That Night

Staying up late with your bestfriend just to talk and fool around is probably one of the best moments in your life. Well, for me, one particular night was the most bittersweet and unforgettable event that I have ever experienced. It was on my birthday and it started with Raven making fun of me. . .

"I am serious. You should really add some black streaks to your hair."

I gasp and touched my braided blonde hair. "So I would look like a skunk? And you'll make fun of me? Never." He chuckles softly and scoots a little to the left.

"Mara, cuddle with me, please?"

He taps the space beside him on the bed and gives me his best impression of an adorable puppy which is so irresistibly cute-but I'm not admitting that to him, though. I bite my lip as if I'm considering his request.

"Okay." I said like a bratty cheerleader. He was about to laugh but a cough stopped him from doing it. I gave him a glass of water which was on the table beside the bed.

"Woah, easy there, partner." I said humorously but with a hint of concern in my voice as I furrowed my eyebrows while rubbing his back.

He clears his throat, "Thanks, Mar".

I nod in reply. I cast my eyes on the ceiling which was painted white with little dots of different colors. I slowly closed my eyes and sighed in relief. I feel relaxed. I want to remember this feeling forever. The feeling when you're at peace and nothing can disturb you. The feeling as if you are in the meadow, lying down on the bed of grass, while the wind is tickling your face and you hear the birds chirping. The feeling as if nothing is wrong and everything is the way you wanted it to be.

But sadly, that isn't the case.

The both of us were silent for a while, neither of us talking. He was the first one to break the silence.

"Mar, I'm tired."

I open my eyes and turned my head to the side so I could see him. "Well, we could sleep now. It's near Midnight as well."

He shook his head slowly. "No, Mar. I'm tired."

I stared at him. The words slowly sinking to my brain and finally I understood what he meant. I could feel my heart tightening in my chest. The blood rushing to my head and it feels like I couldn't hear anything except for the fast beating of my heart. I could feel my pulse vibrating throughout my body. I couldn't move.

He squeezes my hand and tried to smile. "Mar-mar, hey, it's okay."

No. It was not okay. Nothing is okay.

I stare at him.

He pulled me to his arms and next thing I knew, he was hugging me. I inhaled his scent which calmed me down. I exhaled the breath that I never knew I was holding.

"Tell me something beautiful." Raven pleaded.

I untangled myself from his embrace and sat on the bed.

"I remember that time when we used to go the library every week so I could read and you would just stare at me. Probably making fun of my 'reading expression'.

"That moment when we had a whipped-cream fight inside starbucks and all those old ladies were staring at us. And oh, that time when you were so embarrassed at the grocery store when your mom asked you to buy some sanitary pads. And the people were staring at you. Damn, that was hilarious." I paused for a moment and smiled as I remembered those memories.

I continued. "Do you remember that time when my partner couldn't come in time during that singing contest and you had to replace him? Yeah, that was something to remember." I took a deep breath, "But the most beautiful thing I've experienced? You, saving me from a dog that was chasing me when we were in third grade. That was the time when I met someone so wonderful who I can proudly say that he is my bestfriend."

I saw tear slide down from his eye. "I'm sorry if you had to spend your birthday here."

"It's okay. There's no place I wanted to be right now, except for here where I can stay with you." I offered him a small smile and he closed his eyes again. "Sing me a song, Mar-mar."

I chuckled and got my guitar which was on the couch. I strummed the strings.

"Bucket full of tears. Babe, you know I'm here. I'm here waiting."

"Close your precious eyes and know I'm still fighting."

My heart constricts in my chest.

"For you to be with me and sit under this tree and we can watch the sun rise."

I'm finding it hard to breathe.

"We can watch the sun rise. . ."

"Wake up, feel the air that I'm breathing. I can't explain this feeling that I'm feeling"

I can feel the tears forming.

"I won't go another day without you." And at the last word, a tear slid down my cheek and I had to stop. "I'm sorry." I sniffed and he smiled at me. "Okay. I'll continue now." I said in between hiccups.

". . .when I hold you tight, the worries disappear. I'm glad you're in my life. . ."

I couldn't hold it any longer. I let go of the tears and I hugged him directly. I cried while he just rubbed my back to comfort me. Without knowing, I fell asleep.

He shook my arm and I woke up. It was three in the morning.

"Mar, I'm ready." He said weakly.

The tears were falling down but I smiled. "Okay."

"Let the sound of the waves take you to that place." I started. "Don't fight back. Feel like as if you're floating towards there. Relax and let go. Feel the breeze of the wind and the sun's rays on your face. We're gonna be seeing each other someday. You're the best." I kept on crying. Tears doesn't stop from falling. "You're free, Raven."

His face was relaxed and he smiled.

Then the line went flat.