A Sweet Afternoon

8/10/2019 A Sweet Afternoon

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A SWEET ROSE

Dear mom and dad,

How are you? Im fine down here. Guess what? The doctor said that I have exactly a month to live. Im ha though. I get to see you two again after so many years of being alone on Earth. Wait for me in heaven. Ill be there

Love, Angelica

I was finally allowed to leave that blasted hospital after so many months of beingadmitted. I looked at the manor that mom and dad left me with. Even though it has beenmonths since I last stepped into the manor, it is well kept by the servants. Well, whywouldnt they? Even though Im dyin g, I am still responsible for the lives of others.

Apparently, I am not responsible for mine. Instead of going into my room, I decided totake a walk into town after seeing it from the white room of death in the hospital.


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It was 3 pm and no students were mingling around town. So, I decided to check out thepublic school nearby. It was pretty open to public considering on how lax the securitywas. I entered the school to find the students were having extracurricular activities inthe afternoon. I have never experienced school life due to my health condition ever

since I was a young girl. I was home-schooled to which many refer me to as a rich bratby the society. But, has anyone ever asked; why am I home-schooled? Why am I such aloner at social gatherings?

Never No one has ever asked me that question. No one even bothered

As I sat at the bleachers watching the boys play baseball, I thought to myself. I couldhave been born perfect. I could have gone to school. I could have gotten myself friends,team mates or even a boyfriend. I could have fallen in love. But Why? Why am I bornto die at such a young age? Has God turned His back on me when he brought me into

this world? Has He gotten tired of shaping me? If he is, then why didnt he struck me onthe day mom and dad was involved in the crash? Why didnt he take my life inste ad oftheirs? Why did they have to protect me?

I pondered on those questions as I hung my head low avoiding any means of humancontact with anyone coming my way. I was like a red rose covered with thorns to keepeveryone away just to save them from being saddened by my departure. I never didrealise it that I now have tears trailing down my cheeks.

Suddenly, a white cloth appeared in front of my eyes. I looked up to see that it was a boy

from the fields. I took the cloth from him and wiped my eyes as he took a seat next tome. He was wiping away his sweat while taking a sip of his water bottle.


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He had a fair complexion, his face looked gentle but with a tiny bit of masculinity in hisfeatures. His brunette hair that was slightly long for a short and messy haircut. His eyes

were brown that screams out kindness and compassion. His smile somehow his smilemade my heart skipped. What is this new feeling?

Hi there Stressed? Me too. I have the cha mpionship coming round the corner and my pitching is not that good yet. Tell me Whats your problem? He asked me kindly witha smile.

I froze at his question. I never had anyone asking me what is going on in my life. Iremained static as I was shy because I have never made contact with anyone other thanmy servants. There was silence between us. Feeling awkward, he decided to go

elsewhere.

This was my first and last chance to make memories with other people than myservants. He slowly got up and was about to leave when my arm reacted. I grabbed hisarm, stopping him from going. With a stuttering voice, I spoke softly

P - please, dont go I need you,

He nodded and sat back down but this time the distance between us closed in. He justsat beside me, keeping me company until 5 pm. Not a word escaped from our mouths.We were just enjoying each others company as we watch the students play football inthe fields. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my butler, Mr. Watson, who was entrusted


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by my parents to take care of me ever since the accident. He told me to return to themanor before sundown.

Ok, Watson. Ill be there in a moment, I answered softly as I sw itched off my phone.

Then, I thought I heard a chuckle from the boy beside me. I turned to him to see that hewas smiling, containing his small chuckle to which I found adorable.

I thought you would never speak for the past two hours. I cant believe you just called your dad by his name, said the boy as he chuckled.

Watsons not my dad. He is my servant,

Oh Im sorry for assuming. Anyway, I better go and fetch my sister from middleschool, said the boy.

Before the boy left, I stopped him again but this time I have a question for him that Ihave been meaning to ask ever since I stopped him from leaving before. With adetermined mind, I asked

Why did you decide to stay when I asked you to?

There was silence between us for a moment. He then turned to me with a smile andspoke

Easy You said that you needed me. So, I stayed. Everyone needs help sometimes even

if it is just by keeping the m company, answered the boy with contentment of heart.

Upon hearing to that answer, I finally smiled after so many years of suffering. As I wasabout to leave, the boy took hold of my hand. I turned to him to see his brown eyes thatwere filled with worry.

Whats your name? asked the boy as he released my hand.

