James' Point of View Breathing is a necessary component of life. It had yet to register in James' mind that she was no longer breathing. His calloused hands contained a multitude of papers; some for the hospital, and some for college. Yet, his deep brown eyes were only focused on one. It was written in a simple style, elegant, yet strangely simple. He brushed off a tear before continuing to read the three paragraph sheet. He smiled alone at how he was addressed.
Dear Friend (I know that it's you James, only you would go through my personal belongings),
If you are reading this, then I must be dead. Now before you cry again, that is if you've even cried yet, let me just say a few things. I owe you so much James. (It's pointless making this out to anyone else. Mom would never want to read this so soon.) I am honest about this, I really do owe you my life and existence, sorry to be redundant. Please don't start crying yet and saying that I changed your life and all that jazz, because if you think about it, we both inspired one another to bring out our best traits. This probably is making absolutely no sense to you, but oh well, I tried right? Do you remember when we were seven and I went to a park for the first time and a kid teased me about having no hair due to my chemo treatment? The only thing I remember is you and me coming back the next and meeting the kid again; you had shaved your head, saying it's the latest trend in kids' hairstyles. I don't know why that popped into my head right now, maybe because my life is flashing before my eyes? If you remember correctly, we could be in switched positions if only one gene had been different.
I know that there were things you hated about my condition. Don't even try to deny it, otherwise I'll come and haunt your dumb ass. Mmkay Jamesy? Good. I know you hated how I was always the center of attention, and I apologize, I never wanted to be, it just occurred. You also hated how I never had to take school seriously unlike you, don't see why, I would have loved to go to college. Again, call me a nerd and well, you know what, screw you. You hated how I always needed blood transplants from you and how you spent just as much time here as me. I just want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the horrible medication, for taking away your childhood, for missed birthdays, parties, family activities, and for not being there for you. That is what I regret the most; the fact that I was there you whole life, yet never supported you in anything you did.
This last paragraph only has some reminders for you. To start off with, tell Mom and Dad that I love them, and of course that goes for you too. I will always love you guys and watch down on you. As a small side note, please don't let Mom name her soon-to-be baby after me, I will be a mortified ghost. Second, tell everyone at school the truth about me, understand? Anyone who asks gets the real answer, no exceptions. Also, I really want you to follow your dreams. Do think I'm starting to sound corny? Oh well, deal with it brother mine. I'm dead, consider the last time you'll ever hear/see/read my being corny. And now I'm being all dramatic, wow I've changed. Tell everyone I knew that I loved them very much and that I miss them. Well, remember that I love you James. Never forget that. Ever.
Remembered Forever,
Scarlett Murray
He smiled to himself, she would be far happier wherever she is, than where she was. Don't kid yourself man. He was only thinking to help himself get through this. Tomorrow would be his first day back as a senior since her death. He dropped the sheet into his lap before burying his head in his hands. She was gone, and nothing will change that.
James took his seat next to the Head of Guidance director, Mr. Riley. The young man placed his hand on James' back, as a sign of comfort. Mrs. Prate stood in the front of the stage, the small microphone in her right hand. She took a deep breath before raising her hand for attention.
"Students, we have some very terrible news. Most of you know Scarlett Murray, she was a senior here at Fairview High. Sunday night, Scarlett died in the hospital at four-fifteen pm, she was eighteen years old. I just wanted to tell you guys the true story about her, I don't want any rumors about her death going around this school, you understand? Well, what happened was-"
"Could I please tell them?" Jason said, raising his head up from his hands. Everyone went deathly silent at the sound of his voice. He knew they expected to him to mope around, not speak about her. The gray-haired woman gave him a sad look before handing over the mic. He cleared his throat.
"Like she said, I don't want anyone saying anything about my sister, got it?" He paused and scanned the audience, where a few people were nodding their heads slowly. "Scarlett was diagnosed with a severe brain disorder called phyliosyntic cancer. Yes, cancer. She's been sick for her whole life and the one thing that could've changed her fate would've been if I had gotten it. There is no cure for it so you guys know. Ever since she had been confirmed at four years old, she has been a patient at St. Katherine's Hospital. Scarlett was a great girl, but on Sunday she left me a letter. She had written it earlier that morning while I was at practice for football. Her letter had one important message for me, and it was to tell you guys the truth if you asked.
"She had always hoped that I would quit football one day to be a singer and when I got the news about her, I felt like singing again. I haven't been able to shake this song out of my system ever since then. I got some people together and thought that I would sing it for you guys. She once told me that all you need is love to survive everyday. She believed that that was what kept her going, that people cared so much about her. She also wanted me to sing her a song made especially for her." He looked upward toward the ceiling, his eyes shining. "It's about two years late Scar, but this is for you." He went backstage and grabbed a guitar before sitting on a stool in the center of the stage.
A single spotlight shone softly on the boy as he strummed the guitar quietly. He hummed quietly before allowing a beautiful melody to come forth.
How long has it been?
How long will it be?
Can it really happen?
I know we've never met, but
I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me
And hope you remember me always
I've known as long as I've lived
I don't know if I've met you
But be sure that I will
You've never heard me promise before
This one you can count on
How long has it been?
How long will it be?
Can it really happen?
I know we've never met, but
I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me
And hope you'll remember me always
I know that I sound crazy
And possible insane
That's what knowing you has done to me
You're always here
But never really here
How long has it been?
How long will it be?
Can it really happen?
I know we've never met, but
I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me
And hope you remember me always.
I know we've never met, but
I just wanted to
Just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me
And I know you'll remember me, always.
James closed his eyes before a round of applause burst from the silent teenagers. He looked over everyone to a shimmering figure in the back. And, as if he could hear her voice over the crowd, she spoke quietly, but proud.
"I always knew you could do it James. It was a song from heaven brother mine." The figure smiled before disappearing. James smiled as he bowed and exited the stage.
I'll see you there Scarlett.
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