Chapter One.

Destiny passed us – her dark brown hair floating in the wind. She always looks like she’s at a photo shoot with her waves gracefully bouncing and her makeup done just right. Her super glossy lips and perfect tan make all the guys stop and stare. Thin and curvy at 5’ 5”, she seems to be every guy’s fantasy girl. Every time she walks past, it’s like the halls are full of “Destiny this” and “Destiny that.”

But she’s nothing special… I know that. I can’t say I hate her, because I don’t think I will ever be able to hate the girl that was once my best friend, but she’s changed so much that I can’t say I’m particularly fond of her either.

I just could never be friends with a girl who has a tanning bed in her house. I don’t know what the hell she’s doing with a tanning bed anyway… She’s Dominican… The story of our friendship (and present lack of) goes something like this:

Once upon a time, there was a young pair of girls who

were completely inseparable. They played with their dolls and did

each other’s makeup and did basically everything best friends do

together in elementary school. Everything was going great for

them until one day the graduated fifth grade and Destiny left for

camp. At the start of sixth grade, the two friends were excited

beyond belief to see each other, but alas, when they walked into

their new school, they realized that they were not the same friends

they were before.

Both girls had changed so much. One was a cake face, boy-

crazy girl while the other seemed to be still stuck in fifth grade.

Destiny tried her best to get her former best friend into all the girly

stuff that came with growing up, but it just didn’t work out. Slowly,

they drifted apart and that was the end of their friendship.

When we got to high school, we had changed completely. Destiny got the curvy body, brains and boys. I was left with my boyish body and inability to perform well in school… always getting in trouble.

Actually… that’s a lie. I’ve got way more boys than her, but they’re only my friends… “my bros”... I doubt they’ll ever look at me in any other way… So, Destiny moved on with her prissy friends, expensive make-up and hip hop music while I stayed back with my band tees, skate shoes and heavy metal. The only thing I really have over her is my hair – my pride. We’ve gone our separate ways with our own friends. Don’t acknowledge each other at all. Nobody would ever consider we were once even friends. But hey, it’s how I like it. I’m not going to lie, right now I’m a bit jealous.

Sike. I’m totally jealous. I’m not jealous because she’s so beautiful or because she’s actually got womanly curves. Nah. Right now, I’m jealous because she has someone’s attention.

My someone’s attention. Dmitri is staring at Destiny. I followed the gaze of his green eyes to her stupid Dominican butt and looked away.

What a stupid, typical guy. Why are men so easily fazed by curves?!? And why don’t I have any…?? Ugh. I was hoping I’d be like the ugly duckling – Just hoping I’d grow into a beautiful swan one day. Too bad… haven’t lucked out yet. He’s such a typical guy, but he not. He’s different. He’s like me. We’re best friends and we are different together. We’re weird. Yet together, we aren’t different. We’re the same. I mean we don’t look alike or anything – that would be really weird. I mean he’s tall with the typical dark straight scene kid hair complete with “emo bangs.” My hair on the other hand is a bit funkier. I love to do my hair pin-straight even though it is insanely curly. It’s shoulder-length, layered with awesome razored edges, straight across bangs with blue highlights in them and blue and purple tips. The best part is, I did it all on my own.

Impressive huh? I like doing most things by myself. My mom says I’m just cheap. I think I simply have entirely too much fun chopping up my own hair to pay someone to do it for me, but whatever. It’s not like she isn’t cool with it. What mother wouldn’t love not having to spend so much on their daughter? There was this one time though when I wanted to pierce my nose. I started doing it on my own, but I didn’t get too far before my mom dragged me out of the house to the weird piercing shop by the mall because she didn’t want me hurting myself.

Pain. That’s something I can handle pretty well. I’d much rather have taken the pain and risk an infection than let those creepy women at the shop pierce my nose… Mothers. But hey, now I’ve got an awesome nose ring, so whatevz. My mom really isn’t that lenient of a parent. In fact, she was incredibly strict with my older sisters and even my younger brother. It’s just me she lets go with everything. She says it’s because she “trusts that I know what I’m doing with my life and crazy hair and piercings aren’t going to stop me.” I’m sure it’s true, but I don’t think that’s the real reason.

She totally just feels bad for me because I’m so boyish and thinks she’s letting me make up for it… but she’ll never admit it. I’m the only girl in the family that looks this way, unfortunately. I can’t even tan and I’m Iranian. My mother is of the lighter gene pool of Iranians, so unlike my siblings who got their skin from my dad, I can’t get dark and I’m lacking everywhere beauty wise anyway.

