasn't even productive today yet I feel exhausted and tired. I exhale a large breath and let myself overthink, like what I do every night.

3:00 AM

"Doctor, how's my daughter?"

"The results of the MRI haven't come out yet, we still have to wait for it before I make my diagnosis. But I'm guessing she's experiencing signs of tumor. I'll do what I can."

"Tumor? How? I mean why her? Why my daughter?"

"I can't explain anything as of now because we're still waiting for the results. But I suggest you take a time to breathe and calm yourself ma'am. Please excuse me."

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