10 Years • Joel Pimentel

Chapter 17

I looked at the sunset and took a moment to appreciate everything that's happen in my life. For someone who had many bumps, I've managed to get through it.

"Thanks." I said still admiring the sunset. Although I wasn't looking at Joel, I can tell he was confused. "For always being here. No matter what, you were always there."

I looked at him and smiled. "I can't believe it's almost 10 years of us being friends." His smile soon faded and worry kicked in. "Did I say something wrong?" I asked

"No. You-"

"Is it because you're still in the friend zone? Because we can change that."

"Amelia please!" He said frustrated. "Just let it go. Drop it" he said the last part softly. "Before I say it." He murmured.

"Are you hiding something from me?" I don't know why but my heart shattered.

"I'm not." He said coldly. "I have to go." He got up and climbed down the tree and left inside his house. I sat there confused and mad on his sudden mood swing and action.

I went over the wall in where our names were written with a sharpie. "Please don't be hiding something."

*Joel's POV*

I slammed the door of my room and just let everything out. Anger started to build up as i threw things around the room. My vision blurred as those words from two years ago replayed.

"In her case, she'll only live till sixteen."

Two years ago, Amelia had been diagnosed with leukemia. The doctors had said she's had it since she was six. It was a miracle that she made it to sixteen with no trouble. They also didn't want to give her chemo therapy since it was no use. She was at the highest level.

Ten years of friendship would've seemed far for me if we received the news when she was six but it's now around the corner waiting.

"Fuck cancer!" I shouted as I broke down crying. "Why her!"

"Joel." My mom came in running and hugged me tight. "It's okay."

"No it's not!" I shouted. "She's going to die soon. My best friend. The love of my life!" The tears wouldn't stop no matter how much my mom tried to calm me. I felt my brothers' eyes on me but I didn't care.

The room was a mess. Things were broken on the floor and my bed sheets were covered in blood.

"Come on. We need to bandage the wound on your hand." My mother's voice cracked. She studied my hand that was covered in blood from the broken mirror.

Emanuel helped me up and took me to the bathroom. My mom pulled out the aid kit and sprayed a liquid on my hand. The stinging hurt so bad I hold in my scream. As my breathing was going back to normal, my mom rapped my hand

"I'm sorry." I whispered. She looked up at me and kissed my forehead.

"Don't worry. I understand."

I nodded and they all left my room except Gabriel. He stared at my hand and looked up at me. "Are her parents going to come?"

I shrugged my shoulders he nodded and left.

I didn't want to imagine how it'll be once she leaves nor imagine how her parents will be knowing they can't cross.