Life sucks. The only beauty I have is what’s inside me and I doubt anyone else

thinks it’s beautiful. I’m an artist – therefore my mind is beautiful, but that’s still dependent on the perspective of others. I write poetry and stories, I play guitar and I’m in love with music in general, but I don’t share my talents. The most anyone knows of my artistic ability is the rainbow splatter on my dark blue bedroom walls I used as a canvas – and that isn’t really saying much. I’m a secretive person for the most part. I keep to myself. It’s not like I have very many secrets to share anyway. I mean my biggest secret is that I love to dance in the rain, but I guess it’s not really a big deal.

Anyway, I’m still very jealous. I love Dmitri. But that’s a bigger secret than the fact that I love to dance in the rain. I love his hair. I love how tall he is. I love his crazy happy-go-lucky personality. I love cuddling with him. I love how he sings. I love playing video games with him all night. I love how once I said I was in the mood for ice cream and he convinced the ice cream man to just bring the whole truck to my house. I love his words and his smile and his cute little dimple. And I love him. But he doesn’t love me and I know it.

I always find myself questioning myself like “why would you even consider that he’d like you, you weirdo? You’re totally not his type. You should know that by now.” It’s nearing the end of our senior year and he’s had two long-term relationships and a whole lot of random hook ups, but he’s never looked at me in any way besides a friendly one.

It sucks more than life. People see us around, chilling all the time, hugging all the time, constantly texting each other even when we’re sitting together. They tell me I’m lucky to have such an amazing gorgeous guy as my best friend, but am I really?

I’m anything but. How lucky is a girl to love a guy she spends all her time with but is

unable to express it because she knows he doesn’t love her back? I’ll tell you… Not so much.

I know he won’t ever be able to love me as more than a friend. I’m nowhere near good-looking enough for him and I’m flat.

Yeah. I said it. Still, nobody in the world could ever love Dmitri as much as me. I just wish he’d be able to look at me in a different way. Tough luck. Guess I’ll always just be the best friend.

“Infiniti!” I heard him whisper my name urgently as he wrapped his arms

around me and pulled me close. I looked up expecting him to be smiling down at me, but no. His gorgeous eyes were still on Destiny.

“Infiniti. That’s my Destiny right there.” Ugh. I hate boys.

He squeezed me harder and came in to whisper in my ear again. “I’m gonna kiss her.” Once again, I hate boys. They’re sooooo stupid.

Dmitri does this at least twice a month. He always does manage to kiss every girl he happens to be fawning over at a given time tough… “She has a boyfriend Dmitri,” I said as I rolled my eyes. I know it won’t stop him. Other men have never been able to stop that boy in the past. “Darling, I’d kill for a kiss from her lips.” “Kill for a kiss, huh?” “Yes. I’d kill for a kiss.” I pulled his arms away, turned around and smiled at him and we started giggling as we walked out to the parking lot.

I keep talking to myself. “Best friends babe. That’s all you’ll ever be.”

Dmitri and I always stop for hot chocolate after school before he drives me home in his cool little black sports car everyone’s all crazy about. I don’t know much about cars, but it is a pretty nice car and everyone wants to ride in it. Unfortunately for them, there are only two seats in here – one for the driver, and one for the passenger.

Which is the one and only… ME. He’s made sure to let everyone know that’s how it is always going to be. It’s just our thing and it isn’t going to change. It’s dark and rainy and I’m itching to just dance around in the rain, but I won’t. I’m looking forward to drinking that hot chocolate with my bestie entirely too much. We trudged across the parking lot through the puddles and slow drizzling and got inside the car.

Chapter Two.

I got into my car and waited for my princess, Infiniti, to enter.

“Infiniti.” What an interesting name. She has such a strange name even though it is Iranian. I don’t know many Iranians, but I can’t help but feel her mom named her “Infiniti” for a reason.

Ha. I’m sure she knew her daughter would be so special to someone out there. Who knows? I sure don’t. I mean I’m so Russian it’s ridiculous; I was even born in Russia. I’m just lucky I don’t have an intense accent like my dad – or my grandmother for that matter.

Jeez… I barely understand a word that woman says! My grandmother is an amazing woman and I’ve got a lot of respect for her, but her accent is crazy. She does cook very well though and she’s still beautiful even in her old age. I hope Infiniti stays as beautiful as she is when she gets old too. Every time I see Infiniti, I can’t help but stare at her. She isn’t like the other girls at school, but she’s the epitome of beauty. Even though it’s been years since we first met, every time I see her, my heart drops. So she isn’t very curvy and doesn’t look like a box of make up took a dump all over her face, but she really is gorgeous. Even my grandmother has said, “she’s such a doll.” Infiniti’s an amazing person too and so talented with anything music related. I just love everything about her. Honestly, I think I love her.

