Dear Dalia

Chapter 1

Dear Dalia

The news hit me like a bullet train. It's not okay. I'm not okay. You're my best friend. I don't know where my life is going anymore.

2/4/14

Dear Dalia,

Today is the most exciting day! You know that boy Sam Petty? Well he asked me out! I've been waiting for forever. He has been my best friend since 3rd grade, and I've been waiting for him to feel the same way I did for him the first day I met him. He is so gorgeous, he has blonde hair and blue eyes, but he doesn't look like other guys in my grade he's much hotter. I know you know what he looks like but I'm too excited. I have to go Sam is coming over.

I will love you forever and always,

Phoebe Stella Keaton

2/6/14

Dear Dalia,

Sam is so great I think I'm going to be with him for the rest of my life. He's my first and my last boyfriend. I know I'm 18, but I haven't found the right person until Sam. Have I mentioned that Sam is a hottie? I don't know why you haven't responded to my letters, because we've been doing this since you've moved and I don't know why you decided right now not to respond. Is it because I'm talking about Sam too much? I'll try to talk about him less, but he's the only thing on my mind aside from you. I hope you respond xoxo.

I will love you forever and always,

Phoebe Stella Keaton

        I am really upset, she hasn't responded in 3 weeks. "She's probably just busy." Sam said as if he was bored of my complaining. I know, but she usually responds right away. Something's wrong I know it. "Just give it a week she'll respond." He said and kissed my forehead. "My heart is warmed." I said sarcastically

        Sam really is the best boyfriend. We are going to the movies tonight, I hope my friends don't bother us too much they tend to do that. My best (girl) friend Katrina Lowe is almost never around anymore because her boyfriend David, is into "romantic stuff" but I know what their actually doing. I wish she was around more she was a good girl until she met David.

        " I invited Katrina." I said with a little too much enthusiasm. "You know she isn't going to show don't you?" Sam said almost lifeless as he put on his tennis shoes. Yeah. I know, but it's worth the effort I want her to care. " Don't get your hopes up, let's go or we'll miss the movie!"

        "This is the worst movie I've ever seen!" I whispered in his ear. He nodded, but continued to watch it. "I know you love it!" I whimpered, " But can we leave?" Yeah, he half sighed half whimpered. He removed his arm from my shoulder and stood up. We walked out of the theater and tried to decide on what we wanted to do instead because I don't have to be home until midnight.

        We just decided to hangout and watch reruns of "friends" my favorite show. I begged him to let me use his laptop to Skype Dalia. He gave in and we called her twice before someone picked up. It was her dad, Harold. "Hey Mr. Pickens." "Hi Phoebe, what are you calling Dal for?" "I just wanted to hear from her I've been sending her letters and she hasn't responded." "Yeah, I know I've received them." Then he held up the countless number of letters I've sent to her over the last month. He started to tear up. "Oh my God you don't know do you?" My heart started beating a million times faster. "What?" I said with tears falling. " Dalia died, her and her mother were in a car crash last month." In full tears now he managed to get the words out. "It was a drunk driver. They took Dal off I life support last Tuesday. I'm sorry I have to go." He cried "By-" he cut me off. I was in shock, it wasn't real until I looked over at Sam. I started to bawl I leaned into his chest and he put his arms around me. Before I knew it, it was 11:56 and my parents showed up at the front door. Sam let them in and I looked up at them with my pink nose and red eyes. Sam whispered in their ears for days it seemed like.

        I wake up with puffy eyes. It all felt like a dream. She was my sister... Well my orphanage sister, my parents were her foster parents until she was adopted. She was 10 when the Pickens picked her. I don't know what I'm going to do now. I guess I'm going to sit here and watch reruns of friends until I fall asleep, this is going to be the routine for the rest of my life.

        Sam walked in and sat down on my bed. "You can't hide forever." I know, but I don't feel like doing anything. "Can I do nothing with you?" Sure. I slipped a small smile. He wrapped his arm around me and kissed my forehead. Wait, what day is it? "It's only Saturday." Ok, I haven't missed my letter writing. I said to myself.

2/8/14

Dear Dalia,

Don't be mad I haven't written back in so long it's just been a rough week. So many ups and downs. Sam asked me out, your gone. My mind can't handle all of this and I'm not my normal self. I'm just going to pretend you're still here. It doesn't feel like you're gone anyway so I'm going to write you when I can.

I will love you forever and always,

Phoebe Stella Keaton