Timeless

Chapter 1

25th October 2012

"You coming out today?" Lisa asks, her head peeping through the doorway.

"No thanks," I mumble, turning to face away from her.

"Getting out of this bed will make you feel better," she suggests in a sing song voice.

"I'm tired," I whine, though I know it won't work. Lisa is persistent.

"No excuse. Now get up, get showered and get dressed. You've gotta look good to meet those cute boys you've been going on about."

I roll my eyes. "They're called The Collective," I inform her. "And I'm pretty sure they're not going to care how the sick cancer girl looks."

Lisa gives me a stern face. "Don't say things like that," she says, her voice strained. "You'll be out of here in no time."

I sigh, but get up and start getting ready. I have been looking forward to Wharf 4 Ward for the last month. The Collective are going to be there, and they're gorgeous. Plus the whole beach scene and other celebrities should make it fun. Some of the other kids have told me about it from previous years, and they say it's awesome. My stomach clenches with pain, and I'm not sure if it's the thought of some kids spending most of their lives in hospital, or my bitching cancer causing it.

"You ok?" Lisa asks, walking in. "I'll get you a chair."

"I don't need a wheelchair. I'm not an invalid," I snap through gritted teeth. I may lose my hair, I may lose some of my insides, but I will not lose my pride. Gee, I sound like that Braveheart guy.

After a few moments, the pain subsides. So under Lisa's watchful eye, I get dressed into a pair of floral short shorts and one of the blue Wharf 4 Ward shirts. May as well advertise the fact that I'm riddled with killer cancer cells.

Lisa piles me and three other patients into her car and takes us for the short drive to the wharf. There are heaps of people around - all there to support a good cause.

"Who's excited?" Lisa asks, looking back at us.

The two little kids, Ben and Jemma, squeal and bounce in their seats. Their little heads reflect the sunlight in a beautiful way. They're two gorgeous, brave kids.

"Me too!" I squeal in a childish way. "So excited!"

Ben and Jemma laugh, and it's super cute. I love spending time with them and the other littlies when their parents can't make it. When we get out of the car I put Jemma on my back and give her a piggyback ride. Ben is not impressed, so he ends up suckering Chris into giving him one. Chris is quiet and shy, but no one can refuse Ben's adorableness. I let the kids guide me, so we go on the jumping castle first, then we get our faces painted. I now have a flower painted on my face - awesome.

"Hey, Ben? You wanna come with me?" Lisa comes up and asks, taking his hand. "Avery, maybe you could take Jemma over to the blue carpet? I think the X Factor people are almost here."

I try my hardest not to fan girl, and walk over with Jemma's hand in mine. All of the X Factor contestants are there, taking pictures and talking to people as they walk down the blue carpet slowly. Jemma talks to Bella as she goes by. She loves Bella's red hair, so she asks to touch it. Jemma's a bit weird like that, but Bella is sweet and allows it. She moves on and Jemma jiggles about in my arms as The Collective stop in front of her - us.

"Hey," Will says to Jemma. "How are you?"

Jemma shrugs. "Good I guess. How are you?" she responds casually, making me laugh.

"I'm great, thanks," Will says with a laugh.

"You should talk to her," Jemma instructs, pointing at me. "She loves you guys."