I mean… I’m sure I love her. Who else could I love? It’s been years… and she’s the only girl that’s been in my life for so long. I want to tell her I love her. I want to tell her I want to spend my whole life with her – spend infinity with her, but I cant. I just don’t know how to…

Infiniti has always been there for me; always been my support through my life and relationships, but she’s never really shown any interest in me. I’m sure she loves me as a friend, but not more than that. I keep checking to see if she has any feelings towards me in any other way by talking about random girls and stuff, but she doesn’t show much emotion or jealousy or anything.

Moral of the story? Girls are CONFUSING. She got in the car and we started off to Starbucks for our daily hot chocolates. Getting out of the high school parking lot takes forever, so we were stuck there for while as usual.

Hey. At least I’m with the girl I love.. even though she doesn’t know it just yet. It’s been a pretty silent ride. We haven’t talked much till now that we’ve hit the main roads. I just feel so awkward and confused. How do you tell your best friend you love her?

Still… I want to do it today. Something’s telling me I have to… It’s raining harder now. I get nervous driving in the rain sometimes so I reached to put my hand on the emergency brake just in case, only I didn’t get the brake – I got Infiniti’s soft hand. I looked at her and smiled, shaking my head.

She’s always a step ahead of me. “I got it,” she said with the biggest smile on her face. She’s got the prettiest smile. It goes straight across her face, showing off her pearly whites and ending in two little adorable dimples. Her smile is so big, when she smiles her eyes shut and she looks Asian, but she’s still beautiful.

I wonder what she thinks about my smile… I wonder what she thinks about my little dimple. She probably thinks I look dumb. Yeaaahhh. I don’t know why I get my hopes up. She looked down at my hand and I held hers tighter. “I’m not moving my hand. We’ve both got it.”

She giggled and looked out the window. I want to tell her right now, but I just can’t. We got to Starbucks and as usual, there’s no parking nearby so I pulled into whichever one I could find. I was about to get out when the rain started coming down in heavy sheets.

Yeah. Like a little rain is going to stop me from getting my hot chocolate. And then it started hailing... which is a different story. Before I could even tell Infiniti I didn’t have the guts to go out in a hailstorm to get hot chocolate, she saved my pride and said she didn’t want me going outside because she didn’t want me getting hurt.

Aw. She cares about me. So we sat in the car, somewhat awkwardly. I turned the car off so now the windows are fogging up from our breathing. I put my arm around Infiniti and gave her a hug. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Nothing left to do but fall asleep too I guess…

I woke to silence. The hail stopped. I gently woke Infiniti up too and told her the hail stopped so we could finally enjoy our hot chocolate. She just yawned and said I should get some and bring it back to the car.

She’s got the cutest little sleepy voice... UGH. I need to just tell her how I feel… I opened the door and got out, but then I put my head back in and said, “There’s something I need to say. I love….”

Chapter Four.

“I love…” he said with a moment of hesitation between each word.

What? Does he love me? No. Silly girl. That’s not possible.

“TURTLES!!!!!” What a JERK.

I threw his hoody at him as he laughed and left to get our hot chocolate. I can’t believe I actually got excited there for a second. Oh well. We can’t always have what we want. I’ve never had the life I want. I have two older sisters and a brat of a little brother. Both of my sisters are geniuses. One is going to med school in another two years and the other is studying at MIT right now. Then there’s the little dork is in second grade and just watches Spongebob all the time. My dad doesn’t pay any attention to me and I’m sure he’s always been convinced I’m not his kid. I thought so too, until I realized I have his big brown eyes and Iranian nose. My mother doesn’t seem to hate me. In fact, I’m sure she loves me more than anyone because I’m “low-maintenance.” She doesn’t need to worry about spending any money on another expensive college or anything really. I rarely complain and I eat whatever she serves. Yeah, I’m sure I’m her favorite kid, but she’s definitely missing my sisters.

Another thing I’m sure of – she only got pregnant because she’s experiencing empty nest syndrome. She’s due in a week with a baby boy.

Just what we need in the house. Another annoying twerp. I wonder if she realizes that taking care of another baby at her age is not going to be easy… parents… The only person I’ve really got in this world – the only one I really connect to is Dmitri. But even though we’re best friends, how long is that going to last? I’m sure he’ll fall in love with someone someday. We’re about to graduate high school. We aren’t going to stay this way forever. As soon as he gets another girlfriend, I’ll have to back off. That means no more special moments like the one we just had. Sleeping on his is the most amazing thing ever. He’s so comfortable and it just feels so right. I wish we could be like that forever. I wish he were the first one I saw everyday when I open my eyes. I wouldn’t even care if we had nothing romantic or sexual going on; I just want the promise of having him and being able to love him forever. I want to be by his side always.

