[ Mood ] Unsure

[ Thoughts ]

Suddenly, the girl clutched at the boy's hands, nails digging into his skin rather painfully. He didn't wince, nor pay it any attention.

"What if I never see you again?" she asked fearfully, looking quite concerned. Grip on his hand increased at the thought of them going their seperate ways. "I mean.. We're not going to the same high school. We always go to the same school."

"Hey.. Come on.. That hurts." He managed to pry her fingers off, one by one. Not that it made a difference. As soon as he dropped her hand, she had returned to her painful clinging. "We'll visit each other lots during the summer.. I swear!" he said with enough conviction for the both of them.

"People always say that, but they always forget too!" She gave him a doubtful look, quite worried over this little bit of experience. "What then?" she asked in a low whisper.

Grinning rather slyly, giving one of those manly shrugs that made the girl feel like she wanted to strangle him, he gave her a tight, breath-stopping hug. She only glanced up at him in confusion, frowning. She had a fleeting thought that he didn't quite understand the situation.

"I-I don't understand," she stammered, feeling the tears well up in her eyes. Didn't their 5 years of friendship mean anything to him?

Slowly, he raised a hand to pause the impatient calls of his friends. Reaching up around his neck, he slowly undid the clasp of the St. Jude medal. The chain hissed as he coiled it all in one hand. The medal dangled out from between two of his fingers, and he held it up for her to see. She was close enough to read the inscription that she had memorized on the back of the medal, as well as see the glint it was giving off. It sparkled with color as the light bounced off of it. On the back, the words, so lovingly carved in from his long deceased father, 'I'll always be inside your heart' were inscripted. His free hand reached for hers. Uncurling her fingers, turning her hand palm-side up, chains slithered from his hand into hers. Kissing the warm medal, he folded her fingers over the necklace tightly.

"I'll come back for it," he murmured softly, eyes holding a flash of what seemed to be a promise. With that, he quickly kissed her forehead, jogging off towards his group of waiting friends. The girl gazed after her friend, pressing the St Jude medal to her chest. He absolutely adored this necklace, since his father had given it to him. She had known how his father had died when he was young, and that he treasured the necklace immensely. Yet here she was, cradling it as if it were a baby. In a daze, she wandered back towards her chattering group of friends.

Until next time, Jason.

Sitting there, among the other classes, one excited girl was fidgeting in her seat. Clothed in a dress of blue and purple, she was flushed with pleasure at how her appearance had turned out. A splash of make-up and a swipe of lip-gloss, and she was raring to go. Re-adjusting her matching shawl over and over, everyone began to settle down as the lights began to dim. Taking in a trembling breath, the girl relaxed among her friends, face rapt with attention as she watched the teachers one by one stand up to give their speech. It was all the same to her. Grow up and be happy, many kodak moments and such to share with the room full of parents, students, and teachers.

Soon, the lights was turned back on, and the tension rose. The girl instantly sat straighter, and it seemed all the teachers noticed. One by one, they glanced at her. Making eye contact, they quickly dropped their eyes, as if unakle to look at her innocently. At that, she slumped back into her seat. Award after award was called, hisses of 'You're so going to get that,' and 'They're describing you!' passing by inbetween every word. But the girl only shook her head in a subdued manner. She knew better. Name after name was called, and the girl continued to sit in her seat, staring at her shoes. She didn't even clap when friends when up to collect their own awards. One last time, the audience roared with applause, clapping loudly as the students slowly began to file out of room.

The girl shuffled over to her own invited guests, head ducked to hide the tears that had appeared on her face. She had tried so hard, done so well.. But obviously, it wasn't good enough. Waiting as her brother and sister walked off to get refreshments, the young girl was left with her mother. Still staring at her feet, she didn't utter a single word, letting a small sniffle escape every now and then. Hands cupped her face, lifting her eyes from the floor to meet her mother's. Leaning over, the older woman muttered something in the girl's ears. It was as if a curtain was lifted. The tears stopped, and a brilliant smile was put on as she posed for pictures with her friends. Cheery attitude remained throughout lunch and during the dancing. Not a single trace of her disappointment could be found.

And now, you're all wondering what the mother had said to the daughter, are you not? Just a few simple words that meant much more then they seem. 'I love you, and I have never been more proud of you in my life.'

Oh.. And mom? I love you too.

Bruises fade, father, but the pain remains the same. I can still remember how you kept me so afraid. Every morning that I wake, I look back at yesterday.. And I'm okay.

[ Mood ] Blissfully Blank

[ Thoughts ]

A sea of people, perched on their chairs, all had their eyes riveted on that small girl upon that big stage. A few of the younger children fidgeted, the stiffling heat affecting them all. Lights shining down, almost blinding the young girl, she nervously swallowed, staring right back at those faces. Brown eyes frantically searched for a particular face. Her mother's. Locking onto the familiar visage, she felt the tension rise, yet her stomach somehow seemed to lower. Heart was no longer in her body as she watched her mother shake her head. She could visibly see the apparent boredom shift into shame. She watched as her mother sidled out of the gym, bending over to speak to someone at the door. Shooting one last glance at the silent girl on the stage, the mother left. As the door swung shut, the director began making his way to the stage. Swallowing once more, feeling tears prick her eyes, the girl took a deep breath, and began singing. Sweet innocent voice filled the large rectangular room, sad, melodious tune playing in the background. As the song ended, the young girl even managed to have tears fall down her face, as it was written in the script. The audience jumped to their feet, clapping loudly, hooting and whistling as they cheered her on. But.. There's more behind the actress's facade, because those tears were real.

Did you know how much it hurt to see you leave, without even waiting to listen? Of course you don't. When have you ever been there for me?