The Struggle

A/N: This story is based on the book "If I Stay".The idea of a spirit witnessing events while the body is in a coma was from that book. So, that idea is rightfully Gayle Forman's.The rest of the story is mine that I made up. Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy it! -Emi

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"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN!" John shouted.

"Oh my gosh,John! You didn't have to get me a gift!"

"Yes I did! I love you, and you deserve the best," John states.

John's pink lips formed a smile. His large hands held out a rectangular box wrapped with pink paper and a red bow to top it off.

"Open it!" He demands.

"Alright!" I respond.

I tear off the wrapping paper excitedly like a five year old on Christmas morning. I flip off the lid of the box and find a necklace. The necklace is gold with only one charm. The charm is the shape of the letter L.

" L. For Lauren, of course," John explains.

I start to grin. John is the best boyfriend ever. The necklace is perfect, and I'm going to wear it everyday.

"Do you like it?" John asks.

"Well duh! Who wouldn't?" I answer.

John and I simultaneously chuckled.

"You know, this necklace isn't only for a fashion purpose," he added.

"What's it for then?"

"To protect you. When I'm not with you," John replied.

"Yeah, I think I might need the protection," I admit.

"No kidding."

John begins to laugh.

"You have already gotten in two car wrecks in a period of four weeks. Luckily, you didn't get seriously injured. Lauren, I could've lost you. I can't lose you. I couldn't handle my life without you," John confesses.

"I know. I couldn't live without you either. Besides,the accidents weren't my fault! They have proof on the security cameras!" I say.

" I know."

"People are idiots when they're on the road. Don't you agree?" I question.

"Totally," he agrees.

John and I share a laugh again. Suddenly,my phone starts ringing. I pull my phone out of my pocket and read the screen.

"Oh gosh. My mom is calling."

I answer the call. I immediately hear my mom's worried voice through the phone.

"Where are you,sweetie?" Mom wondered.

"I told you. I'm at John's house! He has a birthday gift for me!"

"Oh! Yes! That's right! Anyway,I need you to come home. Your father, your brothers,and I have a special surprise for you," Mom informs.

"Is it urgent?"

"Why yes! It is!"

"Okay. I will be home soon!" I ensure.

"Great. See you soon. Love you."

"Love you too."

I press the screen to hang up. John is looking at me with his sky blue eyes. I can tell that he's disappointed. He knows what my mom wanted.

"You have to go, don't you?" John proposes.

"Yeah. I'm sorry. We are still going to go out dinner tomorrow, right?"

"Of course. Six thirty.My treat."

"Perfect!" I say excitedly.

I walk up to him and press my lips against his cheek. Then, his lips press up against my cheek. We hold each other for a bit, and I finally let go.

"Hey. I love you. Be careful out there. Don't you dare get in another wreck," John said.

"Love you too. I promise you.I won't," I assure.

"You better not, Lauren Grace Hiddleston."

My hand raises up, and I wave goodbye. I pace towards his front door. I open it, and I step out of his house feeling like the happiest person in the world. I look out to find my car. There it is. It's a red convertible with scratches on every side. Obviously my car will be scratched up.The accidents I've experienced were pretty bad.

Crossing the street to get to my car, I spot a dead bird. The bird stinks like gym socks. The worst part is, the bird is missing his right eye. His legs are missing too! Ewww. Sickening. That ruins my morning.

I rapidly pass the dead bird and hop into my car. I plug the key in, turn it, and the car goes on. Once you turn my car on,you hear a "vroom vroom" like the sound Lightning McQueen makes in the movie Cars. Yes, even though I am seventeen I still watch Disney movies. Don't judge. I bet you still do that too.

I buckle my seat belt and push on the gas pedal. I get onto the road and only concentrate on the road. I stare straight ahead,ready to dodge anything that comes at me. Specifically a car. I don't want to get into another car accident. My car and I are already damaged enough.

It takes ten minutes to get to my house from John's home. I'm halfway there to my humble abode when I see a humungous U-Haul moving truck driving straight towards me at full speed. I get a glimpse of the truck driver. The driver isn't moving. He is doused in red liquid. His body is slouched on the seat and his hands are off the wheel.

I have no time to react. I have no time to swerve the car out of the way. At every second the truck gets closer and...................

BOOM.