The Mask

Chapter 6 The Best Friend Returns

Katherine POV:

After talking with my mom, I went to watch some T.V. A documentary on South Korea was playing. 

Caroline. Katherine couldn't stop thinking about her best friend. Of course she was happy for her, but it still would have been nice for her to be here.

FLASHBACK:

It was one week after my mom was diagnosed, and Caroline had asked to come over. She said she had news to tell me. I was sitting in front off the T.V. when Caroline walked in with a frown on her face. I was starting to worry. Caroline may be cold on the outside, but she was actually sweet and caring.

"Katherine. I need you to listen. You can't talk until I am finished, alright?" Caroline said. Now she was really scaring, but I nodded anyway.

"A long time ago I applied to an exchange program to volunteer in South Korea where you help the children and families in need. I never expected to actually be accepted, so I didn't tell you about it. I got a letter today saying I was accepted. The association I applied to wants me to leave right away. I am supposed to leave Monday, but I won't go if  you don't want me too. I am handing this decision over to you," Caroline said. 

Just like someone snapping their fingers, my entire world came falling down. I knew I had to let Caroline go, but I didn't want to lose my best friend.

"Of course, you can go Caroline. As long as it makes you happy it makes me happy," I said. It was true to an extant, but I couldn't shake the feeling it was the wrong choice. We hugged, and Caroline left to go back. As soon as she left I went to the roof. It was my quiet place. The place I went to when everything was falling apart.

The I felt something we running down my face. Was it raining? No, it wasn't raining. The water running down my face, they were... tears.

FLASH BACK END:

I hadn't been been to my roof in a while. With that in mind I climbed up the stairs. Then went through the hall, and stopped at the attic. I pushed the attic door open. I walked in, and climbed up the ladder to the roof. I sat there for hours. I was thinking. The only thing on my mind was one question.

 What if? 

What if dad hadn't died? What if John wasn't so distant? What if mom hadn't gotten sick? What if I had told caroline to...stay? 

In the distance she could see two girls hugging each other. One with luggage in her hand, and the other was crying. This reminded her too much of the day Caroline left.

FLASHBACK:

I was standing in front of a taxi car, and was holding hands with Caroline.When her father was done putting her bags in the car, Caroline turned to me with tears in her eyes.

"Why are you crying? You are going to have a great time in South Korea. You've always wanted to do this, and you deserve it more than anyone," I said trying to be as strong as I could. 

"I know, I know. I just am really going to miss you. Gosh I am going to miss everything about being here," she said. Tears were flowing out of her eyes now. I was so close to asking her to stay, but that wouldn't be fair to her. 

"Caroline your going to have a great time," I said looking at my watch," Oh, and if you don't get a move on you're going to miss your flight," I said as she gave me a hug. I watched her get into her car and leave. 

I walked home, and tried to get this heartbreaking moment out of my mind. As soon as I got home I sat on the couch, and started to sob and sob. She saw Layla giving her weird looks. I didn't care. 

After a while she stopped crying, and started to ponder on her sadness. 

Dad's dead. John is out doing something that would probably put the worst thing a criminal has done to shame. Mom's lying in bed dying, and Caroline is on her flight by now. A sad truth dawned on me. 

I was truly alone.

FLASHBACK END:

I noticed tears running down my face. By now it was night time, and I could lay back and look at the stars. I was looking for the North star, because people always say it points you in the right direction, and right now I really needed some direction.

"Hey Night Owl. You better come inside. The mosquitos are going to eat you to the bone," I was guessing it was John who was talking. He was by the door.

"What are you doing out so late? You know we have a curfew, and I have bug-spray on," I was lying of scours, but I didn't need his crap right now. 

"Just come inside. I'll make you some lemonade, alright?" I was in no mood to argue with him so I nodded my head and went inside. I saw John making some lemonade for the both of us.

"What made this come on?" I asked. He was actually being nice I was surprised. 

"Something happened today, that made me realize that I have been the worst brother ever. I need you, just as I know you needed me, and I was off drinking and partying. I am so sorry," he said, and he actually meant it. I pulled him into a hug. I was so glad I had my true brother back.

"I forgive you. Welcome back to the land of family," I said. He gave me a smile, and suggested that we take some lemonade back to mom, and watch all of the Harry Potter movies in one night. 

"Hey kids. Oh, is that lemonade for me?" She asked getting excited. Mom loved lemonade. I left the room to get the Harry Potter movies. We spent the entire night watching Harry Potter. We were having a great time. Then there was a knock on the door. I got up to get it. 

I walked into the living room, and made my way to the door. When I opened the door, I couldn't believe what I saw. 

Standing there in my doorway was Caroline.