Plan B

21

My birthday was coming up and I had no idea of what I wanted to do on that day. I had to start making plans but I was too busy planning for Lindsey's funeral which still saddened me very much. The two week school contribution reached 10,000 dollars! This was amazing.

"Mom, I'll be home before six o'clock."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to pay Mrs. Park a visit and take all the money contributed by the students to her."

"But I just finished getting ready for the hospital."

"You're sick?"

"I feel I am, and I wanted you to take me but please just go and make sure you send my condolences. I'll wait for you."

"You know you can go without me in case I get late."

"I know, but the hospital isn't a place you should go alone. I need moral support. Besides, it's just a check up. Now go; don't keep Mrs. Park waiting.

My mom was just... MY MOM. She could take up different attitudes and this time she was being petty. What can I do? I quickly left before she could engage me in another debate.

I arrived at Lindsey's house after an hour. I found her parents and a bunch of other people I concluded to be her relatives and neighbours. Mrs. Park was the most depressed, you could've known she was Lindsey's mom in the room.

"Kristie. Lindsey's very good friend," she said breathlessly. She hugged me when I approached her. "You were always a good friend to Lindsey. Oh Lindsey!"

"Mrs. Park, everything will get better with time. We all have to be strong," I said trying to hold back my tears,"I brought the school's contribution. It's ten thousand dollars!" I said trying to make her a little cheerful.  She didn't seem to care much about it although she was grateful. No amount of money could compensate for Lindsey's life.

"Thank you so much deary," she said briefly.

I stayed for some time helping out with the guests and the clean up afterwards. Lindsey's body would be arriving tomorrow and Mr and Mrs. Park would go to identify it at the morgue.

I decided not to accompany them because I didn't have the strength to. Eventually it was time to leave. I gave all the money to Mr. Park who looked beaten up by a rolling pin. His grief was also evident. It must be hard to lose your one and only child; I'm definitely getting six just in case.