Angelica Johnsons

Im John Smith. Will I see you again? he asked again

Im not sure

How about we meet up here every day at 3pm and talk about each others day? Ormaybe if you do not want to talk about your day, we can just sit here and just enjoy eachothers company? he proposed as he took his sports bag.

I nodded and smiled agreeing to his proposal. That night as I lay in bed, I had Johns facefloating in my mind. I was enjoying the feeling when suddenly my phone rang telling methat it was time to take in medicine. I turned to my side and there was my medicine that

I had to take for the next 29 days of my life before I die


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As I look at the amount of tablets in my hands, I wondered why I still have to take mymedicine when I was going to die. So, I shoved the tablets into the rubbish bin and wentback to bed. But then just as I was about to sleep, my chest hurt like there was notomorrow. I tried to reach for the beeper to alert Watson but instead I fell to the ground.

Thump!

I looked at the medicine tablet bottles in the bin. I quickly took out the painkillers andswallow about 3 tablets to ease the pain. Then, Watson threw opened the door of myroom to find me on the floor with my medicine all over the place. A few maids came inand helped me with the medicine while Watson carried me to bed.

Young mistress, you really must be careful with your medicine, said Watson as hetucked me into bed.

Why do I have to take in medicine when I know that I am going to die? I tried to commitsuicide but I ended up struggling to be alive. Watson, has God really turned his back onme? What is money when it cant even help you?

All the maids then stood round my bed with Watson. I was perplexed by their actions.

Young mistress, everyone in the manor loves you like their own child. You are specialto us said Sarah, my personal maid.

Yes, maam. Your parents were the most loving and kind people in our lives. They took

us in and gave us jobs, said MaryThey treat us like family. When they died that day, everyone in the household weredevastated, said Chloe head maid of the house

Young mistres s, in their will, they entrusted us to you. Making sure you grow up into aloving and kind young woman just like your parents, said Clara my nanny.

To put it simply, young mistress; we all love you, said Watson.

I remained quiet and turned away from them covering myself from them with my quilt.

Its not that I did not care about them. Its just that I want to spare them from all thegrief that was to befall them.


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20more days

Dear mom and dad,

How are you in heaven? Are you keeping an eye on me on Earth? I am so pathetic. I tried to shorten mEarth but failed for I was afraid. Do I really want to die? Or do I still want to experience life?

I met a boy His name was John Smith from St Peters High School down the street. Why does my heart beat fastened every time he smiled at me? It is so weird Anyway, save a seat for me up there. Ill be there in a few m

Love, Angelica

One morning, I woke up to the sound of a crash outside my room. I rushed out to findone of the younger maids on the floor with a broken vase beside her. She was injured. Ithen rushed to her side and inspect her whole body. She was overworked with choresand that made her unaware of what was in front of her.

Mistress, I am so sorry. Ill pay it back. I promise, said the maid.

I dont care about that old junk. Are you alright? Lets get you somewhere else,

Then, Watson and Clara came rushing to the maid and I.

Young mistress, its dangerous for you to be near the shattered vase barefooted, saidWatson as he swept me in his arms.

Ill be fine, Watson. Get her to her room. She has been overworked. Put me down,Watson. I can walk, I told Watson firmly as I pointed to the ground.

Watson then brought me to my room and checked my feet for any shattered clay. Thatwhole day I was in my room reading, writing and sometimes I would sneak out to the

music room at the end of the hall. Then, as I was returning from lunch, I heard the soundof the grandfather clock telling me that it was 2pm. I then remembered that I made apromise to John. I ran up to my room happily and opened my closet to look for a dress towear that afternoon.

As I was trying on my dresses, Clara entered the room with my medicine. She saw me infront of the mirror twirling in the blue dress that I have been dying to wear for a specialoccasion.

Going somewhere, young mistress? asked Clara as she placed my med icine on the

table.Yeah, meeting a friend at school, I answered as I arranged my dress properly.


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A friend? Alright then. Wait a minute You never went to school, said Clara as shelooked at me with suspicion.

Cant I make friends with other people? I asked her as I sat at the vanity table.

WellI suppose you can. Anyway, whats her name? asked Clara as she held my brownlocks to braid it.

His name is John Smith from St Peters High School down the street, I answeredhonestly.

Clara was stunned for a moment when I told her that he was a boy. She then smiled andturned to the mirror as she caressed my head gently.

Lets make you pretty then, said Clara as she continued to braid my hair.

It took her 30 minutes to finish up with my hair and makeup. It was already 2.45 pm. I

quickly grabbed my bag and ran out of the manor to the school. Clara went to see me offand waving at me happily.


