If I had one last word

Part 6-Seperate Ways

It was mid-july when things began changing for Grace and I. Suddenly she became more reserved and I felt as though she was hiding from me. I tried to give her space and let her figure things out but I could only wait so long.

"Grace whats up with you?"

"I just havent been feeling right the past few weeks Lee."

"Why you sick?" I put my hand on her forehead to see if she was warm.

"No." She casualy brushed my hand off her. "Lee I love you. Im just really stressed out and its taking a toll on me mentally and physically."

I grabbed her hand in mind and kissed her. "You know you can tell me anything right?"

"I know. Im sorry I waited so long to tell you this." She paused.

The world froze in place. I knew whatever was coming it was going to shift the tides of our lives. I looked outside to see it began raining. In that same instance she began a stream of tears down her face.

"My dads job is taking him away from here."

I smiled, "So your parents divorce will be finished and you wont have to deal with the arguing anymore?"

"Lee." She buried her head deep into my chest. "They're going to try to work things out. Im leaving this weekend."

Now tears fell down my face landing on her head. "To where?" It took a lot for me just to mumble those words.

"Citrus Park....Flordia."

My heart sank. I never felt pain run that deep before. The rain picked up drasticly as if the heavens themselves were weaping along side us.

"No." I didnt want to believe her. "This cant be the end of us."

"I love you. Im in love with you Dragonite and Im honored that you gave me the chance to feel your love too, but a long distance relationship like that would never work."

"And I would much rather have you as my best friend then nothing at all." I finished her statement.

"Oh Lee....Im sorry. Please forgive me. Please dont hate me. Tell me you dont hate me."

I pushed her off of me and held her by the shoulders. "I dont hate you. I never could. I will always love you because you are my Red Rose. Without you my heart wouldnt be whole. This is hard, but I know we will always be best friends."

"Ahhhhh" she sobbed loudly.

That night we fell asleep crying together. Its the one moment in my life with Grace I cherished the most. Even though our relationship ended there we forged a bond that never could be broken.

The pain ran deep for us both, but looking back never would I change a single moment that I had with that girl. She was my strength, my light, my love, my heart and soul, my everything.

I helped her get all set up for her move and finally the day arrived for us to go our seperate ways. Things were tough for us and tears were shed.

"You know Lee this isnt really goodbye. I mean I will be up during the holidays to see you."

"I know baby. I mean Grace."

"Its okay I still love you with all of me. Whenever you get sad just listen to this okay?"

She handed me to cds. Both of which were by Evanscence. "Anywhere. Our song. Why this other cd though?"

"It has the song My Immortal on it. I figured you'd enjoy it. Also take this Lee."

She handed me an envelope that was sealed. "Dont you dare open that until I am in Flordia. You have to promise."

"I promise."

She kissed me. It was just like the first time we kissed. Fireworks in my head and my stomach filled with butterflies. I forgot what was going on.

"Grace I love you with all my heart. You're my best friend."

"And I love you Dragonite. I will call you when we get there."

So she left. Time went by slowly. It took almost two full days before she got there but I kept my promise and didnt open the envelope. As soon as she let me know she made it safely I opened it up. It read,

'To my dearest friend,

     I love you more than words can say. Being away from you all alone has always been my worst fear. I guess Im being silly because you are always with me. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting there battling our Pokemon. You honestly sucked at it, but it was cute nevertheless. Thats why I want you to have this. Its my Dragonite Pokemon card. I signed our names in a heart at the bottom, lamenated it, and sealed it in this case. Now our friendship can be perserved forever. This card isnt really meant for you to keep though. I know things are tough now, but someday you will find another love. When you fall in love with 'the girl of your dreams' give her this card. It is more than just a piece of cardboard. Its a symbol of us and what someday we will accomplish together. Its our past, present, and future. We can change the lives of our future familys. No domestic violence. Which reminds me make me a promise okay. Treat your girls of the future like princesses, but never settle for anyone less than the best. Make sure she loves you for you and will take care of you. You're a sensitive guy but thats not a bad thing. Dont be a cheater or a player. Love every moment like its your last. Geez I know Im rambling my heart just hurts. I love you Dragonite. I always will. See you soon xoxoxo forever,

     Love Grace"

I cried for hours as I reread the letter countless times. Our love ran deep. So deep that she was willing to let me go. It was hard but I knew she was right on all counts.

We talked when we could, but I found our conversations became more scares. She didnt come up for the holidays and I couldnt imagine why. When we did talk our conversations were short and choppy. It was a cold rainy april day when I got the call.

"Lee its shelby we need to talk."

Shelby was Grace's mom. "Yes ma'am whats up."

"Its about Grace."

In the depths of my body I knew something bad was about to happen. "What?! Whats wrong with her?"

I heard Shelby began to sob. "I promised her I wouldnt tell you, but at this point I feel like you need to know and she needs you."

"Okay." Its the only word I could utter.

"Nikky felt bad not long after wd moved down here so we took her to the doctor. She has cancer Lee and they dont think she has much longer."

I went numb. I could hear Shelby crying but my body froze in place. Was this really happening. Why was I not informed. Finally I responded.

"No you're lying. Cancer? What about chemo, radiation. Something?! Anything?!"

"They tried. Its progressing throughout her body. Its stage four now. I love you Lee, she needs you."