My Happy Ending

chapter sixteen

Chapter Sixteen. 

The weeks continue to proceed and everyone's lives carry on as normal. I've come to a realization that life will never halt for anyone, no matter the circumstances. As much as I desire to return to the way things had previously been, I know that nothing is the same anymore and it never will be.

It's been three weeks since I have discovered the shattering news of Laiken Kerrivan, and that also happens to be the last conversation we have shared. I often spot him in the hallways at school, chatting and laughing amongst his friends, continuing with his life as if nothing could possibly be wrong. I can notice the large effect he has on the people around him, and I find it extremely heartbreaking to imagine a world without Laiken Kerrivan, not just for me, but for all the lives that he has made a difference in.

It's a great struggle to brush by him in the hallways, acting as if every moment that I'm unable to be with him isn't damaging me. It's an even superior challenge to know of the limited time he has left because of his weakening heart, and there is nothing I can do to change that.  

***

My body is sprawled out across the couch in my living room, my eyes glued to the television hanging above the fireplace. My eyes wander to Matty as he exits the kitchen with a large bowl of chips bundled under his armpit while his hands are occupied by two tall glasses of milk. He gently rests the cups onto the table before taking a seat alongside me on the sofa.

"What are we watching?" Matty asks as he throws a handful of chips into his mouth.

"A documentary about the second World War," I reply.

"That sounds exciting," Matty says with sarcasm.

I grab a chip from the bowl and toss it towards Matty, striking him in the chest. He rolls his eyes at my immaturity but I watch as an amused smile creeps onto his face.

"Let's do something exciting," Matty suggests.

"Nah," I reply. "I'm not really up for it."

"Liberty, you haven't left your house in days," Matty argues.

Just as he finishes his sentence, the door bursts open, revealing a sodden Charity May in the doorway. Water drips from her clothing, but a large smile is still beaming across her face.

"Whoa, it's really pouring out there!" She remarks as she unzips her jacket.

I raise my eyebrows at her in confusion, wondering her reasoning for standing in my house without prior confirmation of her visit.  

"Hey," I greet her, sounding baffled.

Charity joins Matty and me in the living room, taking a seat on the couch across from us. She reaches over the table, digging her hand into the bowl and grabbing a large handful of chips which she shoves carelessly into her mouth.