Evangelines Bucket List

Chapter 31: seven months later

"Well Beckett, we are extremely happy to let you know, you're cancer free." Smiled Doctor Raja.

My mom jumped out her chair and hugged me so tight I thought I was going to pass out. I softly smiled.

"Congratulations!" Smiled Raja.

"Thank you." I smiled.

I thought of Evangeline and how she was right, like always. I imagined her jumping on the chair, screaming with excitement. Or the Polaroid camera, taking numerous, yet blinding, pictures. I missed with everything I had.

I went home and sat on my porch staircase. I was only thinking of Evangeline. The mailman, Ollie, came up to me and handed me an envelope. It was from Evangeline. I opened it quickly. It was half a page, written in red ink. Evangeline always had beautiful handwriting. It was noteworthy. The first line was my name and I could already hear her British accent saying my name and everything that was written. She wrote:

"Beckett, my monotonic and non-colorful friend. By the time you have received this letter, I may or may not be around. But if I'm not, wait until I'm dead. But if I am, continue reading. My father will send this letter in six or seven months after I am gone. Gives you some time to heal. Anyway, I never thanked you for helping me with my bucket list. I put you through hell. I gave you a view of a colorful mind. There was an adventure everyday. I think that's what made our friendship so lovable. Even though there were times we did not speak, partially my fault, I still missed you. Although, I did noticed you were lurking around the corner when we didn't speak. I know because I did the same with Remington. I lurked. All is forgiven. You are my best friend, Beckett. The boy I fell love with. I'm sorry we didn't get the chance to experiment. I'm winking right now, if you don't know. I hope you have good days everyday. You deserve to be happy for once.

Forever yours, Evangeline aka Evie/Eve.

Ps. I may or may not have also had to bribe Ollie into holding this letter until he remembered he had it. You'll never know. Haha, I love you!!!"

I smiled the entire time. I was distracted from reading the letter that I hadn't realized a girl was standing in front of me. I look up and jump.

"Sorry." She giggled.

"Who are you?" I asked nervously.

"Sorry, we haven't officially met. My name is Sofia Kennedy. Evangeline told me so much about you."

"Sofia Kennedy? The Sofia Kennedy?" I said shocked. She looked older than Evangeline said she was.

"Yep."

"I'm sorry but aren't you supposed to be fourteen? You look a lot older."

"Oh, that. It was a joke Evangeline and I played on people so they'd freak out when the first see me." We both smiled. "So, I heard you were cancer free." She asked.

"Yeah. Got the news today actually." I sat up.

"I've been cancer free for a month now. My life is thriving. All because Evangeline said I would make it even though I thought I was going to die." She smiled softly.

"Same here." I scoffed.

"Well I better get going. We should hang out sometime. Be friends?"

"Yeah. For sure."

"Okay. See ya!" She walked away.

Sofia seemed nice. But after she left I kept rereading Evangeline's letter. It had been seven months. I spoken to Ernest a week ago and he said he's doing better. He still missed Evangeline. Everyone did.

Evangeline was the type of girl who could be the loudest in your quietest moments. She was funny and adventurous. She had a bright colorful mind that made others happy when they were down. She was a person that everyone loved talking to. She was great at cuddling and wearing beanies. She was beautiful. Cancer didn't stop her from living and finishing her bucket list. After all, where would I be without Evangeline's bucket list?

As I stood up from my porch, I'm walking inside when I turn around to close the door and see Remington at the foot of my gate. I slowly walk back out and we slowly walk towards each other.

"Remington?" I mumbled.

"Hi Beck." She smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"I don't think we could ever be just friends. Ever since I texted you a while back, I haven't stopped thinking about you. That and Evangeline wrote me a letter apologizing and saying we were meant to give us a try."

"So?" I stuttered.

"What are doing later?" She smiled.

"Probably hanging out with my mom."

"Well if your plans with your mom cancel, would you what to hang out instead?" She smiled widely. I smiled and nodded my head yes quickly.

"Cool, see you later then." She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. Wow. Who would've imagined Evangeline setting me up with someone else after death. Classic.

It's a funny world we live in. If I had never agreed to begin a new drug trial, I would have never met Eve. To know how my life changed is fascinating. She accepted everything that was thrown towards her. I miss her. My best friend.

My body fought hard to make to the end. Evangeline told me I was going to make it to the end. I did. What an accomplishment. What an adventure. What an amazing life.

This ones for you, Evangeline Iverson.