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Claras POV

The young mistress finally met someone. I cant believe that it has already been 18 yearsalready. Watching her grow up is the most memorable part of my job. I stillremembered her first words as Mistress was holding her in the playroom.

Angelica, dear. Dont bite mommys hand. Its painful, said Mistress Monica as she letsAngelica bite her hand even though it was painful.

Maybe shes hungry, mistress. Heres her bottle. Ill prepare her bath after this, Iinformed the mistress as I gave the milk bottle to her.

Angelica was giggling when she saw the bottle and was reaching for it. Her mother thengave it to her and she was so excited that she jumped in her mothers arms. Then, a cutevoice came from little Angelica.

Mama

That day was the most memorable day in my life. Both for her mother and I. Monica andI were in high school together. After high school, I was not so lucky as my parents wentinto bankruptcy and could not afford my tuition fee in university. After 5 years, I metMonica again but this time she was already married. She was married to the man thatshe has always been having a crush on since high school.

I was ashamed of my status that I wanted to run away from her but Monica has alwaysbeen my good friend. She never sees others according to their status. Monica took me in

as her lady in waiting. She made sure I was properly educated and sent me back toschool and receive my degree.

Now that you have received your degree, you may leave the manor and venture out tothe world, Clara sai d Monica on my graduation day.

No, Monica. I am indebted to you. I will stay and work for you. Besides, you have a babyon the way. I want to see this baby grow up into a beautiful and kind soul just like you, Itold her as I embraced her who was 3 weeks pregnant at that time.

As I see the young mistress who day after day looks more and more like Monica, I reallymiss her and her kind presence in the manor. Even though she has departed, Monicaspresence never did left the manor. Its still present in th e manor with Angelica runningaround and doing everything she can to live her life well.

Monica, your daughter is the best thing that has ever happened in our friendship,


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I arrived at the school with John waiting at the bench for me. He was reading a book ashe waited for me. I was surprised that he actually waited for me. I approached him andhe looked up from his book. His brown eyes were like staring into my soul. He then

smiled and gesture to me for a seat beside him.Sorry for being late. I had some things to do, I apologised as I looked away from him.

Its fine. Everyone has things to do. That reminds me! May I have your phone number?It will be easier for me to contact you if I have any other plans so that it will save you thetrouble from waiting for me, said John as he took out his phone.

Sure I agreed as I gave him my phone number.

After we exchanged phone numbers, we just sat there and enjoy the silence as the timepasses. Sometimes I would catch him glancing at me for a moment. As we sat there, I feltdroplets of water falling onto my head. It was going to rain. John noticed it too andgestured to me to follow him and find shelter. There was only a pagoda nearby and wetook shelter there. We were slightly wet from the rain but it was alright. I sat at thebench warming myself up. As I was rubbing my hands together, John placed his schoolcoat over my shoulder to warm me up. I looked at the badge of his coat. It wrote therePresident.

Yeah, now you know my secret, said John as he sat beside me.

The burden must be quite tough, isnt it? I asked as I smiled.

Well, no. It is not much of a work. There are others out there who shoulders heavierburden. This is just a mere a sack on the back, he answered me as he rubbed his handstogether for warmth.

Seeing him cold, I took his hands and held it in mine which was covered by his coat andwarm it up for him. He was stunned by my actions but he did not push me away. Therain took a while to stop.

The rain really had us this time, s aid John as he chuckled.

Yeah, I dont think it will be stopping any time soon, I answered him.

Maybe we should get to know each other better, said John out of the blue.

What?

I mean if you want or not, he answered indifferently.

Dont worry Of course we can do that, I told him as I giggled looking at him panicking.


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Johns POV

Why do I feel this way about this girl? I have just met her a few weeks ago and her smilehas already make me feel like my heart was about to explode. She is so pretty and verysoft spoken. When she arrived just now, I was so stunned of her beauty and softappearance. She looks really beautiful. What is wrong with me? Why is my brainlistening to my heart and not itself? Oh God! I just asked for her number with a clichexcuse.

Sure she answered as she took my phone from my hand.

I watched her as she pressed on the screen of her number on my phone. She looked sofragile as if something was really bothering her but was hiding it from the world. Wait aminute Why do I care over her concerns? I never cared about the other studentsproblem in school. But Why Angelica? Why her and not my friends whom I have beentogether longer than she has?

After she gave me her phone number, we sat there enjoying the silence. I wouldsometimes glance at her just to make sure she was alright. Then, little droplets of waterfell on our heads. It was beginning to rain. I lead her to the nearest shelter which wasthe pagoda. Fortunately, we reached the pagoda before getting caught in the rain. Shesat at the bench provided and warmed herself up.

