And he doesn't even know...

"Neither, both require movement I can't do." I laughed, enjoying another bite of pizza.

"What about painting? That should be a sport! Olympic painting..."

I twitched as I pictured something insane and decided I wasn't going out for Olympic Painting.

"Uh... scary."

"No, beautiful. You used the wrong word there, buddy." I said with a laugh. If only these days would last forever. But nothing lasts forever, and eventually... someone wakes up from their dream.

As it turned out none of it was true. Although it took about a week for things to really come to light and the fact that there was nothing that Amber could do to prove that I took part in anything. The rest of the year seemed uneventful. Prom, typical stuff. It went by in a blink and on New Years I made resolutions with Sammy. Time passed quickly.

I had five minutes until I had to get on the bus. It was September tenth and I was preparing to depart for school, my first year in college.

Tears. I couldn't stop them. My best friend since I could remember was leaving. He was moving on. I gave him a final hug, wishing I never had to let go. "Text me your address. I need to send you a Christmas present... and birthday presents. And just random presents as I think of you. And don't forget to call me! I can run out of class for you!" I was on the verge of sobbing. I hated this more than everything. I always thought saying goodbye would be easy... but it wasn't. Because no matter what we said, there was always that chance that we'd never see each other again. "And don't forget your promise."

I was trying my hardest not to cry. I remembered being that first grader that lived next door to her and that kid that really never thought girls were icky. A momma's boy on top of that.

I remembered riding the bus with her and showing off some of my action figures and my favorite Batman shoes.

I remembered growing up with her and how she was there for me when my mother passed away and how she always managed to help me when I had asthma attacks. I had to be there for her too and I was never going to break my promise.

"I'll never break my promise." I picked her up and hugged her, that's how small she was compared to me.

I clung to him tight. I didn't want him to leave, but he couldn't stay around just for me. That wouldn't be fair at all. "I'm going to miss you a lot. Keep an EPPI pen with you. And make sure you make a friend and let them help you with your asthma. And don't get too worked up about stupid stuff."

"I have one. I won't get worked up about anything, I promise. I wish I could just take you with me." I felt really bad for leaving her behind, it was breaking my heart and letting her go, best friend or not, was really hurting me.

"Please don't get into any trouble and find someone who can take you to sonic and have fun with you."

I hated the idea of sharing my best friend with someone though. >| I'm a selfish man.

I couldn't held but smile at that. "I'll just wait for you to get back." A shrill bell rang. That was the last boarding warning. "That's your bell. You should go." I hugged his neck again. He was still holding me up.

I hugged her a little more and then put her down as gently as I could.

"Take care of yourself. I'll call you and call if you need me okay?" I roughed her hair and handed off my large luggage bag to a guy outside the bus and then got on.

"See you later, Sammy-o!" I shouted.

"Bye!" I shouted, waving at him. "Have fun! Study hard and be smart, Andre!"

I waved again and then sat down, putting my head in my hands. I wasn't sure why on earth it hurt so bad but I felt like someone had tore my heart out and ran over it with this bus.

I dropped to the ground, barely even noticing my parents fussing over me. I'd just lost one of the three most important people in my life.

I love you.

--x-

Today marks the first year Will has been gone. Summer has come and gone and I smile on. He must have had a busy summer, and school year. I used to get calls from him, but they've tapered off. Now I'm lucky to get two a month.

--x-

Today marks year two. Another summer dead and gone, another winter approaching. I've just graduated and am attending a small two-year college for my basics. I kind of like it here. I've made a few friends, but they aren't anything like Will. I really do miss him. I never talk to him anymore. But, that's all about to change.

"I love you, sweetie."

"M-Mom... don't go." I sobbed, holding tight to her hand. I'd just lost dad two minutes ago. Now mom too?

"It's okay, sweetie. You'll be fine. don't be so sad."

"No! Mom please no! Please don't leave me alone!"

"I love you sweetie. My jewel." Her voice was so faint, it was like a whisper. She wouldn't be with me much longer.

"I love you too." I sobbed. And then, her hand lost its grip on my own, though my mother's sweet smiled remained on her cold lips. When would the losses ever end? I sunk to my knees, still grasping to her hand, holding it tight. "Why has everyone left me?"

It had been busy, more times than not I was trampled with homework, classes and all kinds of stuff especially since I had to do some part time work outside of that so I could support myself.

Exhausted I wandered into my dorm, wishing that I could take a vacation for the first time in two years. I missed Sam really bad and had debated on calling her when I spotted all my books sitting on my desk.

"I'll finish and call." I promised myself this time. I always said it and felt like a jerk for not doing so.

I felt like I was so deep in a pit that I'd never get out when I remembered something.

"Call me whenever you need me."

Will. He needed to know. But could I manage to compose myself long enough? I had to get out of that room first. I walked quickly out and sat against the hospital wall and pulled out my phone, trying to get my tears under control when I dialed his number and put the phone to my ear. Would he even be able to understand me?

I was in the middle of doing some work on the anatomy, stuff I'd kind of struggled with but was finally catching onto when I heard my phone ringing.

It was Sam.

I picked it up but what I heard next was less than pleasant.

"Sam? What's up?" I asked.

I hung up. I was too scared to talk to him after having not talked to him in so long. "I'm so stupid." I cried after I realized what I'd done.

I looked at my phone and redialed her number, hoping she would at least talk to me. Was she mad? Did she not want to be friends anymore?

"C'mon Sammy, talk to me..." I muttered while the phone rang.

I had to answer it. I just had to. I clicked the big green phone and brought it to my ear. "W-Will?" I whimpered, voice shaking badly. I'd never cried this bad. Not even during those school rumors. "I-It's about mom and dad..."

"What happened, Sammy?" I was really concerned when I heard her crying like that.

"Th-they're dead. They're both dead. They were driving home to take me out for dinner when a-a semi rand a red light and h-hit th-them." I couldn't stop sobbing. Could he understand me? "I'm at the hospital and I don't know what to do! I don't have anyone else but you..."

"Alright, I'm on my way." I picked up my keys, "Do you mind taking a long over night trip with me when I get there? I'm coming." I was rushing through everything.

"Um... I'll be there soon, just try to hang around! I'm coming, it might take time, I'm on my way though!" I shut the door and locked it behind me.

"B-But don't you have class? I don't want you to miss anything..." I said, trying to calm my tears. But every time I did, I'd always remember mom and dad and start crying again. It was mom's birthday tomorrow. We were going to celebrate. I probably shouldn't tell Will that. "I'm sorry to call you for something like this..."

I was already unlocking my car doors.

"Sam! What did I tell you about stuff like this? You never apologize for it, alright? This is serious and you need someone right now." I got in and started the car.