Too bad it won’t happen.

Chapter Five. Wow. I blew it. Turtles? What the hell? Ok, so turtles are pretty cool. But really? I am such an idiot. And I get a sweatshirt chucked at me. Sweet. Way to go Dmitri. You deserve a gold stat sticker. Whatever. Maybe I’ll get to it when I bring the hot chocolate back.

I went in and asked the Hispanic cashier for two hot chocolates “With extra, extra whipped cream on top please!” Infiniti loves sweet things. She has a crazy sweet tooth. So why doesn’t she love me? Am I not sweet enough? I watched the cashier get my drinks and couldn’t help staring at him. He looks so familiar, but I can’t figure it out. He brought back the hot chocolates and said with a wink, “Rumor has it you’d ki l l for a kiss. Don’t worry. You won’t have to ki l l me.” Oh. This is Destiny’s boyfriend. I told him I was sorry. “Ah man. I was just messing around with my friend.” “It’s cool. I was right behind you guys.” He laughed. “Why don’t you two get together? That girl’s mad cute.” “I don’t know. She doesn’t seem too interested.” “Are you kidding me? Have you seen the look in her eyes when you hug her? That chick’s head over heels for you. Take my word and hit that before it’s too late.” I laughed and said, “I would, but I don’t think she’s that kind of girl and I love her so incredibly much. I don’t know if I want to just ‘hit that’. You know what I mean? “Yeah, I feel ya. I wish I felt that way about my girl. I used to love her, but things have changed. I don’t know how in love we are anymore,” he said. “Eh. It happens,” I told him. “Just play it as it goes. It’s life – just take it a moment at a time. “Oh someone’s Mr. Deep and Thoughtful.” He smiled at me. “Yeah, I ’ l l play it as it goes. And I do know who you do just wanna hit.” he winked again. He’s talking about his girlfriend. I smiled back with no response.

I don’t want Destiny, I just want a kiss. I’m not sure why, but whenever I’ve thought a girl was cute, I’ve made it game to see if I can kiss her or not. If I don’t get to do it, I’m not sure what’ll happen because I’ve never failed before. It isn’t a big deal, but I guess when I want something, I need it. I know I’ll get it eventually too, but that’s not what’s on my mind right now.

All I can think of is Infiniti. “Why so quiet? Don’t be shy. It’s cool. We’ve been together for two years now and the magic is gone. Go for it. Kiss her. You’ve got my permission. I won’t mind.” Well. That’s surprising. Guess I’ve got one thing checked off of my list of things to do. Now I just have to do it. Guess I don’t have to kill for a kiss huh? But once that’s done, my heart’s still set on Infiniti. Eyes on Destiny, but my hearts for Infiniti. Hmm. “Alright, thanks again. I’ll work on that. By the way, I didn’t catch your name. I’m Dmitri.” “Yo nice. That’s my dad’s name! I’m Stefan.” We shook hands and he told me to “get back to my woman.” So I did. For a typical jock, Stefan is chill and so right. I really need to tell her I love her. I was almost out the door when I heard him say he’s having a party this weekend. I gave him my number, said I’d be there and walked out. I see Infiniti staring out her window. I wonder what she’s looking at. She’s always staring into space. Just thinking? Thinking about what? I wish I knew. Until then though, I’ll just pretend she’s thinking of me.

Chapter Six. I love the rain. I love watching it fall from the sky. It’s so astounding that so much water can fall from the sky at a time and in such little droplets. I feel like the rain is expressing just what I can’t right now. It’s like the clouds are letting my tears roll down from the sky because I can’t let them out myself. It’s not that I’m sad, I’m just confused. It’s been so long that I’ve wanted to just tell Dmitri, but I can’t do it. I think about him all the time, but I know it’s not the same way for him. I heard a tap on the window and turned around, my heart racing. It was just Dmitri. “Sorry miss. Didn’t mean to disturb your deep thought,” he said with a wink. I opened the door and grabbed my hot chocolate. “What were you thinking about?” “Oh. Nothing.” He looks disappointed. What could he possibly expect me to say? We took a few sips of our drink sand started off for my house. I live a block away from Dmitri and another block away from Destiny. After awhile of relaxing to Secondhand Serenade, I randomly blurted out “I wish I was hot chocolate.” “What?” “I wish I was chocolate colored and hot.” “Why?” “So I’d look like Destiny and all the guys would go gaga over me too.” I can’t help but giggle. “Hun, you’re better than hot chocolate and you’re sweeter than hot chocolate, don’t change.” I just laughed more. “Seriously. All them guys wanna come treat you right cuz you’re sweeter than apple pie. Everything that you want you got. Girl you know that you need to stop. Most beautiful thing in sight, always taking on the spotlight. That’s you babe.” “Way to quote my favorite song dork. Especially since none of that’s true!” “Colby o’ Donis wrote that song for you Infiniti.” I giggled and got out of the car and walked to my house. He’s an idiot, but my heart’s smiling. I wonder if he meant anything he just said. He honked. I turned around, smiled and waved goodbye, only not really. We don’t do goodbyes because goodbye means going away and going way means forgetting and we promised we’d never forget each other. I hope we never break that promise. !

