My Unlikely Best Friend

Chapter 35

A/N: Hey guys, do you think my character's dialogue is realistic or do you think I need to work on it? Is there any other thing I might need to work on? I really appreciate nice critiques. Thank you :)

***

As I stared at myself in the mirror I broke down and cried. I looked like a monster—like a vampire that had just finished viciously sucking someone's blood. The sticky red liquid continuously leaked from my nose and mouth. There was even some on my pink shirt, staining it. The strong iron-like taste on my tongue made my stomach twist, forcing me to gag and then throw up in the sink. I quickly turned on the faucet to drain the mush that just came out of me because looking at it made me all the more sick. Deep breaths left my body while I was hunched over the sink because of the anxiety I felt at the moment.

Why me?

The deep pounding ache from my throbbing head suppressed, allowing me to see and think clearly. Over the counter, next to the sink there was a woven basket that held multiple miniature towels in it. I grabbed one and ran it over the warm water. After I wrung out the water from the towel, I took off my oxygen tube then wiped my face. This is what happens when you have leukemia—you freaking bleed all over and if not from your nose or mouth then it's from the inside; by bruising easily. Sometimes for no reason. It really sucks.

Even after all of my wiping I was still bleeding, so I had no other choice but to pinch my nose shut and look straight up toward the ceiling, forcing the crimson colored liquid to drain down. I hated this method because I always end up swallowing my own blood. It makes me feel disgusting, like I'm some freak!

I'd honestly rather be poor and healthy than be rich and sick. I wish that my dad never carried that deadly gene. We would've been such a happy family if he hadn't. Maybe I could've even had a little brother or sister. I've always wanted a sibling because I do get pretty lonely here and there, but I guess it's fine. I have my mom to keep me company.

I cried over the what if's and it made me gargle the blood that was in my mouth, making me nauseous. Not mainly of the taste but more so because of the knowledge of knowing it's blood and not water. I swallowed it before my thoughts got the better of me. I would've spit it out but it was too early to put my head down.

After about five or seven minutes had passed, I brought my head downward then unhooked the oxygen tube from the tank and washed out the blood that went in it. When I was done I hooked it back and then placed it back on my face. I wiped where I saw blood which was on the floor, the counter and on the door handle. All this was giving me anxiety and I hate it.

When I was done with everything I stripped my clothes off and went straight into the shower. I felt so dirty and wanted to be cleaned again. The water'll do that—it'll purify me.

I just wanna be healthy. Is that too much to ask?

While I was still in the shower I reached over and grabbed my blood-stained shirt that was on top of the toilet and washed it. I really didn't want to worry my mom by her knowing about this because... my bleeding is just a reminder that I'm getting worse and she knew that. I... just didn't want her to know.

Once I was done, I immediately shut the water off and dried myself with a towel then dressed in comfy clothes. I allowed my shirt to dry in my room, resting on a chair where the AC blew.

"Okay, mom," I said after I left my room. "What did you need help with?"

***

It was the next morning. My mom had already dropped me off in front of the school and I was now walking inside. I was excited to see Adam again. It's been a full two days since the last time I saw that smile of his—the one that would make me feel all warm and tingly inside. The very thought of it caused my heart to jump inside my chest, making me smile to myself.