I had my coat with me and put it around her to warm her up. She saw the tag on my

coat.

Must be a heavy burden, isnt it? she asked me as she smiled.

Well, no. It is not much of a work. There are others out there who shoulders heavierburden. This is just a mere a sack on the back, I answered her as I rubbed my handstogether for warmth.

The next thing I knew it, Angelica took my hands in hers and held them keeping themwarm as I sat beside her. We stayed like that until my hands were warm enough. Isuggested that we get to know each other more while waiting for the rain to stop. Shewillingly agreed as she giggled at me who was panicking. God Why is she so cute? Icant stand it!

Ill start first. Well, you already know my name and what school I attend to. Okay Myhobbies I love reading and listening to classical and jazz music. I play the saxophoneand I want to pursue my studies in the musical field. I want to create music specificallyfor hospital patients in the hospital to soothe their minds whenever they are feelingscared at a hospit al, I explained.

Thats a very good ambition and dream. I really do hope that I can listen to you playsome time, she said.

What about you, Angelica? I asked her back.


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Me? I never did attend school. I was home schooled all my life, said Angelica sad ly asshe looked away.

Why? Why were you always home schooled? I asked her.

I am always sick and I am always at the hospital . Thats why I was home schooled, sheanswered sadly.

I felt like I have stepped into a bomb mine. Why did I ask her that? I am soinconsiderate... Then, I heard Angelica released her breath. I turned to her and what Isaw in her eyes were sorrow and suffering. Without realising, I embraced her to assureher. My heart beat was so fast and loud that I can hear it. I can feel Angelicas heart beatwhich was quite fast too.

Its alright. You must have been suffering for a long time now. Just cry it all out, Iassured her as I held her tight.

Then, I felt droplets of water on my shoulder. Angelica was crying silently as her tearstrailed onto my shirt. She must have gone through a lot already and no one has seen herin her weakest state. I wish I couldve been there for her. Wait a minute Why am Idoing this? S hes just a girl I have just met. Why am I doing this when I barely knew her?


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Angelicas POV

Its alright. You must have been suffering for a long time now. Just cry it all out, Johnassured me as he held me tight.

His embrace was warm and full of sincerity. The feeling that I have been missing frommom and dad for 12 damned years of loneliness never really did bother me until today.I never realised that it has been welling up inside me for so long. I was ready to burstand I finally did. Tears were trailing down my cheeks. I tried to stop it but my tears just

kept on coming and finally I broke down in tears. I could not stop them. God, I ammaking his white shirt wet. But he kept on holding me tight.

We stayed like that for an hour and I finally regained my composure and he gave me ahandkerchief for me to wipe my tears away. The sun was finally up. It was around 4.30pm. I was expecting a call from Clara when John took hold of my hand.

Would you like to go for some ice cream? he asked me with a smile.

I nodded as I followed him while I wipe away my tears. We walked into town. I wassurprised by how the streets were quite empty on the account it was a weekday. As wewalk, I noticed that he was still holding onto my hand. I then returned the grip and feltthe warmth of his palm. His hands were big compared to my small and frail hand. Themore I look at my hand, the sadder I have become as I have only a couple of weeks leftto live. Life is cruel

Angelica, hey Is something the matter? asked John as he turned to me.

Ha? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about something. Anyway, are we there yet? Iasked him.

Were here. What would you like? asked John as he pointed to the menu.

Ill have chocolate and vanilla mix, I answered him. Really? Wow, people say that its a weird mix, said John.

Whats wrong with these two mixing? They are a I said but was cut by John.

A match - make in heaven. Yeah, I know. Its my favourite too, said John.

I was surprised by his answer. Embarrassed, I turned away to cover my red face. Ithought I heard a chuckle coming from John. I cant help but to smile as it was reallyunexpected since no one has ever saw it from that perspective. As he was getting the icecream, I was distracted by the teddy bear in the toy shop across the street. I was

intrigued by the teddy bear that I did not realised John calling my name.


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Angelica, your ice cream is melting, said John as he was shaking my arm.

Ha? Oh, sorry. I was looking at that tedd y bear. It looks as if it was staring deep into mysoul Oh my gosh, that is just so creepy... I answered John as I licked my ice cream.

Okay? Lets head to the park and finish our ice cream there, proposed John.