Chapter Seven. So I didn’t tell her I love her yet, but I’m working on it. Stefan

texted me about the party. It’s going to be all guys, probably all jocks and a lot of beer. Awesome. I hate guys and I hate beer. This is going to be a great party. But I can’t not go to the party of the boyfriend of the girl I want to kiss after he gave me permission. That would be rude. Haha.

Anyway, I think I’m going to get on the train to dreamland. Maybe I’ll even catch a glimpse of my princess. Goodnight. !

Chapter Eight. So I’ve got nothing much to do. It’s Saturday. Normally I’d just sleep

in and then me and Dmitri would catch a movie or something, but he has a party to go to today. I’m not sure why he’s going.. I mean it’s Destiny’s boyfriend’s party and it’s only going to be a bunch of jocks and booze. I told him that, but he said “Stefan’s a nice guy” and he already said he’d be there. Whatever.

So now I’ve got nothing to do. Might as well work on some homework. History? Ew no. The governments all over the world are corrupt and will one day lead to their own self-destruction. I’ve got that down. Science? Precipitation. Rain. I know all about that. Forget it. Health? Sex ed? Ugh. I’m 17 and about to graduation from the most “active” high school ever. As If I don’t know enough about that stuff. English? Romeo & Juliet!? Hmm. I should probably get on that. Such a tragic love story. I wonder when God’s going to start writing my love story. Never? So how would it be dying next to the one you love? A beautiful ending. But hey, I’ve seen a million and one movies for it, I’m not reading the book. I mean, it’s not like anything like Romeo & Juliet would ever happen. Who dies for love? Why couldn’t Shakespeare have written about real stuff? Like being unable to tell someone you love them? Meh. I’m in the mood for a bit of writing myself. If I can’t verbally tell him… Why don’t I just write him a note? Here goes nothing… Dear Dmitri, Hey buddy! Dmitri, I know we’ve been really close friends for a very long time and we’re nearly inseparable, but I’ve never really show how I feel about you. I don’t mean to make things awkward, but I’ve never shared two of my biggest secrets with you. I tell you everything and I think it’s about time I tell you one of them. I love you. Not just as a friend. I love you more than anything in the world. I know it sounds cliché, but I really do. You’re the only one I’ve got that’s always been there for me and I hope you always will be. I’m not sure how you feel about me, but I needed to get this off my chest. You can pretend like you never got this if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Knowing me and my poor choice of wording at times, it probably did. But either way, you better be at my house on Monday! :D come over around 5ish? It’s my birthday! I’ve set up the house already. It’s gonna be crazy! I’ve got insane lights everywhere and my mom’s making your fave! Lasagna! So don’t miss out! :] LOL. Well.. I don’t have much else to say, but you better be there! So TTFN! <3 Infiniti

I folded it into a little heart and decorated it .I spent a few hours on it and it really occupied my time. Now how am I supposed to give it to them? You can’t give someone a note like this and then just stand in front of him as he reads it. I put my hands in my pockets, thinking. Wait, these aren’t my pockets. They’re Dmitri’s. I put the note inside one of the pockets and decided to return his hoody soon. I know he’ll find it because he always keeps his phone in his hoody pockets when he’s wearing this. Too bad I won’t see him for a while. Ugh. I think I’m just going to take a nap.

Chapter Nine. Stefan has a nice house. The party is in his basement. We were

right – all jocks and a TON of booze. All the guys are just hanging around blasting music and looking at Playboy magazines. I don’t fit in at all. I’ve never felt so uncomfortable in my life. Stefan, drunk out of his mind has definitely noticed. As he chugged down yet another can of beer, he motioned for me to come over, which I gladly did.

“Sorry man,” he started off saying before he realized he was talking to a pole in the basement.

“Over here bud.” I waved sarcastically. Poor guy. He definitely cannot see straight. “I need to pick up some pizzas, but I don’t want to go alone. Why don’t you come with?”

Yeah, like I’m going to get in a car with a drunkard, but I’m not going to let him drive alone either. I offered to drive and he gave me the keys.

