Constance

Chapter Two

Monday, 17th of January

That evening....

"Hey Connie. Came to visit Mona?" Alex asked while holding my hand and leading me into his car.

"Yeah, I did. I feel like the more I come here, is the more I feel guilty of her predicament. It's just..."

Alex started the ignition, revved up the engine and drove straight out of the hospital parking lots.

"I mean it's just that she was my best friend..."

"She is my best friend too, you know." Alex interjected.

"And the way you blame yourself about Mona is actually pitiful you know right? Her getting Leukemia isn't anyone's fault. For all we know it could've happened to anyone of us. And as for how things are right now, it is quite unfortunate that it had to be Mona."

After Alex finished pouring out his feelings, I just had to admit that he was correct. I had the foolish habit of blaming myself for the shortcomings of others if I was involved.

Silence was maintained all through the car ride. I knew that I just had to say something.

"I'm sorry Alex. It's my bad. I should've known better than to blame myself for Mona's illness." I said admittedly.

"It's alright Connie. I mean it is painful, but we have to be the best versions of ourselves to make Mona live the rest of her remaining days in happiness." Alex said with his usual cheeky smile.

Slowly pulling up to the front of my porch, Alex gave me a hug goodbye and I alighted from his car, watching as he drove away. 'After all, all he had said was true' was what rang through my brain.

I fished out my keys to open the door, and as usual, Mom wasn't home.

My Mom worked at a real estate agency, where she posed as the head of marketing. She worked mainly at different branches, either from where we lived in Norfolk, or at other branches in Maine, Ohio and Texas maybe. So whenever she's home, I try to savour the time we have together.

As I locked up the door behind me, I turned on the lights in our living room and sat down to watch Netflix. Just then, a text came in from the infamous Alex.

'Hey you' Alex texted.

'Hey. You just practically left my house you know'

'There is no law that says I can't continously check on you, Connie.'

'Weirdo' I said apparently reminiscing the Alex I've known all these time.

'You're going to school tomorrow right?'

'Yeah.... don't forget to come pick me up though.'

'Surely. Yeah, and that reminds me. It's Mona's birthday tomorrow. And I'm sure as hell you know what that means.'

'Obviously moron.' I scoffed to myself.

'Alright then. Goodnight peanut'