The Battle Across The Universe

Chapter 47: Saying Good Bye Is Worse

December 25th was Fawn's birthday. It was both a happy and sad occasion. Fawn loved having her friends and family around, but she kept crying the whole day. All she could think about was how it was her last Christmas/birthday that she would ever have.

A few days later Fawn cried as she walked into the living room. Isabella was already in there eating breakfast, the cat eating with her. Isabella sat up as Fawn walked in.

"What's wrong?" Isabella asked.

Fawn sniffled. "I...I didn't get any sleep last night... At all. No matter how hard I tried..." She took a deep breath. "It's happening. It's...it's happening today or tomorrow... Either way it's happening..."

Isabella swallowed hard as she tried not to cry. "Then I guess we'll make today count."

~~~~

Fawn went around to everyone she knew and loved to say good-bye. She and Isabella planned the whole day out.

"I'm driving," Isabella said. "You need to sleep."

"I can't," Fawn said pathetically.

"Well, either way, I don't think you're in any condition to drive. Okay?"

Fawn nodded as she sighed. "Yeah."

Isabella kissed Fawn on the forehead. "I'm sorry, but today's going to be worse than your birthday..."

"I know." Fawn's voice cracked as she spoke.

~~~~

Isabella drove Fawn to her sister's house. Fawn had tested beforehand asking if they could meet up there and if they could invite a couple other people. Given the circumstances Layla said yes.

Fawn and Isabella pulled up to Layla's house. There were a couple more cars in the driveway than normal.

Fawn started to cry again. She didn't want to say good bye. It'd be too real...

Isabella got out of the car, walked around, and opened Fawn's door. She knelt down next to her. "Hey, baby." She put her hand on Fawn's face. "It's okay... It's gonna be okay..."

Fawn shook her head. "I don't believe that... We're all just gonna talk and avoid saying it... When I leave...we're all gonna cry... I don't want to just leave... But this is gonna be Hell, too..."

Isabella started crying as well. "I know... But you won't be going through it alone. I'll be here... I'll be here if you need me..."

Fawn smiled. "Thank you," she whispered.

Fawn and Isabella walked up to the house and knocked. Layla opened the door with a smile, her eyes already filling up with tears.

"Hey, sis," Layla said. She sniffled. "Wanna come in?"

Fawn nodded. "I'd love to."

Inside Fawn was met by Tyler, Achaana, and Alsoomse. In a crib in the corner baby Amaiya was sleeping. After saying hello to everyone Fawn sat next to the crib, staring down at Amaiya.

"You can hold her later," Layla said to Fawn. "When she wakes up."

Fawn nodded. "I would like that."

Layla put her hand on Fawn's shoulder. "Food's almost ready. I'll come back out when it is."

"Thank you."

Layla walked away.

Fawn kept staring at Amaiya, her niece that she had only known a short time. She loved her, more than she loved herself. She would do anything to protect her.