Fake Smiles

#26: Seen

Ethan and Grayson had spent the day planning their YouTube videos. They went for a break and went to the local cafe. They usually go there with friends, or on their own, to relax. It's so peaceful and it's beautiful when the weather is good.

They walked in and sat at a table. They were inside because it was raining. There weren't many people inside. They had ordered their usual orders and began to eat and drink. They spoke about their plans for Social Media and their birthday.

Grayson stopped when the door opened. He turned to see a girl walk in. But not just any girl. It was Lily! He smiled as he saw her move around the cafe. She was alone. She looked as beautiful as ever. She wore leggings with her wintry boots and a white jumper. She sat down at a table near the window, placing her oxygen tank next to her.

Grayson watched as she scanned the menu. She told the waiter her order, and then waited for her order. She looked around the cafe, admiring the beauty. She watched as everyone had their own little conversations. She stopped when she made eye contact with Grayson.

She blushed as she saw him. She looked away instantly. Although she loved to gaze into his hazel eyes, she didn't want to build any tension in the room considering he was on the other side of the room. She decided to look out the window and wait for her order.

"Gray?" Ethan asked, bringing him back to reality. Grayson stared at him with a blank expression. "What video are we doing? We need to have all of this sorted out! We can't just pull something out of our butts last minute! We need to be organised!"

Grayson sighed. "We will be! What do you have in mind? Any ideas?" Grayson asked. Ethan stayed silent. Grayson thought for a while. "Why don't we prank call fans again? It was fun last time! And we're amazing at prank calls!" Ethan agreed to the idea and added it to his notes, along with a couple other ideas.

They talked about other ideas that randomly popped into their heads. They were speaking for a while, but Grayson was too distracted. He was constantly looking at Lily. She was breathtaking. Just sitting in a chair drinking a latte and looking out the window. In his eyes, she was stunning.

After Lily had drank her latte, she left the cafe. She walked out into the rain and began to walk home. Grayson didn't - couldn't - take his eyes off her! She was stunning! Seeing her reminded him of all the things they've been through. All the secrets they shared. All the love he has for her.

Ethan and Grayson left the cafe and went back to the apartment. They spent the rest of the day editing their new video. Editing took a few hours, and they got hungry. Ethan had the great idea of going out to get sushi for dinner. They got their phones and went out for sushi.

***

Lily had planned to go on a boat, but the weather was terrible. And she woke up struggling to breathe. She was rushed to A&E to be seen to. The doctors said the cancerous cells had covered 27% of her lung. It was increasing rapidly. The doctors had doubts that she doesn't have long left to live. She had a couple years to live. Unless a miracle happens, she won't live a full life.

It was devastating news for her family and friends. She had to stay in hospital for a couple hours before she was discharged and taken home. She got changed and decided to go to the local cafe. She loved how quiet it was. She wanted some time to herself to process everything she was told at the hospital.

While she was waiting for her order to arrive, she looked around the cafe. She looked at everyone, until she made eye contact with someone. She recognised the hazel eyes the minute she saw them. She was losing herself in them. She blushed and turned away. She looked out the window and watched the rain pour down on California.

Her latte had arrived and she drank it slowly, savouring the taste. After about 10 minutes, she left. She left the cafe and walked home in the rain. When she arrived home, she was drenched. She was soaked all  the way through. She went straight for a shower and climbed into bed. She was wearing her onesie while she began to re-read her bucket list.  She looked at all the things she wouldn't be able to accomplish.

Tears threatened to fall as she looked at the list. Activity after activity that would never be accomplished in her life time. She saw a tear land on the paper. She wiped away her tears as she put away her bucket list. Her wrapped herself in her duvet as she wished Grayson was there to tell her everything would be alright. That everything will turn out okay.

But he wasn't...

...And that broke her heart...