For You

Celebrations

Weeks passed since our spontaneous trip across the country. An announcement had been made to inform the applicants of Lexi's writing program, that the chosen candidates would be contacted shortly. Lexi feigned indifference, but I couldn't ignore the persistent tapping of her foot and chewing of her lip every time she opened her laptop screen. Since there was nothing left to do but wait, I seized every opportunity to distract her. In the chance she wasn't chosen, which I thought was highly unlikely, I introduced her to other options. This didn't have to be the only mean to follow her dreams.

      On one of our free nights, I created a lengthy Power Point presentation listing the many other available programs and the very many reasons that the writing route was the right one to take. All whilst making sure that she continued to see the faith I held in her upcoming acceptance into her dream program. Though I placed great effort in showing her different options, I remained certain that she wouldn't need them. The more I thought about it, the more I believed everything would work out. I suspected the ordeal was part of the bigger plans of my offer. Perhaps I was destined to meet Lexi; destined to change her life for the better, so that she could in turn change the lives of others. She had the tendency to speak little, but her words could make a difference. With the potential I saw in her, I could finally understand why us of all people were given the special opportunity. As much as this was for Lexi, I firmly believed that those who had granted the offer, had the interest of many others at heart. The thought gave me an even greater sense of purpose and a deeper admiration for Lexi.

      As a favor for her parents, Lexi missed Tuesday's morning classes to drive Beau and Lacey to a dentist appointment. The lone drive to school that morning had felt strange, but I supposed I would have to get used to not having her around.

       Spending the morning with Conrad, I realised that I would genuinely miss the boy and his friends. A part of me felt guilty for getting to know the gang. The boys hadn't known me long enough or had created a deep enough bond for them to be deeply affected by my death. But if the roles were reversed, I would be saddened by the news of any of their deaths, and I couldn't help but feel as though I was hurting more people than necessary. No matter my guilty thoughts, I found it rather difficult to have regrets in the presence of such an energetic group. Talking about their party to be held that weekend, the boys were practically bouncing through the halls, and I couldn't help but mirror their mood.

       "You can invite the girl's too" Conrad told me.

       "Alright." I tried to picture Lexi's reaction to my invite. "But I don't know if it's their thing."

       Lexi would certainly have reservations. A gathering of so many people would make her anxious, but if I could help her past that, I knew she would enjoy herself. No matter her decision, she would want me to go, and I was not prepared to waste any of the few days I had left with her. I didn't have much of choice. I would have to convince her. I grimaced at the expected difficulty of the task.

        "Tell them it'll be fun," Conrad urged. "If they don't enjoy it, they can leave. But no one leaves a Conrad Meyer's party unsatisfied."

        Carefully observing his expression, I smirked. "I'll make sure Angela's there."

       Conrad froze. Just as soon as the look of panic appeared on his face, he played it cool, rolling his eyes with feigned indifference.

       "I know your thoughts are stuck on love, but that is certainly not why I'm inviting them. I'm being nice. I am a nice person." Conrad's voice faded as if he was finished, but he took one look at my amused disbelief, and words involuntarily tumbled from his lips. "Really. That's it. My invitation has no hidden agenda. None. Nada. Understood?"