I agreed and followed him. I then noticed that he was not holding my hand since thecold air brushed against my hand. I wonder if my hand will be this cold when I die. Orwill I never feel it moving again. I kept on looking at it and moving it to feel it movingagain and again as I wont be able to feel it in a couple of weeks. Then, I hit something. Ilooked up to find that it was John.

Why did you stop, John? I asked him.

I forgot to hold your hand, said John as he took my hand and started walking again.

This time when I held onto his hand, I brought myself closer to him. I want to feel thisfeeling as I will never feel it again in a couple of weeks. When we reached the park, wesat at the fountain and finished our ice cream side by side. After we finished our icecream, we enjoyed each others company. Then, John turned to me.

Angelica, I want to tell you something, said John.

Alright, go ahead. I wont judge if it is something weird, I told him as I giggled.

The next thing I knew it, John kissed me. I did not push him away at all. I just stay therestatic not knowing what to do. He then pulled away from the kiss.

I love you, Angelica. I never did realise it until today. I want to be with you and make you happy, said John as he held both my hands.

I was surprised and happy at the same time but then, I looked down at my hands thatwere constantly being pierced with needles for my medicine. I was really sad and was atthe verge of crying when John lifted my head to his face.

I will be there for every moment of your life. I promise, said John with a smile.

Will you? I asked him back.

Yes, 24 hours a day. Well, except for that. Maybe around 12 hours a day since I haveschool, said John jokingly.

I agreed and the both of us have been together for the next 18 days. Throughout thatwhole 18 days, I kept my secret from him. Afraid that he will be very depressed.


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1 more day left,

Dear mom and dad,

How are you? These last 18 days of my life has been the happiest days in my life. I mentioned before thatwait to see you two again. Well, I changed my mind. I have finally moved on. Now, I want to see John for the rest

I dont want to die. Not yet I still want to be with John. I want to marry him and have my future with him. I real be happy with h im

Angelica

Hey, Angelica Do you know how to do this equation? I kept on getting the wronganswer, asked John as he leaned on me with his homework paper in his hand.

Hm? Where? I asked him when suddenly he kissed me covering us with the paper.

I love you, Angelica, said John as he held my hand.

Looking at his face, I feel so depressed as what was going to happen to me tomorrow. Imay not see the day or worse I might not see him anymore. The feeling in my heartwas so heavy that I might burst any moment now but I hide it with a sweet smile. Wewere always together ever since we met that fateful day.

John, what would you do if I was gone for a day? I asked him sincerely.

A day? If it is for a day, I would be very sad since my energy comes from your smile,answered John as he laid down on my lap.

Really? Ahaha I wont be of any problem though, I told him as I continued readingmy novel.

Why? Arent you afraid that I might cheat on you? he asked sarcastically.

No. Because I trust you. Hey, I know. Lets have a contest. Lets not have contact for aday? I want to test how loyal you are to me, I proposed.

Alright, the loser will have to pay for dinner, said John happily.

I caressed his head as he covers his face with his homework paper. I was smiling on theoutside but I was weeping on the inside. I cant bear to leave him or see him cry. I wanthim to smile. I really hope that he can find someone later in life after Im gone. Thatevening, he walked me home. As he was leaving, I ran to him and embraced him frombehind.

Bye, John. I just want to hug you before our bet, I told him.


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He just held my hand as I embraced him. That was the last time I would be seeing him asI prepare myself for the worst.

It has been a day already and John was going to Angelicas house to surprise her with avisit. He bought flowers and chocolates for her. As he was walking towards her house,he noticed a lot of cars parked at the side of the road. John quickened his pace and foundthat everyone was wearing black. He pushed open the front door to find a white casketin the living room. He dropped the flowers and chocolates. He slowly approached thecasket to find Angelica lying there lifeless wearing white.

Im sorry, boy. The young mistress is gone, said Wat son as he placed his hand over Johns shoulder.

Why? Why didnt you tell me that you were sick? I couldve saved you. Angelica Wakeup I love you I love youso much, said John as he collapsed in tears.

After the burial, John was sitting at Angelica s headstone. He was crying nonstop as heread the letter that Angelica left for him.


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Dear John,

I am so sorry for not telling you that I was dying. I did not want to tell you because you are always happy makes me happy. Before I met you, I have countlessly trying to commit suicide. That day when you gave me the really was at my worst state. I wanted to leave the world more than ever. But because of you, the days goes by, I s happily. I wanted to live. I wanted to be happy. I wanted to be happy with you.

Thank you for proving to me that you can live a day without me. Now, continue the game for the rest of your life.

I will be waiting for you,

I love you, John

Angelica

A Sweet Afternoon

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