Letters to Leah

5: Unexpected Surprises

Chapter 5: Unexpected Surprises

"Leah,

It's finally here! My date with Sam is tomorrow! I'm so excited, and I can't contain myself! He still hasn't told me where we're going, but I know it will be amazing. I wish you could be here to share my excitement with me over this."

I had written these words Saturday night after a long boring day with my dad. We really hadn't done anything the entire weekend, and it seemed to only drag by. My date with Sam will seem super fun and spectacular compared to how boring spending time with my dad is. He hardly even talked to me the whole time I was there too. He just stayed in his room, as if I wasn't there at all, as if I was a bother for him to keep company.

Thursday and Friday both flew by, with nothing out of the ordinary happening. The other students seemed lifeless, as if they put all their energy into waiting for the weekend. Most normal kids in school go out and have fun on the weekends; I usually just sit at home, maybe cleaning the house a little here and there. Occasionally, I go to Leah's house, but this weekend that wasn't really an option. At least I have plans tomorrow.

"Each day when I sit down to write you these letters, I hope that it is the last one. I'm so ready for you to be well again. I wish we could hang out and laugh together. You seriously are my best friend, you know that right? Sam makes me all different kinds of happy, but you know all of my secrets. You know all of our inside jokes. It is you who I share my best memories with. Every girl needs a friend that understands them like a sister, and, for the past week, mine has been gone. It's like there are pieces missing to the puzzle when you're not around. Socially, I'm lost and don't know what to do. You always tell me the best jokes, gossip, and news around school. I really miss you.

Not much has really happened the past few days. I've just been cleaning the house and sitting around. I did find something while I was cleaning though. It was a picture of us from a few years ago, when we went camping together. Looking at the picture brought back memories of that whole trip. We were so dorky, the way we dressed in mismatched outfits and wore our hair messy and untamed. I remember going on that canoe ride with your parents. We found that rope swing, and they wouldn't let us go on it because it was so high. Remember the concussion I got? We had been pointing out ducks the whole way, and then we passed under a log. You and your parents all shouted 'Duck!' and I looked around and said 'Where?' Next thing I knew, I was looking at the sky wondering what had happened. Ouch. Oh my gosh, and that lizard we caught? I still can't believe we threw it on your mom- she flipped out! I swore we were going home after that, but we still stayed the rest of the week.

Wanna know what else I found? Those friendship bracelets we had made. They're so adorable! I can't believe we never wear them anymore. We should definitely wear them once you get out of the hospital.

Your parents look so tired and helpless. The doctor finally convinced them to go home today while I was visiting you. I really hope they're able to get more sleep for the next few days. They seem totally aware of everything when I come to visit, but I know deep down they feel like zombies. I think waiting for you to regain consciousness is one of the hardest things I've done. Ever. The days seem longer, each passing moment filled with worry, hope, and anticipation. I'm ready for you to get better.

Love,

Noella"

That night, I couldn't sleep. I was too excited about my surprise date with Sam tomorrow. All the energy in my body made it impossible to get comfortable. I started exhausting all the possible dates in my mind, not really knowing which I wanted to be the right one. Eventually, my mind stopped racing long enough for me to become tired. Yawning, I rolled over once more and finally got situated. My soft sheets and heavy blankets encased my in warmth, and I sacked out for the night.