The Boys

cigarette daydream

I am seeing my best friend again. It is Saturday and she's going to be here soon. I did not sleep much last night due to the excitement of seeing her again. I have needed her so much these past few days and she was not physically there to help me. The last time I saw her, it was on the third day back of school. I saw her the two days before that but the whole summer, I spent it inside, shielded from the sun and the stars. Dad locked the doors and the windows, only going out to do the shopping or go to work. He made sure I didn't leave Mum unattended. His intentions, minus the abuse, were good. He and I knew Mum was going to die soon. Her health was dropping violently. Consequently, he made me stay with her as much as possible to look after her. She was the one who had to eat and be bathed and sleep. She was more important than anything.

At the end of August, Mum could not breathe properly one morning so I begged Dad to call an ambulance. He took away my phone at the start of the holidays so my only focus would be Mum. Whenever friends came and knocked on the door, I had to pretend I was not home or told them that I'm too busy looking after Mum. They would understand if I was looking after Mum, they always did. I have missed quite a few school days over the past few years to help Mum out.

I was sat waiting by the front door that morning when Luke passed me on the stairs. I still have not spoken to him since last night. He has no belief in me. He doubts me when I need all the support I can get.

"Eve?" He sits next to me on the stairs.

"Unless you're here to apologise, please leave me alone." I did not look at him. He has gathered I am annoyed at him now and it should stay that way until he says sorry.

"I'm sorry for doubting you yesterday. I wasn't thinking. I was trying to enlighten you of the situation." His body was too close to mine for me to breathe properly.

"You know I need support in this..." I trailed off, checking my phone for any messages that Phoebe would be here.

"I do. And I am sorry for saying what I did. Can we please put this behind us?" He rested his hand on my knee but I shook it off.

"We can talk later about this. Phoebe is going to be here soon." I sighed, ignoring his hurt look. My phone lights up.

11:17 From Phoebe

I'M COMING DOWN YA ROAD BBY

Yes! She's almost here. A few more seconds. I put my coat and shoes on and open the front door to see her car pulling up outside the house. She is out of the car before it even fully stops.

"Evie!" She yelled and ran over to me. She embraces me in the largest hug we have ever shared. She squeezes me with all her strength and even lifts me up a bit. She's a gymnast so she does have her strength.

"I missed you so much, Evie." Phoebe cries a little.

"You have no idea how much I missed you, too, Phee." I felt tears prick my eyes. I do not want to cry but if it comes to it, I will.

"Phoebe, you need to get your bags." Phoebe's mother, Nala, calls out.

"One second! We're having a moment!" Phoebe yelled and somehow hugged me tighter.

"I need to breathe, bud." I wheezed out.

"Sorry!" She let go quickly and wiped her eyes. She smiles at me with love and trust. I missed her and she missed me. A few tears fell from my eyes and I had to wipe them before I fell into a sob.