Smile For Me

~1~

Maggie didn't feel anything when she sat down on the edge of the twenty story building. Her heart rate didn't quicken, her breathing didn't speed up. She wasn't afraid, and I think that is what scared her the most. She knew that if anyone else was sitting on the precipice of death, their knees would weaken and pure fear would be radiating off of them. But not Maggie. She knew that all she had to do to was lean forward, a simple movement that could take away the life she had been gifted.

I know what's probably running through your mind. That she's depressed. No, that's not it. Because people like Maggie don't get depressed, they go insane.

*

When Maggie was born her family thought of her as a gift. Her parents cried with tears of joy. Their beautiful baby girl was finally in their arms. Her brother, being no older than four wasn't as overcome with joy, he was however, rather excited. He finally had somebody to share his toys with. So much happiness was in their lives at that moment.

That was sixteen years ago today.

"It's not too late to do something for your birthday you know Maggie" April, Maggie's mother told her, peeling carrots.

"You know I don't like birthdays"

Her mother sighed "I just don't understand you Maggie. You were such a happy child"

"Why would I want to celebrate a year closer to my death?" Maggie asked and her mother just sighed once more and shook her head.

"I'll be in my room" Maggie stated and rushed upstairs.

A soon as the door was shut she retrieved the packet of cigarettes and her lighter from under her mattress and sat on the seat next to the open window, lighting the death stick and taking a long drag. Though the effects of a cigarette don't kick in instantly, as soon as the smoke invaded her lungs she felt a sudden wave of calm wash over her.

It was the habit of smoking that allowed the calm feeling to happen so instantly. It was like having your morning coffee or biting your finger nails. The day doesn't feel right until you have fulfilled the task of completing your habit. Her habit was to smoke when stressed. After several long drags Maggie flicked the butt out the window and stood up.

She heard the doorbell ring but didn't make any attempt to go and answer it, knowing either mum or dad would do so. Usually when she felt as though she had nothing to do, she would go and sit in her brothers room while he played video games. He moved out a few months ago and despite claiming to come and visit as much as he could, he still hadn't bothered.

"Maggie, it's your Aunty Hope and your cousin Delilah. They came to wish you happy birthday!" She heard her dad call.

Delilah and Hope. Two of the many things in life that tend to make it worse. It's almost as though their soul purpose in life was to piss Maggie off, make existence near to unbearable. They were the complete and utter opposite to Maggie, both in looks and personality.

"Well come down then!" Her father shouted.

And so, reluctantly Maggie exited her room and walked downstairs as slow as possible. Not only did Maggie not like Hope or Delilah but neither of them liked Maggie. No one really liked Maggie, besides her immediate family and even they seemed to distant themselves from Maggie. She didn't really seem to mind though, Maggie didn't like them either.

"Finally" her father, Dylan said, Maggie just stood there at the bottom of the stairs, not progressing forward to greet her family.

"Well come over here girl, let me see your face" Her Aunty insisted.