All Mine

Chapter 25

Harry’s POV

Having Maddy by my side made me question why I hadn’t gone to see her earlier. I’d just left a note for Mum hoping she’s get it after the plane took off. She told me that she saw my teachers a day before I left. She gave me this long speech about how special I am to her and Dad but I couldn’t buy into the whole idea of my life without Maddy. I made my parents swear not to tell a soul about my condition and I know how hard that must have been for her not to have someone other than my Father to vent to. My disease is something I like to place at the back of my mind, it’s something I wish I didn’t know about.

“Are you ready?” Maddy packed the same day I told her the bad news. Over the next few days I’ve become acquainted with her new found friends and am watching the sad goodbye in front of my eyes.

“Yep,” she breathed. Freyer, the tallest girl, took Maddy by the shoulders.

“Now you!” She chuckled through tears, “You can’t forget about us. You’re one of us now. Make sure you come visit us again,” she said hugging Maddy close. The scene touched me and I relaxed knowing Maddy had made friends here.

“Maddy, I know you have to go, but I wish you didn’t,” Daisy whispered, “I’ll miss you!” tears fell down her cheeks.

“Mads, you’ve helped me through the toughest of times the short time you’ve been here. I just want to say thank you and I want to give you this,” I saw a small folded sheet of paper slip from Loppy’s hand to Maddy’s before she stood by my side.

“I love you girls,” Maddy had tears rolling down her cheek and I wiped them away. One by one the girls hugged me goodbye.

“You look after our girl, you got yourself a good one,” Freyer huffed with a smile.

“Don’t worry, I’ll guard her with my life,” I replied, “You can come and visit when you get holidays,” I promised.

“We’d love that,” Daisy replied. When I thought we were ready a red faced Eric walked through the door.

“Eric?” gasped Maddy. I stepped closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. I felt her body ease into my side.

“Maddy, Harry, girls,” he nodded at each of us.

“What are you doing here? You aren’t allowed in this area of the school,” Maddy questioned him.

“Maddy can I speak to you?” she looked to me as if for assurance.

“Go,” I grinned. She gave me a smile before leaving the room for a brief few minutes.

“I wonder what he is saying to her?” Daisy asked nosily.

“Who knows?” I replied.

“You don’t have to worry, Maddy doesn’t like him all that much,” Freyer laughed when I stood there stunned.

“I trust her,” I chuckled trying to lighten the mood. Maddy and I had told the girls my situation and I almost felt the sympathy oozing from their pores, it was an unsettling feeling.

“I’m really sorry to hear about your…” Loppy couldn’t seem to find the right word.

“It’s okay, I know,” I replied with a smile.

“It’s not fair. You’ll beat this,” Daisy said giving me a hug. I knew deep down that even as much as I would like to contradict it I’m never going to beat this. Incurable.

Just a few minutes later Maddy came in wiping the tears from her face. She wasn’t upset but overwhelmed. I felt sensitive to ask her about it, but knew she would tell me if she really wanted to in her own time.

We caught a train to the airport where we lugged two suitcases across the city. Maddy’s parents met us there.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your condition,” Her Mother gasped when they caught up with us.

“Its fine Mrs Kingsley, I am just going to enjoy these last days.”

“You’re such a strong boy,” she caressed my shoulders as we boarded the plane.

Maddy’s parents sat two rows in front of us. “Harry can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” I replied a little confused.

“I don’t want to cross the line or anything,” she paused a little hesitant.

“You can ask me anything, you know that,” I said taking the instruction sheet from the seat in front of me.

“How will it happen?”

Her question took me by shock, “It will be quick, I’ll just collapse at any time and that will be it,” tears welled in her eyes and mine followed suit. The thought scared the life out of me but I couldn’t let on to Maddy.

“I don’t want you to go,” she cried laying her head on my shoulder.

The plane trip was long and draining but I had Maddy, nothing else mattered. We landed after hours of uncomfortable seats and horrible TV. “I can’t wait to see Bella!” squealed Maddy from the terminal once we’d landed.

“Me too,” I added taking her hand. This is what I’d miss most. Her.

Maddy's POV

My heart feels as though it's being ripped from my chest. I want to scream and cry but someone has to be the strong one. Eric's words have been replaying in my mind for hours. When he pulled me aside I was clueless, his words marked my soul: "I'm sorry for being a dickhead. You have made me realise I don't have to hide my true personality to be liked by others. Maddy, I want to say sorry and that you are stronger than I'll ever be. Look after your boyfriend, he seems genuine and kind hearted. I hope you live a happy life and grow old together." Eric left me with that thought. In my heart I knew it was an impossible fate but I had to stay positive for the remaining time we have in each others arms. In a way Eric had relaxed me slightly, he helped me see that nothing lasts forever and the life Harry has lived has been a long and happy colourful life. I thank him for that.