The Bucket List

Chapter Four

SCARLETS POV

I stayed quiet trying not to stir. The silence was almost comforting, and I didn't want to make him regret taking me by saying something dumb.

"I'm so-"

"Don't be. I'm okay. There's a lot of things I don't get to do, I'm going to rot away in a hospital and I have to be okay with it. So I am." I told him, looking straight ahead at the road.

"You're strong."

My tense expression softened and I widened my eyes a bit at him. He said it as if he meant it, really meant it. The air suddenly became softer and thicker. There was tension between us now, because the words that unconsciously flew from his tongue were a few I had never expected to hear in my lifetime. I had been through a hell of a lot, and people pitied me and took care of me. I wasn't strong, I was a burden. I kept my eyes locked on him while he watched the road until I settled back into my seat and closed my eyes. All these thoughts and expressions were making me exhausted.

WILLS POV

Once I had Scarlet safely back in her hospital room with her books, I made my way back to the front desk to see what Jane had planned for today. When I got there, she had an unreadable expression on her face.

"That was nice of you Will, to take Scarlet."

"Yeah, it's the least I can do." I said waving it off as a simple gesture. Although part of me wished she'd forget her books every time.

"A beautiful girl, and very fragile girl." She said and cocked an eyebrow at me and locked her gaze on my expression.

"I don't know how someone would deal with something like this. And she's doing it alone. That mom of hers is a bitch."

"Scarlet's been through a lot. She never got to grow up. She's broken, and has sad excuses for parents. But that girl is the most stubborn one you'll come to know. Don't go trying to take care of her she'll just push you away. I'm the only person she hasn't yelled at for bringing her an extra blanket because she can get them herself."

I just nodded, learning more about Scarlet by the look in Jane's eyes.

"We all love her. The girl's life has been cut short and there's nothing we can do but love the crap out of her til she takes her last breath."

I wanted to go speak to Scarlet, get to know her. I wanted to know her thoughts an aspirations she keeps up in that sheltered head of hers. But Jane is right, I can't look too far into her soul without being left with nothing.

I dug into the soles of my pockets and peeked down at the pieces of paper that were torn into pieces. I took a few steps to enter into the office and sit down in the plush maroon chair placed in front of my grey desk. I carefully laid out the pieces and was determined to figure out exactly what it was, and what this was doing lying in Scarlet's trash can.

After awhile of sorting I realized exactly what this paper had been. Scarlet has created a bucket list of things she wanted to do before she died. Once I had the top half of the paper sorted out the bottom half was easy. I read the small, young Scarlet handwriting and couldn't help but hurt for her because it's obvious she tore it up and threw it away, giving up on any hopes and dreams she had for her lifetime.

'Go Skinny Dipping'

I smiled. Adventurous, noted.

'Go to my High School Prom'

I frowned at this. I pictured how'd she'd look in a prom dress. A sight that would be left unseen.

I wound up knowing exactly what I would do to make these last moments of her Scarlet's life worthwhile.