Teardrops for Tommorrow

Amber Woods quietly stared at the clock, willing for it to ring one moment, and begging it not to the next. The little red hand kept circling and circling, until finally, RIIIIIING. Amber slammed her book shut and scooped the unusually small pile of binders and papers at the corner of her desk. Settling the Case-It and her burgundy math binder into the crook of her arm she galloped across the classroom, not wanting to waste any time away. Today was important. Amber sprinted across the locker pod, right to her locker, 769. In her spare time before class, she had left the combination on the last number, for efficiency.

Amber shoved and rustled the Case-It and burgundy binder into place and then tugged her backpack off the hook. She scrambled her way out of the pod, her friend Khalel short behind.

"Hey." He said, rather fatigued. "What's got your panties in a wad?"

"Nothing," Amber replied, rubbing her face and trying to pick up speed.

"Seriously Amber. What?" Khalel took a step in front of her, blocking her way, his blonde hair ruffled and green eyes bursting with concern.

"I have a doctor's apointment. That's it!" Amber shoved past him, getting slightly annoyed.

"Amber! Amber wait!" She could hear the pain in his voice, but she just walked faster. I can't tell him. I can't! If he knew, true or not, it would crush him! Amber took a quick glance behind her only to see his face resembling a kicked puppy. Gathering every last drop of courage, she turned away and pushed on through the hallways of Barrelwood Middle School.

***

"Mrs. Woods, it has become clear through the biopsy and CT scans, that your daughter has a tomour on her pituitary gland. A rather large one at that." Amber felt her mother's hand tighten it's grip, then began to shake form the tears erupting from her eyes. Amber just sat wordlessly, jaw ajar, and cheeks flushed. This is it. It's my time.

"Fortunately, we believe we've caught it in time. The procedure could have a lot of side effects, but it could also save your life." Dr. Frank continued, "We also proved that this tomour is to be the cause of slow to none feminine development."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means, dear Amber, that it hasn't sent certain cells to begin puberty." Dr. Frank finished.

"Also, ma'm, if not treated, it will be terminal." Dr. Yang added, sounding rather uninterested. Amber felt her mother's hand shake harder, still weeping furiously.

"How long will I last without it?" Amber question, not wanting things to be sugar coated.

"Two to four months." Dr. Yang concluded.

"How expensive is it?"

"Ms. Woods, we don't want you worrying-"

"How much is the procedure?!" Amber cut off, raising her voice slightly. Dr. Yang glanced at Dr. Frank, as if unsure how to continue.

"The price, considering no complications and insurance, would be about $5,000.00." Amber now found herself shaking. Yep. This is it. What a nice, happy, long life I've had. I've never even kissed a boy!

"So very sorry! Got to run!" The doctors quickly scampered away. Amber turned to her weeping mother.

"You know we can't afford that, dear. We can't even afford insurance I'm- I'm-" More tears consumed Mrs. Woods face. Amber embraced her, also embracing her now immanent death.

"Mamma. Mamma, you know me. I'm a tough girl. I have defied odds since day one. I can do this."

I can do this right?

A/N:

Hey guys! Rowan here! I hope you've enjoyed my first part, and it would be great if you had some constructive criticism for me! I am always open to improvement... At least to an extent. Thanks again!