It took awhile to get to the car thanks to his inability to walk, but eventually we got there and started driving towards Domino’s. I’m trying to make conversation, but it’s hard because he keeps forgetting what he’s saying mid-sentence.

I picked up the steamy hot pizzas and brought them to the car. Stefan opened up a box and ate a slice. “Man this is some hot pizza. I think ima cool it down with some beer.” I watched him frantically look around for another can. There was one on the side of my seat with a cute little bow on it. Probably from his girlfriend, but I’m about to give it to him, he’d die from drinking that much. Too late. He’s seen it. “Yo! Pass me the beer! I forgot about that! Thank you Destiny!” he said kissing the can. “Sorry ima have to break up with you though.” He laughed and smiled.

“You sure you should have another one?” “Yeah man. It’s from my girlfriend. My lover. My bullshit love. It’s my last one. Come one just one more please? I’ l l never drink again. I swear to dog.”

“Dog?” “Yeah dog bro come on.” He looked at me with the saddest eyes like I was Destiny herself and I let the poor kid drink it. He kept mumbling to himself about her, but finally relaxed and shut up. “Bullshit love. I’m done. Last one.” I looked over at him and laughed. He looks like a little baby falling asleep. You’d think he was a baby too till you hear his snoring. Damn. That guy can snore. I pulled into his driveway and the snoring stopped. I probably woke him up. “Rise and shine Stefan.” I said laughing. “We’re home!” I gave him a little pat on the cheek to wake him up. No reaction. Man, what a deep sleeper. I shook him a little and he started squirming and breathing sporadically. He just kept saying “Bullshit.” What the heck? I didn’t think twice before I backed out of the driveway and sped out to take him to the hospital. I’m going at 90, but it isn’t fast enough. I’m dodging little kids, running stop signs and speeding through red lights. Big mistake. I hit a busy intersection and green car hit the back of ours, sending us spinning uncontrollably till we hit the median. The airbags went off and I went unconscious. I can’t die yet. I still have to tell Infiniti I love her. I’ve never been a religious person, but now I’m praying. I felt a jolt go through my heart. I’m scared. God, please let me live until I can tell Infiniti I love her. At least until then…

Chapter Ten.

11:11. Make a wish. I wish Dmitri were mine forever. He hasn’t texted me in hours. I hope he’s alright. I don’t know why I’m worrying. He’s a big boy and can take care of himself. He’s probably just asleep. I might as well just go to bed too. No sense in worrying. I’m sure he didn’t get drunk or anything. Just in case though, I turned the ringer up on my phone and put it under my pillow.

!

Chapter Eleven.

I just woke up, dazed and looked around . There’s a curtain draped around me and I’m in a hospital bed. Probably in the ER. I sat up and was about to get out of the bed until I realized I had an IV attached to me.

Great. I looked around and tired to take in my surroundings. I can’t remember what happened. I looked at a clock. 3:00? In the morning? The afternoon? I started moving around. I’ve never been more confused in my life. The curtain parted and a tall man in a white coat came in. Yep. I’m in the hospital. The doctor greeted me and ran some tests. He removed my IV and said some things to me, but I don’t understand what he’s saying. I’m too confused to understand anything.

A nurse came into give me my clothes and told me I could change back and then return to my bed because the doctor wanted to talk to me. I looked at myself in the mirror. I look a little pale, but besides a few cuts and bruises I look ok. I walked outside and a nurse gave me my cell phone. I checked my messages and noticed Infiniti texted me asking what’s up. I texted her back saying I’m in the hospital and I’m not sure why. She asked me why and I told her. Guess she’s coming to visit. A few minutes later though, I realized it’s 3 in the morning. Smooth Dmitri. Just keep messing up with the girl you love. I started back towards my bed when another nurse came up to me. She asked that I take a seat and then told me that the doctors couldn’t do anything and Stefan’s lungs had collapsed… possibly because of the air bags, but they don’t really understand it. His parents don’t want any sort of autopsy done, so they can’t find out anymore. She apologized million times and asked if I was ok or if I needed someone to talk to. I shook my head and told her I’m fine. I stared at the ground in disbelief. I killed Stefan. Everything just rushed at me at once. I was trying to save him, but I killed him. I shouldn’t have let him drink so much. I shouldn’t have even been at that stupid party. None of this would have even happened if I hadn’t been after Destiny.

I pulled my phone out. I have to talk to somebody. The only somebody I can talk to right now is Infiniti. I started my message with “I’m alright, don’t worry, but I killed Stefan and I’d don’t know

what to do because it’s an accident. We were going to the hospital

because he drank too much, but then the car got hit and went out of

control and now I’m freaked.”

