Chapter Fourteen: Fall

Jude and Jordyn are back, I had so much to tell Jordyn. Caleb and I spent the next few days together, just as friends though. Jordyn says he's cute, and she isn't lying. He's tall, gorgeous dirty blonde hair that flips perfectly in the wind, eyes that look almost grey in the right lighting, and to top it off he's so muscular. He plays basketball and football as well, we've learned so much about each other in the last few days that I feel like I can trust him.

I've constantly been having nose bleeds, my dad wants to take me to the doctor but I think it's just because it's been so hot lately. The only thing that really worries me is that they last for such a long time, and I find myself feeling dizzy. I've been having trouble breathing at night as well as stomach cramps. I can't bring myself to eat as much as I used to either from fear of throwing up. I think I could just be coming down with the flu.

Going back to school today felt like a drag, I really could not get myself out of bed. It was as if my bones were stuck and it felt like a sharp stabbing pain. Since it took me so long to get out of bed I didn't have time to eat breakfast, it's not like I was hungry anyway. Jude was already in my kitchen when I came downstairs, he tried to force me to eat but I argued with him and I think he was a little mad, but it's my body, not his.

When I got to school Caleb was already by my locker waiting for me. He was talking to Jordyn, Jude didn't know I spent most of the break hanging out with him so he was a bit confused as to why he was at my locker.

"Hey man," Caleb said to Jude as they did a bro hug.

"Hey, what are you doing here," Jude asked a little confused.

"Just here to greet Alyanna."

"You two know each other?" Jude asked while Jordyn just looked back and forth between the two.

"We hung out over break, she's quite the funny one." Finally, I thought, someone actually thinks I'm funny.

"Oh, Aly didn't tell me you guys were friends." Jude gave me a glance, I don't get why he cares who I'm friends with so much.

"Why would she need to tell you?" Caleb was starting to get irritated with Jude's tone.

"Hey guys," I tried to barge in but they wouldn't let me.

"Because I'm her best friend," Jude took a step closer to Caleb.

"So what?" Caleb took a step towards him.

"So I should know everything."

Before I knew it I was caught in shortness of breath and became extremely dizzy. I couldn't see straight anymore. The last thing I saw was Jordyn trying to say something, only I couldn't really hear, it was almost as if I were deaf. The next thing I knew, everything went black and my head hit the ground.

---

All I could remember when I woke up was Jude and Caleb getting into an argument. I looked around my surroundings, I was in a hospital room. My dad was in the room waiting for me to wake up, as soon as he saw me he ran to my bed.

"I knew I should have taken you to the hospital sooner." He kissed my forehead and rubbed his thumb against my cheek.

"Because it's probably just the flu, dad."

"I don't know sweetheart, the doctors looked pretty concerned."

"Is Jordyn here?" I asked trying to change the subject.

"No, but Caleb is. Who is he?" My dad questioned.

"He's just a new friend I made during the break when Jordyn and Jude were away. Where's Jude?"

"Let's not worry about that right now, Caleb went to get food so he'll be back in a second. I'm going to go get the doctors and tell them you're awake now." He left the room almost in a hurry.

I just laid in the hospital bed waiting for someone to come in, kind of hoping Jordyn or Jude would. Why did my dad leave in such a hurry when I asked about Jude? Caleb walked in and disrupted me from my thoughts.

"Aly, you're awake!" He said with such excitement, "how do you feel?" He sounded genuinely concerned.

"Not so great." I could barely even sit up.

"Don't try to get up, just relax. Is there anything I can get you?" He asked while helping me lay back down.

"Where are Jordyn and Jude?" Since my dad wouldn't tell me, I thought maybe he would.

"Jordyn was here, but her parents were mad that she was skipping class and said she could come back after school.

"Oh, okay. But what about Jude?" Why won't anyone answer that question?

"I'm sure he'll be here later."

"Your parents didn't get mad you're not at school?" His parents don't even know me, so why would they let him skip school for me.

"I explained what happened and they're okay with it. They said it was very nice of me, but I do have to meet with my teachers tomorrow to make up the work I've missed."

I've just been talking to Caleb the whole time my dad was gone. He said the doctors would be back to run some quick tests. Jordyn showed up a while later, her parents allowed her to skip the last period. Jude wasn't here though, and I really wish he was. This whole thing is actually scaring me and it would be nice to have my best friend here with me.

When the doctors came back they took me out of the room and took me to get a CT scan. Now I was more terrified about what was happening. Is it so serious that I need a CT scan? I wasn't allowed to move the whole time, which was actually pretty hard for me cause I can't sit still. It didn't take long, I was back in my hospital room pretty fast. Or it at least felt pretty quick.

---

I couldn't believe what had come out of his mouth. I could feel tears starting to form in my eyes. I was in shock, it was as if the whole world had stopped in time. I was beginning to feel a little dizzy now too which wasn't a good sign. I think I could throw up too. I watched as Dr. Robinson, my doctor, walked out to deliver the news to my dad, Jordyn, and Caleb.

I watched as they took in the news, they couldn't believe it either. My dad was stuck, Jordyn cupped her hand to her mouth in disbelief, and Caleb ran his fingers through his hair multiple times. They all just stood there with no words.

A few moments later, Dr. Robinson had finished explaining everything to them and walked off. They still just stood there as if they couldn't move. I knew in a few seconds that Jordyn would walk in and hug me. Followed by Caleb who would grip my hand tightly. Both of them would be holding in their tears as I would. My dad would be the last to walk in. His face was stained with tears, he put his hand to my head, told me everything would be okay, and kiss my forehead. I would nod and pretend I know they're telling me only half of the truth.

The truth is, I have cancer.