Shine bright

Chapter 15

Ellie POV

I step out of the taxi onto the hard asphalt. I look in amazement at Washington Square. The replica of Arc De Triomphe, the children splashing around in the fountain, and people simply just sitting on the benches enjoying the day. I look at the sun, and breathe it all in. The fresh air. For a long time, I haven't felt this relief. I haven't been able to enjoy life, because all while everybody was complaining about boyfriends, school, and not getting what they want, I was hanging onto life by a thread, dreading the darkness that was chasing me, trying to take over me. I never got to have a boyfriend, or experience school.

I feel Melissa's hand on my shoulder.

"Ready to go?" she asks with a smile.

I grin and say, "More than ever."

We snapped a few pictures by the Arc De Triomphe replica, and walked over to the fountain. I watched children wade in, and splashing in the fountain, not caring if they were soaked. I snapped a few pictures, and slipped out of my sandals. Melissa looked at me, confused, but then caught onto my idea, and took off her Michael Kors flip flops. I stepped into the water, shivering at the cold temperature on the soles of my feet, and then I started running down into the mouth of the fountain. I squealed, as I felt water splash my face. Melissa caught up. I laughed as all the past four years of torment slipped away, through the cracks, allowing happiness, to come through.

I sat down on the platform where the fountain was spouting. I was soaked, but it really didn't matter.

Melissa sat down next to me. Her blonde hair was now stringy and soaked.

I felt the moment settle in as I felt my phone buzz inside my pocket. Oh no I forgot to take it out. I took it out, and sighed in relief as I saw it was dry. One text. I open the messaging window.

Jackson: ... want to go out tonight? you know, get to know eachother?

My heart skipped a beat. I really liked Jackson, but I don't him to know about my cancer. He would abandon me, in fear of loosing me, or maybe he will slip away like everyone else, because he won't know how to deal with it.

"You should go." says Melissa startling me. I stand up, and start walking out of the fountain.

"That's private!" I say as Jokingly punch Melissa in the arm.

"Well its not my fault you can't keep your messages to yourself." She quickly retorts.

I have nothing to say to that.

I climb out of the fountain.

"Why should I go. What about the... C word?"

"You don't have to tell him tonight. Just go and I will stay in the hotel, and finish some school work. Besides I think you guys make a great match." she says smiling and winking.

I look back and forth from the text to Melissa.

"Fine." I put on my shoes, and reply to Jackson. Slowly typing the words:

Me: what time?

Jackson: 7:00 I will pick you up from the hotel.

Me: I could just take a taxi. It's fine really.

Jackson: I'm picking you up.

Me: okay. :)

Jackson: :)

I I turn to Melissa and we both squeal, letting our inner girl out.

"Your first date!" says Melissa happily.

"I can't believe it! Finally, I can fit in, have the moments O have been longing for!" I was nervous at first, but now I feel really excited.

********

"I'm going to jump in the shower!" I yell to Melissa.

"Okay! be done by 6:30! We've got to get you ready!" she yells from her room. Probably sunken into her iPad watching, How i Met your Mother. I turn on the water in the shower. I take off my wig, and shiver as I do. I have grown some hair, but it enough. As I wait for the water to turn warm, I pull out my phone, and turn on Pandora. Burn by Ellie Goulding comes on. Perfect. I step into the shower, as the heat hits me, and the water trickles over my head. I sit and enjoy for a few moments, and then spill an absurd amount of soap on my sponge and rub it on my skin, watching the liquid soap, turn into foam.

I wrap a towel over my body and wipe my feet on the bath mat, and go into my room. I take out a black dress, flats, a black belt with a golden buckle.

I looked in the mirror and admired myself. I did this rarely. My body was skinny, bones were popping out everywhere. I wasn't proud of it, but tonight I was. I slipped on my wig, and placed it correctly, so it would look real. Melissa comes in with a case, filled with makeup, and nail polish. I position myself on the bed, and let Melissa apply my make up.

"Okay so silver eye shadow, black eye liner, and Mascara?" She asked. I nodded.

"No blush please. It looks the most artificial out of all of them."

"Okay..."

I close my eyes as Melissa brushes, the artificial substance on my face. She told me to keep my eyes closed until she was done.

I opened my eyes. It looked fantastic.

"Oh my goodness Melissa! you should be a make up artist."

She flips her hair and say why thank you, like she just won a grammy. I hear a knock on the door.

My heart stops beating. All of a sudden, my chest burns with stress. I take my bag, and make sure I have every thing I need.

Inhaler? Check

Lipstick? Check

Phone? Check

Wallet? Check

Okay. I manage to take a few wobbly steps, but Melissa practically pushes me to the door. I open the door, and Jackson stood there all readied up holding a single red rose, with water droplets on the petals. I assumed it was fresh.