Loosing Lincoln Garret

Diagnosed and alone- chapter 2

Vienna Martinez was diagnosed at the age of eleven. Back then, she was too young to understand she was dying. She thought she could have just survived. Had a normal life. She didn't know why her mother spent nights crying over the table, unable to afford bills and all the chemotherapy. She always comforted her by saying "it's ok, I'll be ok! I'll take care of us Mum. It'll be okay." How wrong she was.

Her mother pulled her out of school a year after. Right before high school. Vienna had been homeschooled ever since. That way she wouldn't miss days when they went on the luxurious holidays they couldn't afford. That way she would only really spend half a day on an education she probably wouldn't have the chance to use.

Every day, her mother and her went to a little cafe a few blocks down. They'd walk the kilometre and spend an hour or so laughing over a cappuccino and a sandwich. Her mother was like her best friend. It was all she really had, not being at school meant she didn't really have anyone to be friends with. Sure; the homeschooling agency set up groups for homeschooled children, but she rarely went. She didn't want to make friends, just to die a few years later, leaving them heartbroken. It was already bad enough she had to do this to her mother.

This particular day they arrived at the coffee shop, there was a boy, with brown hair and deep brown eyes talking to a regular that Vienna recognised and was friendly with - Lyle. He was a lovely old man. But he never came to the coffee shop with anyone. His wife had past away, and she was infertile, so they never had kids. She was instantly struck with curiosity for this boy. She found herself often looking over at him during her mothers conversation attempts. Soon after arriving, he got up to leave, following the older man. She couldn't help but stare at him as he crossed the room, talking comfortably with the man, arranging when they would do it again. As he passed her table, he saw her, and almost looked confused with a raised eyebrow at her, but quickly replaced it with a smile that shone like diamonds.