Ten Days

Day 1

I realised that my mom was in the room again. "What?! What?! This isn't happening! It can't be! I'm getting married! No, please!" I yelled at the top of my voice.

"I know... I feel the same as you do, Halley," she said. "But we're going to make these ten days the best of your life. We can go anywhere you want—"

"I don't care about that!" I interrupted. "I just wanna live!" I turned to the doctor, who had a sympathetic face now. "Is there no cure?"

"I'm afraid not. The medicine takes over three weeks to complete, and this condition is so rare that we bother more about other medication," the doctor said. Stupid doctor. This didn't make sense.

I sighed, and fell back deep into the pillows that were supporting my neck. I just knew that I had to give up, so I did. There was nothing I could do. "All right, mom... I guess I should just live these ten days."

She smiled, but inside I knew that she was devastated.

I suddenly realised... I had to keep this a secret... from everyone. Especially Jamie. Well, what would he think? Our wedding wouldn't happen, and I couldn't tell him that. I hated seeing Jamie upset, so I'm keeping my mouth shut. I'm keeping my mom's mouth shut, too, but I'm sure she wouldn't betray me if I told her not to. Now that my dad's gone, there isn't anyone else to tell.

"Can I get out of the hospital, now?" I asked. He looked a little shocked.

"Halley, we're going to need to run some tests on you first," he said.

"What?! Why?"

The doctor didn't reply. He just let out a huge sigh. It felt like he pinched me in between my arm, or at least, someone had pinched me. However, the next thing I knew, everything was black...

* * *

I woke up in my bed at home. I felt the soft covers that laid on me. I relaxed onto the fluffy pillow. I felt so relieved. It was all just a dream.

Or so I thought. My mother came into my bedroom, crying. She wiped her tears and closed the door. She saw my face fall and I frowned; she'd must've known that I'd thought it was a dream.

She perched on my bed and tried to rub my hand, but I pulled away. Then I realised that I only had ten days to live, so I held her hand again, gripping onto it very tightly.

"Halley," she began. "What would you like to do today?"

"I want to see Jamie," I demanded.

She sighed. "How about after you see Jamie, we can spend some time together, okay?"

I wanted to spend my evening with Jamie, eating at a fancy restaurant. "What time is it?"

"It's..." She leaned over my bed. "Twelve-forty-five."

"Okay..." I trailed off. "I have a bit of a plan... how about I spend some time with you, then I'll go and spend time with Jamie?" She nodded. I got up out of bed and my mother stood up.

"Want to go to the circus and—" I hugged her before she could finish her sentence. I loved the circus, it was my absolute favorite place to go. The countless, vibrant colors, and the wondrous, talented magicians that created a sparkle in my eyes.

She knew that that meant a yes. I dressed in my favorite shirt, something casual, since I like casual, unless I'm with Jamie. After that, we hopped into the car and drove a long way to the circus, staring at the hills and fields we passed.

On the way there, I asked, "Um, mom, can you do me a favour? Can you not tell anyone about this?"

She tutted before speaking in a sweet way. "Of course I won't tell anyone, darling!" She rubbed my right shoulder to show that she promised.

I smiled. "Thanks."

* * *

At the circus, we ate strawberry, vanilla, and even mint choc-chip ice cream (I dislike that flavour, but since I was having such a great time, it didn't seem to occur to me). We watched magicians perform magic that I can't even explain, admired the soaring couples wearing leotards that were neon colors, and played games and games and games. My mother even won a massive teddy bear, and she kindly gave it to me. I had the best day of my life, and it was all because of my mom.

* * *

When we got home, I saw Jamie already in his red car. He was wearing a dashing black suit, but his hair was really messy.

He spotted me, and my mother hurried inside, almost juggling the smoothies she had in her hands.

I ran over to Jamie, and he kissed my cheek. "I'm just going to get ready," I said, going inside.

I dressed in a cream-colored dress that had flowers dotted on it, and it made the dress look beautiful. I didn't need make up, so I just left my hair flowing and slipped some strapless shoes on before leaving the house and getting into the car with Jamie. I waved at my mother in the window and we began to drive.

At the restaurant, we each ate a delicious, full plate of spaghetti and talked for hours until it was at least midnight. We watched the stars twinkle in the night-sky, scattered like moon-dust in a black void. I wished I could tell Jamie, but no means no.

I arrived at home, extremely tired. I kicked off my shoes and laid in bed. My mom knocked on the door and said goodnight.

I closed my eyes and plunged into a deep, dreamless sleep. Nine more days to go.