Dare to Dream

Chapter Two: Life As We Know It

  Chapter Two

(Mercy's P.O.V)

 

(5 years later)  December 24

  "Aunt Melanie! I'm home!" I said excitedly.

  I had been shopping literally all day just to find the perfect gift for her and for my best friend, Samantha.

I am just so exhausted, but the 'Christmas Eve' spirit is keeping me awake.

    I put Aunt Melanie's underneath the Christmas tree, and headed to the kitchen.

  " Hey, sweetheart. I'm just getting ready for tonight's Christmas party. You should probably want to clean yourself up and wear the red dress I bought for your birthday," my aunt commented, flour all over her apron.

  I laughed, then walked up to my room. I went straight for my closet and opened a blue box to reveal a beautiful maroon dress that'll probably fit perfectly and go down to my mid thigh. I put the dress on my nightstand, along with gold heels. I quickly took a hot shower, and dried my hair to curl them neatly, so the curls fall perfectly. I put a little make up on, with some bright red lipstick and mascara. I got out of the bathroom, and put on my outfit.

   As I stare at myself in the mirror, I can't help but miss something. I added golden bracelets and my watch.

  'What am I missing....' I thought to myself.

" Oh shit!" I cursed and ran to the restroom to put on the necklace my mother gave me 9 years ago exactly.

 

Thinking of my mother as I put the nrcklace on, I blinked rapidly to push the tears away.

  

"No more crying," I scolded myself.

  

  I brushed my teeth throughly, put on my 'Heaven' perfume, and some clear deodorant. I got out of the bathroom, and checked my phone to check what time it was. "So the party starts at 8 and it's-" I paused myself before looking at the time.

          

              It's 9:30 P.M!!!!!

I put my phone in my drawer, and ran quickly out of the room. I had to cover my ears fron the blasting music that suddenly appeared!

  I walked down the stairs to find a lot of familiar faces dancing and having a pretty fun time. I headed to the living room to find that the Christmas tree is full of presents!  I smiled from ear to ear thinking how many people actually care for each other.

                     Like mom.

I greeted a few people before walking to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. Even though it's the 'Chocolate' season right now, I still love my tea.

  

As I sipped my tea, I wondered if my mother is going to come this year. I've said that every year for the past nine years, but I couldn't hope too much. I glanced down at my necklace and opened it with my free hand, revealing both of my adoring parents. I miss them so much I- I have to stop thinking of the negative, and start thinking positive.

   Even if that means to fake a smile.

   

I walked through the lot and found a familiar set of messy red hair bouncing around.

        "Sam!" I yelled happily.

  She turned to me and smiled widely. But it didn't reach her eyes.

 " Hey Merc! I got you your present, just follow me."

I followed her up the stairs and into my room. I wondered how she got in here since I just locked it, but I remembered the door is easy to open.

She looked around my room for a minute, until she smiled again. She grabbed the small red box and handed it to me.

  I opened it, and saw a a black bracelet the had two pairs of real pearls, and in the middle read, 'With Love, Sam' on a medium-sized golden heart that had a fancy design on it that you can see the inside. I opened it, and it was a picture of Sam and me on my 7th birthday.

 

"Happy birthday, Merc!" she happily yelled and wrapped her arms around me. I hugged back, but it seemed like a hug that lasted too long. Something is definitely wrong with her.

  

" What's wrong, Samantha?" I asked with a concerned voice.

 

She looked me straight in the eyes with her sky gray eyes, and started tensing up. I knew something was up. I got up to get closer and hugged her.

  " I'm s-so s-sorry!" she whispered in my ear.

I rubbed circles on her back to soothe her and asked her," Why are you sorry, Sam?"

   She sat down properly and saw the tears threatening to fall.

" Before I tell you, I just want you to know... I do not want yours and anyone else's pity. No one should no about this. Except your aunt, okay?" she said, trying hard to not cry.

  I slowly nodded, and wondered what it was.

   " I- I have cancer. And I have about 3 years to live. Maybe even shorter."

  I didn't know what she said after that. I just sat there, in shock, ready to cry and cry until she is spoke up.

" Don't cry for me, please?"

I couldn't hold them anymore, this had been enough.

  " W-what? You have cancer," I cried for a second before saying," Why you? Why can't it be me? I mean, you have two loving parents, you're popular, and... you're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I can't live without you. You.... you saved me from my nightmare. B-but it's all coming back again."

  She went up to me and hugged me tightly.

" It's okay. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me too. No one deserves this. No one. But I can't control it. It's blood cancer. But before-" she cleared her throat," before I leave, I just want to live like no other. I want to have fun, travel, fall in love, even have sex! But I can't do it without you, you understand? You can't give up on me. Not now. We both have to change. For the better."

I smiled weakly and got up to wipe the tears. After talking for about an hour, we all went down to open each other's presents, and lastly, I gave my gift to Sam lastly.

    She grinned from ear to ear and gladly ripped off the small box, and stopped before she stood there.

" What is this?" she asked excitedly, holding a pair of tickets.

   " That's for you to find out this summer," I laughed.

" Thank you too Aunt Melanie! I love you!" she exclaimed.

  My aunt chuckled before going back inside to the party. I told Sam that I'll meet her inside after some fresh air outside.

   

I looked out at the beautiful black sky filled with bright stars shaped like diamonds. Before I could look back, I heard a voice behind me whisper, " I've been looking everywhere for you, Darlin'."

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   ~A