365 Days At The Swings

Sarah

The next few days were better. I was slowly recovering from the chemotherapy. But still, the sight of my bald spot is enough to make me wail once more. They said that it was even a miracle that I regained any sort of strength.

"But be prepared for anything Sarah."

And I was. My situation was too good to be true.

"You can get a haircut Sarah."

My mother suggested one morning, as I was devouring my precious Cornflakes. I am not sure why I love this cereal so much. It's plain. And I was in love with it.

"But my brown highlights..."

I mumbled, biting on my lower lip.

"You didn't let me finish Sarah."

After that, my mother took a moment to glance towards me before speaking.

Her gazes always intimidated me. Maybe because she got the daughter she never wanted.

Deep down, I felt like I disappointed her. Seeing my time with her was short.

"I found a hair salon that would cut your hair..."

My mother took a pause so she could emphasize the next part

"AND, turn your hair into a wig, so you will be wearing your own hair in the end."

I could feel my mouth twitch into a satisfied smile. My mother was trying and I had to give her props for that. Furthermore, my arms began to wrap around her as I mumbled the words that I should have been saying all along.

"I love you."

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*A week later*

Slowly by slowly, a day would pass. My recovery was going as planned. But as each day would past, the more I thought about Leo. I arrived from Hillstrom about a week ago and I still haven't seen him since. It's bad enough I missed his birthday, but along with the death of anniversary of his father.

I am a terrible girlfriend.

I am a terrible friend.

"When can I see him?"

I asked one afternoon, as we were facing a hungry audience. It was a beautiful day, and summer was slowly coming to an end. Only 3 weeks left.

That's when the neighbors decided to host their annual block party. The neighbors would contribute to a big potluck, streets would be closed and everyone was invited to come out. The Block Party was something I always looked forward to. It's like 4th of July without the fireworks.

Now, at 7:30pm, almost all of the neighborhood was outside. You were either handing out your food or eating food.

And it was great. It was also a nice way to familiarize ourselves with one another.

"Sarah, you need to be thinking about yourself right now, you can see him in school."

My mother insisted, awhile she was passing out slices of her lemon bars. Mom learned how to bake it herself, ever since she was a child, she always had a fascination for lemons. Lemonade, lemon squares, lemon cake and pretty much anything lemon related. My entire childhood was consisted with lemons.

"There is a 99.5% chance that I will see him you know, Leo only lives a neighborhood away."

I argued, but then pasting on a smile as a little girl came up to me.

Asking ever so quietly for a lemon bar.

"Here, take two." I whispered in her ear, handing her the plate.

The girl then lets out a squeal, giving me a quick nod of a thank you as she ran off to god knows what. Eh. It was worth it. I wished someone did that for me when I was younger.

"Ladies and gentleman!"

A voice booms through the street, trying to capture the crowd's attention. The chatters soon come to a stop as the figure emerges a step forward.

Ms. Thompson.

The head of the neighborhood watch. The one who annually hosts the Block Party. Ms. Thompson was standing on what you call a "mini stage." Her beautiful dress trailing right behind her. It was teal, a maxi dress printed with beautiful white roses. Gorgeous.

You can't really hate on Ms. Thompson. She does everything she can for the neighborhood. But the fact that she was utterly beautiful with no husband makes me confused.

"I hope you are all having a wonderful time at our Block Party."

This sends the crowd to cheer, clapping their hands as she continued on

"And please remember to clean up after yourselves, a lady can only do so much."

She joked, after that the music resumes and the crowd wonders off.

And in that moment, was when I decided to look for Leo. He should be here. He would never miss the Block Party. I am going to find him.

"Leo!" I shouted, politely making my way through the crowd.

"Leo!" I yelled once more, but that's when I stopped.

Up ahead, stood someone I thought I would never see again. The familiar scar on the back of his neck gives it away.

I should know, because I am the one who gave him the scar.

"Little Al?"

I mumbled behind the figure. He slowly turns around and gives me a goofy grin, the one I would used to go gaga over.

"Well, hello sunshine, long time no see."

(YOU GUYS I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER. A BIG CLIFF-HANGER IS ABOUT TO GO DOWN. . C; So stay tuned darlings.)

~ Megan