Too bad I never got past “but I killed Stefan,” because as I was typing a bawling brunette laced up in blue Nikes walked into the room. Her makeup may be all over her face but damn… She still looks smoking. I want to cry with Destiny and I feel so terrible, but I just can’t. I called to her and realized I was probably the last person she wants to see right now. After all, I am the reason she is crying. I a, the reason Stefan is dead. Yet she slowly walked towards me. I braced myself for a slap, but it didn’t come. I may be wrong, but I swear she had the slightest smile on her face. I’ve seen some girls smile as they cry before, but this is weird. Anyway, she came into my arms and I hugged her. Her head’s resting on my chest and she’s crying harder. A few tears escaped my eyes and rolled down my cheeks too. I stroked her hair and tried to calm her down. “I’m sorry.” I told her we were going to the hospital and it was an accident and I didn’t mean it. She looked up at me with her hazel eyes and said, “I know it’s

not your fault. Don’t take it so harshly. It was really his fault for drinking so much. I always told him not to drink so much, but he never listened.” Poor girl. At least she didn’t ever have to know he had been planning on breaking up with her. She’d only remember the good in him now. We sat and talked for a while and she told me about her time with Stefan and listened, smiling, hoping she’d stop crying and she did. She even invited me over on Monday. She told me she enjoyed talking with me and thanked me for being there to listen to her.

A bit ironic to thank the boy that killed your boyfriend, but that’s alright I guess…

She gave me a long tight hug and slowly backed her head away, her arms still around me. She smiled and came up to my ear, and whispered

“You’re really sweet.” I smiled back and blushed a bit. She came closer and I could feel her hot breath on my face as she brought her cold hands to it.

Chapter Twelve. I woke up to the insane ringing of my phone. Dmitri? At 3 in the

morning? I read the text. He’s at the hospital. Why? I have to get there as soon as possible… I can’t drive now. I have to wake my parents up. I threw on some jeans and Dmitri’s hoody and went to wake my dad up. It was risky. I knew it would upset him, but my dad agreed to take me to the hospital. I was surprised, but didn’t question it. I’m just thankful. I ran out to the car, worrying. I looked down to my wrist where the little blue bracelet Dmitri gave me is. He gave that to me four years ago, because I promised I’d stop cutting and I haven’t taken it off since.

I played with the bracelet, thinking about him. He means so much to me. I hope he’s ok… Then I realized that if he’s ok to text me, I’m sure he can’t be that bad. I calmed down and my heart rate when back to normal. As my dad drove, I sat there quietly, staring out the window. The world is so interesting and quiet this early in the morning…It’s beautiful. My father broke the silence. “You really care about him don’t you?” I’m speechless. My father has rarely said more than two words to me at a time. I nodded. “He’ll be alright. Don’t worry. And I’m sure he’ll realize what you mean to him too.”

I looked at him. Yes, I’m shocked. I smiled at him as he parked the car and gave him a big hug before running out to the ER. I went to the secretary and told her I was a visitor. She asked for whom and told me to take a seat saying a nurse would be out to take me in. A few minutes went by and I sat there staring at the ground, then the strange fat man sitting next to me and then the young mother with her baby across from me. I knew they were probably just as stressed as me and gave them a smile. I didn’t get any smiles back and started feeling uncomfortable. So, I pulled out my phone – the ultimate savior in any awkward situation! I didn’t realize I missed a message from Dmitri. I opened it. “I’m

alright. Don’t worry. But I killed Stefan”. Something inside me just turned to ice and I want to throw up but I didn’t get the chance to because the nurse came out to take me inside. I shoved the phone back in my pocket, my hands shaking. I can’t believe what I just read. He did say he’d “kill for a kiss” from Destiny, but he wouldn’t. Would he? I shook my head to get the psycho image of Dmitri I had at the moment… hovering over Stefan with a knife. He’d never do anything like that. There’s got to be a logical explanation.. right? Why am I doubting myself? The nurse took me in and directed me. I walked down what seemed like a never-ending hall. I feel as thought the world is moving in major-slow motion. My footsteps are so loud amidst the beeping from machines and shuffling of papers around the ER. I’m afraid. I don’t want to talk to him. I don’t want to know. Then I heard his laugh. I turned a corner and saw exactly what I didn’t expect to see: Destiny and Dmitri.

She had her body pressed up against him, her hands holding his face.. His arms were around her and as she leaned in closer, he wrapped them tighter..

And they did it. They kissed. He killed for a kiss.

Chapter Thirteen.

