My Happy Ending

chapter nineteen

Chapter Nineteen: Laiken and me

My eyes leisurely unlock, revealing a radiant beam that gleams into my bedroom from the tiny cracks in my curtains. My mind is initially very unclear, but as I grow more alert of my surroundings, my head clears as memories are recollected.

My fingers lightly brush along my smiling lips, remembering the gentle touch of Laiken's tender kiss. I recall the acceleration of my heartbeat as he gazed down at me before letting his lips fall to mine. An excited smile beams across my face as I imagine his striking face that never ceases to create my happiness.

After several minutes of finding comfort in my soothing bed, I slip from the warm bed sheets and drag myself into the bathroom. I hop into a quick shower, refreshing myself as the warm water falls against my skin. Afterwards, I clothe myself in a pair of black legging an old Nirvana t-shirt that Alex had owned.

I then rush downstairs and enter into my living room where I sprawl across the couch. I throw a blanket over my body as I begin to read the legendary book, "To Kill a Mocking Bird." I've found the novel to be tremendously sensational, for it outlines the importance of equality as it follows the story of a family and the struggle their community faces with racism. It's an overall beautiful novel that instantly captivates me with its intriguing plot line and moving message.

Upon completing half of the novel, a pounding knock on the front door interrupts my deep concentration, removing me from the fantasy world of the novel. I uneasily haul myself from the couch and heave my body towards the door. I draw back the front door with expectations of my parents in the entrance, returning home from their common Saturday grocery shopping. However, my expectations are incorrect. I instead find myself looking at a dazzling boy who very dearly holds my heart.

A tiny smile plays on Laiken's mouth. "Good morning," he says with his calm tone.

Laiken leans his body forward and gently presses his lips to my cheek. He then rests his hand on my mid-back as he follows me into my home. Once we enter into the front porch of my house, Laiken removes the black beanie from his head and shoves it into the pocket of his dark blue jacket.

Laiken's eyes glance from my lazy outfit to the book that lies on the couch in the living room. An amused smirk falls across his face in response.

"I see that you're having an exciting day," Laiken comments with sarcasm.

"Well, I wasn't exactly expecting any visitors," I respond.

"Surprises are my specialty," Laiken says, humorously, although I'm aware that he's also referring to the massive shock of his illness.

"You're a dork," I jokingly respond.

Without a moment of indecision, Laiken leaps towards me. A startled scream falls from my mouth as Laiken throws his arms around my knees and lifts me off the ground, flinging my body over his shoulder. His grip tightens around me as he begins to sprint up the stairs, approaching my open bedroom. Laiken gently drops me to fall onto my bed, causing me to erupt in laughter. He too hurls himself onto the bed, half of his body landing on top of me, but he makes sure not to crush me beneath him. We both fall into hysteria as he attacks my body with tickles, causing me to squirm and kick in response.

"Take it back!" Laiken demands, providing me an opportunity to give up.

"You're a very cute dork," I scream in defense.

Laiken halts his attack and nods his head at my reply. "That's better."

He then leans downward and very rapidly pecks his lips against mine, sending a wave of excitement through my body. He then rolls away from me and moves upwards to rest his head on the pillow. I crawl up behind him, curling up beside him on the bed. He drapes his arm over my body, pulling me closer towards him. I gaze directly into his dazzling brown eyes, admiring the twinkle in them as they stare back at me.

"I have an MRI on Wednesday," he announces through a quiet voice.

My heart feels as if it halts for a brief second. Worry and panic washes throughout me, but I attempt to remain calm and collected as I process the meaning of his news.

"They're going to check the current condition of my tumor," he further explains.

"Can I come?" I ask.

"Liberty, I don't want you to see me like-" Laiken begins to refuse, but I instantly cut him off.

"Laiken, I want to be there," I reply, firmly and confident in my desire.

Laiken looks over at me for a few seconds longer before nodding his head in reply. I then reach downwards and grab onto his hand, locking my fingers through his.

"I'm going to be here through all of it," I tell him. "We're going to do this together."

Laiken simply nods his head once again before leaning forward, pressing his lips against mine. He raises his hand to rest on my cheek as our lips continue to move together. As we pull away, I curl my head to dig into his chest, while his hands wrap around my body. We linger in this position for the remainder of the day, appreciating the stillness and peace of each other's presence.

"Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. It's knowing you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through no matter what. You rarely win, but sometimes you do." - Spoken by Atticus Finch, by Harper Lee, To Kill A Mocking Bird.