Letters to Leah

4: New Plans

Chapter 4: New Plans

Dear Leah,

            It’s Wednesday now. You’ve been in the hospital for three days. Everyone misses you. We all wish it hadn’t happened and hope you will get better soon. Today it rained, so everywhere you look is a giant mud hole. They’re so common, I was tempted to jump into one and swim around. I’d have probably gotten some strange looks for that.

            At school today, there was a fight. It was between that guy who everyone thinks is a class clown – Jake? I can’t remember his name – and the jock that kicked the beam causing the barn to fall at the party. They were fighting because Jake called the other guy out for being responsible for you being hurt. Sam and I watched from a distance as the arguing escalated.

FLASHBACK

Jake shouted, “Leah would be here right now if you weren’t such an idiot!”

The other guy then responded, “What I do is no one’s business but my own, and nobody put you in the place to judge my actions.”

“I was only stating my opinion, which happens to be the truth!”

“There were other people at that party. Leah herself was aware of what was happening! Surely you remember that everyone assumed she was out of the rubble, considering you yourself were there! Nobody imagined things to be like this. NOBODY. Especially not me!” At this he threw the first punch, but Jake dodged under him. Jake is quick; you wouldn’t think he’s very strong either with his slim frame, but he’s holding his ground well.

END FLASHBACK

After this they started shoving, and before long they had moved from the middle of the hallway, and Jake was slammed backward into the lockers. They both started throwing punches, and I think one of them bit the other. The teachers interfered soon after that though and both boys came out bloody and bruised.

            It was hard to tell which of them “won” the fight. Jake sure got his point across, but he also took quite the beating. The tension grew to be so thick that you could almost see it for the rest of the day, it was obvious most people agreed with Jake. They started blaming the jock for your injuries. I agree that it was a dumb idea, but I’m not sure that I would say it was totally that guy’s fault. The more I think about it, the more worthy arguments I find for both sides. Sure, he shouldn’t have been dismantling the place where everyone was having fun, but there were other people involved besides just him. Enough about the fight though, I have more exciting things to tell you.

            Sam asked me out on a date this weekend! It was right after lunch; we were meandering to class, trying to take as long as we could. He pulled me into another amazing hug before whispering into my ear, “What are you doing Sunday? I’d like to take you somewhere.” When he pulled back I must’ve been grinning ear to ear, because he chuckled lightly. “I don’t have any plans,” I told him as coolly as possible. He wouldn’t tell me where he’s taking me or what we’re doing, so Sunday after church ends he’s taking me to this mystery place. He did tell me that I should bring a blanket and a change of clothes; I wonder what that means! I am bursting with excitement right now Leah you have no idea!

            My mom’s whole face lit up when I told her about Sam. She really did seem genuinely excited for me. This will only be my second date ever, what if he tries to kiss me? Mom’s guess is that he’s taking me to dinner and the movies, but I don’t think that’s it.

            On a sadder note, I’m not so excited about spending the weekend with my dad. He doesn’t have much planned, so it’s going to be one of those boring, sit-around-the-house-all-day types of things. I wish things were different between me and him. Our relationship is awkward and stale. He’s not the fun parent he was when I was five. We don’t tell each other things, and it’s hard to find a way to enjoy spending time with each other.

            You really need to get better soon. It’s just not fair to anyone for this to have happened. You don’t deserve to be unconscious with machines keeping you alive. Your parents shouldn’t have to suffer this heartbreak either. I wish you could be by my side each day, giving me girl advice about anything and everything. Get well soon, the world misses you.

Love You Lots,

            Noella

            After writing those last few sentences, I’m having to hold back tears. There’s truth in those words; no one deserves the pain of temporarily losing a loved one. I sign and fold the letter into an envelope, just as I had with the other two. I hope I don’t have to write many more of these.

            Sam never ceases to amaze me. I didn’t tell him I was crying, yet he sent me encouraging words in all his messages.

            “I’m so excited for our date on Sunday!” he told me later in the conversation.

            “I know! Me too! Will you at least give me a hint on where we’re going? Please!” I asked him.

            “No way, Noella. It’s going to be a surprise. You’ll love it!” he reassured me.

            We each sent a few more texts back and forth before saying ‘Goodnight’ and I layed in my bed thinking of different scenarios for our date on Sunday. He gives me butterflies. It wasn’t long before I fell into a deep sleep.