Follow The Rain

Five

I awoke with a headache and a tight chest. I assumed it was from the crying. The headache was easily soothed with a painkiller. I kept a bottle beside my bed. Both my parents were out and, as I had no use being at school and couldn't really do much, I lay on the living room couch and ate five cookies.

The day went slowly and boringly. My headache returned in the late afternoon but I quickly cured it. I felt guilty for treating Matthew the way I did. He didn't deserve to be treated badly just because I was hurting.

I sat outside, listening to the birds in the trees. I could smell the sweet scent of grass but not the honeysuckle right next to me. "It'll never be the same again. Ever," I said to myself. "My life has been stripped from me all in the space of just over a month. What am I supposed to do?"

I took in a deep breath and inhaled the evening air, feeling the cool breeze on my face. I thought back to last night, to Matthew's attempt at comfort (or rather my rejection of his comfort) and how Chloe explained that I shouldn't be scared of losing my friends. I couldn't bear the thought of my problems hurting other people and I had thought that was what others thought, too. I stood up and headed back inside.

Later that afternoon, Chloe arrived at the front door. I went to answer it and she handed me something heavy.

"Lasagne. My mom made it." She came in and closed the door behind her. I nodded my thanks, carefully placing the ceramic dish in the kitchen and almost stumbling on my way. I caught my breath as I stood before the kitchen counter, cursing myself loudly for being clumsy. I sensed Chloe behind me and I turned slowly around, slightly embarrassed at my outburst.

"I-"

Chloe interrupted my attempted explanation by enveloping me in a tight hug. I squeezed her back, glad for the comfort.

"I'm really sorry, Kayla. I know this sucks, but just remember to keep your head up-"

"And your heart strong; I know. Thanks, Chloe."

Chloe drew back and took my hand, helping me to the couch. I heard her rummaging in her bag then placing what felt like plastic packets into my hands. "Now, I brought you Doritos and chocolate. Which one do you want?"

I crossed my arms over my chest, pretending to be shocked. "Why not both?"

"Because the other is for me," Chloe laughed.

"Of course," I muttered, but laughed too. I had always been a bit jealous - even if I didn't like to admit it all the time - of Chloe's ability to eat the equivalent of a whole refrigerator and still remain thin. One time she and I had made a pact; if she died, she would leave me her fast metabolism. I had no idea how that would work but at the time it seemed fairly reasonable. "I'll take the Doritos."

Chloe handed me the packet before fetching a bowl from the kitchen and pouring the chips into it. A silence fell upon us and once again all that was audible was my loud chewing. Then Chloe spoke up.

"What's it like?" There was a hint of curiosity in her voice.

I swallowed my food and smiled. "Really good." But I didn't care to offer her any.

She chuckled. Then, "No, I didn't mean the Doritos. You think I don't know what those taste like?"

"True," I answered. "You'd know what books taste of."

"Okay, I know I eat nearly everything but you don't need to point it out every second."

"So what did you mean?" I asked, still laughing while simultaneously trying to stuff food into my mouth.