Heartbeat Song

Chapter 68

Anna

Christmas is coming.

Christmas carols are everywhere. Every building has its own Christmas lights hanging around.

The wind is blowing cold and you can tell that the atmosphere is bringing a jolly vibe for everyone. It's the most wonderful time of the year, after all.

But not for me.

We're five days away from Christmas. It's coming too soon, it'll be on Tuesday.

Today is Friday and I can't help myself up from the bed.

There's pain everywhere.

Matthew's match is going to be tomorrow and he's not gonna be back until then.

Cindy's back to their house - I mean, mansion. Yup. She lives in a mansion. I once saw its photo on her phone, but she keeps denying that it's their house.

I just kept on teasing her, anyway.

Cindy and I have been spending a lot of time not until yesterday. We've gone to malls, theme parks, movie theatres, restaurants, and even spa and salon. She's literally claiming as her own.

In the end, she fell more deeply in love with me. Her gratefulness can't be described. But I'm really glad I was able to make her happy and I'm also grateful for her, that even in the absence of Matthew, I've never felt so sad with her.

She's my great friend, after all.

We made peace even though she had to return to their castle. And you know what? She's not even sure when she'll be able to return.

Not even for Christmas.

I'm not so sad.

I'm just a little sad, and...lonely.

But I made her promise to return, even at least on Christmas Eve...

Even if Matthew will be there with me, I still need my best friend on my side. She's my one and only.

Sigh.

Too much for the past several days. And I still need to do something today.

Sigh.

My legs are literally wobbling as I try to stand.

This disease is getting the life out of me every day.

You don't know how much I've been drinking too much medicine and vitamins just to keep up with my dear friend's energy.

I don't want her to notice anything wrong with me. Except for the make-up.

Yes, I've been wearing thick make-up to cover up how pale my skin is now, especially my face.

I just reasoned out to her that I want to try something new.

To heck with make-ups. I had to buy a bunch of them since I only have a powder, a blush, and lipsticks.

Sigh.

I have to muster my strength today and go on with my mission.

---
Wearing a red skirt and white sweater underneath a black coat, I carefully approach the restaurant I've loved the most.

I put on my biggest smile and with two paper bags on my hands, I enter in.

"Anna?" Right after I enter, Ella quickly notices me.

But because of my make-up, I doubt she could tell if it's really me or not. And so I wink at her.

"Anna! It's really you! Oh my! You're dazzling!" She jumps at me.