Why?

Chapter 11

I opened my eyes and groaned. I was so tired...Ugh. I didn't want to go to school today. I sighed.

"You're awake!" I heard Cody's voice yell excitedly. I woke up then, surprised by him.

"What the hell are you doing in my house?! Have you been stalking me?!" I shouted. Then I looked around. I wasn't in my room...I was in a... hospital room. It wasn't all a nightmare. And I hated it all... "Oh. I'm sorry. I forgot..." I said quietly. I put my head down, and his smile vanished. He walked over and sat on the side of the bed.

"It's okay. Everyone takes time to get used to this." He said with a sad smile. He patted my hand, and I smiled back.

"I love you." I said quietly. Then I realized how bad I must look. I pulled my hand away and reached for my hairbrush that was on the table next to my bed. I picked it up and reached up for my hair. I didn't feel anything...weird... I touched my head again, and just felt my scalp. I was...bald.

Cody watched as my face fell, and his did too.

"Why...?" I asked, and he knew what I was asking about. He looked sorry for me as he spoke.

"The doctors shaved your head because you're going to have...chemotherapy...and they thought it would be best to shave your head before you start so it's not all patchy." He answered. I looked down. I had lost all of it! My beautiful hair! I couldn't believe it...

But even though I was sad, I put on a smile and pushed through it.

It's ok. It's only hair, that's all. Am I allowed to get out of bed?" I asked him, and he nodded, "Great! Then let's go to the hospital cafeteria and get ice cream!" I smiled and got out of bed. As soon as I had turned my back to Cody, my smile vanished. I was trying to act happy for him because this wasn't that bad, I was just attached to my hair. But I kept smiling until my mouth ached, and my jaw hurt from fake laughing so much.

I was going to have to get used to it because I'm sure there was worse stuff coming.