Drawing Voices

Bad News for Chapter Thirty

 

Lola's P.O.V

"I choose myself" Dan said. His lip trembling with each breath.

My brain stopped. It was like a sucker punch. What did he say that for? The air was locked out of my lungs. "NOOO Dan, if anyone deserves a life, it is you." I said reaching forward and taking his hand into mine. Tears flowing out of my eyes.

"I'd rather know you can live happy, have a chance to grow old, have children of your own and meet someone better than me than to see you go and leave that all behind." Dan said his eyes full of aloofness. I didn't know what to say, Dan had just volunteered and it was so unexpected. This man is the most thoughtful, caring, generous man alive, no way am I going to let him do this to himself.

"NO!", I screamed pushing him away, "I volunteer myself. No one is going to stop me! This is my decision. I can't let someone so wonderful lose their life because of this." I said evocatively.

Max obnoxiously shrugged his shoulders and made his way towards me-

"NO!, I got everyone into this mess so I will get everyone out." Ralph intervened grabbing Max by the shoulder and pushing him backwards.

"So you all are going?" Max smirked, scrubbing the dirt off his jeans.

"I guess so" We all said spontaneously in unison...

The silence in the wood was unbearable, no birds singing, no movement in the branches and no one about. Maybe this is what is meant to happen.

"Make your way then" Max said pointing up at the hanging rope from the tree.

We stumped our heads to the undergrowth as we trenched our way to the tree unil suddenly I felt a hand slip into mine and it gave it a tight squeeze. It was Dan's hand. The most comforting, safe touch anyone has ever felt and made it me feel a lot warmer to distract what was about to happen.

After some time, we made our way up to the top of the tree, where the branch stooped fairly flat, enough for the four of us to stand on.

"I can't be bothered to wait for your decision making skills so I’m going to make Ralph go first."  Max gripped Ralph's shoulder and pushed him towards the rope. Ralph showed no fear, as if he had done this before.

I wish we could all back away but because we all are so good we have all engaged in this situation its beating us black and blue.

The three of us watched as Max got the rope and gave it a tight pull down, just to check it would be strong enough. Bits of dust flew out like magical fairies in the sunlight, something you would expect in a Disney movie.

Dan and I gave each other a final reassuring look. Dan smiled and mouthed "I love you, you make me so happy, but we can't let this happen."

I stopped for a moment. "What the hell are we doing up here? Three against one, we can't let this one guy win. No way." I thought to myself.

I stared deep into Dan's eyes and Dan soon realized I was planning something because he zoned out with me.

Max was adjusting the rope. He slit the knot down very carefully, and to check the size; he slowly placed it over his neck, keeping an eye on us all.

Without any further thought Ralph lifted his left leg, wobbling dramatically on the side of the branch, he impulsively placed his foot onto his back and kicked him off.

Least expected him to end like that.

Inspired the brand new song Bad news? How did you’ll find the song /10?