I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t even think she would, but by the time she had those big lips pressed against mine, it was too late. For a split second, I felt guilty. Then I remembered Stefan had given me permission. Plus, it wasn’t me who brought it on. It was her. Women do that kind of thing. One minutes she’s moping around about her dead boyfriend and the next she’s kissing the guy that pretty much killed him. I’ve learned to always give ladies what they want, especially if they’re upset. You don’t mess with an upset woman unless you’re asking to get slapped. She wanted to play, and I was already in the game. It’s about time to win and clean up because I’m done with games. I want to do something more with my life. I want to be more of an intellectual. I want to write. And that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to write of my never-ending love for Infiniti. Fitting to be never-ending huh? I’m not sure how long we were at it, but it was really awkward when the nurse stopped by and asked me why I wasn’t in the room. The doctor is looking for me she said. I apologized and walked towards my room. The doctor already left, but there was something on the bed.

Chapter Fourteen. I left it all on his stupid bed. I returned his dumb lime green striped

hoody and ripped the bracelet he gave me off and put it on top. I don’t want anything more to do with him. I’m not sure how I’m going to live the rest of my life knowing the boy I was once best friends with killed just for a kiss.

Ridiculous. The world we live in is disgusting. It’s a sick and twisted place. So… great. Destiny stole the only thing I ever had that she didn’t. How could we have ever been friends? She has another boy toy and I’ve lost my best friend… again. !

Chapter Fifteen.

I’m so confused. How? Infiniti had all this stuff last. What the heck? I ran out and asked the nurse where the stuff came from. She said a young girl came and dropped it off before going home. She probably visited when I as outside. Well I understand that she was probably just returning my hoody… but what about the bracelet? It’s my lucky bracelet and I gave to her for a reason. She better not be cutting again.

I pulled my phone out and asked her what was wrong. She said she couldn’t believe I killed Stefan just to kiss Destiny and she said it was ridiculous and that she doesn’t ever want to talk to me again. And then she blocked my number.

Jerk. I ended up talking to the doctor and was released from the hospital. I waited a few hours to call up my mom. The whole time a million thoughts were rushing through my mind. It’s funny how all my mom asked was what I wanted to eat and then she dropped me at Stefan’s house so I could pick up my car and she could leave with my dad to go see some art show. They would have been so much happier without me. I wonder why they had me. They just make sure I’m clothed and fed and that’s it.

I didn’t bother trying to tell my mom anything. I just let her drive me home. Luckily I’ve only got a few months left before I’m free to go live elsewhere. Infiniti wants me to go to college, but I don’t know yet… Infiniti. I can’t believe she isn’t talking to me. It’s so surreal. How could she do this? I decided I’d go visit her, so when I got home, I showered and grabbed my keys, but when I sat down to get my shoes on, my eyes shut and that was all it took for me to pass out. !

Chapter Sixteen. How could I have ever been friends with such a monster? I can’t

believe he killed someone. Even if I could get past the fact that he killed someone.. the fact that it was just for a kiss doesn’t make things better. Ugh. Sunday is dragging on. Tomorrow is my birthday. Wohoo. And I’ve got nobody to spend it with.

Crap. I just realized I left the note in his pocket. Lovely. Too bad I don’t

love him anymore. !

Chapter Seventeen. I woke up to my alarm. I had slept with my phone in my hands

all night… next to my door? Damn it! I didn’t make it to her house after all… and now I’m going to be late for school too! I quick grabbed some food and got in my car. It’s another chilly rainy morning and I forgot a hoody. Crap. I quickly ran into my house and grabbed the green one Infiniti gave back and threw it on before I ran back to the car. You’d think I’d learn my lesson about speeding, But I’m late. I always pick Infiniti up at 7 and I’ve only got a few minutes left. I don’t have to drive far, but I just have so much to tell her… I needed all the time we usually have to talk on the way to school. But of course you never have some things when you need them the most. I pulled up in front of her house and I honked and waited a minute before I got out and went to her door. I rang the bell and her father came out to tell me she took the bus. WOW. She hasn’t taken the bus since I got my car. We’ve ridden to school in my car since and on days that I’m sick, she just skips school rather than taking the bus. So why now? Why is she so mad at me? I thanked her father and went on my way to school. I don’t understand what’s going on..,

And today’s her birthday… !

C h a pt e r E i g h t e e n . Taking the bus is not something I’m keen on doing. I haven’t done it in years. It’s so awkward… I reached school extremely early. Usually me and Dmitri show up a few minutes before it’s time to get to class and then we’ll race there. I miss it already… but I guess I need to get used to this. This is how life is going to be from now on. I go off the bus, went to my locker, and quietly sat down in class. My teacher looked surprised, but said nothing. I closed my eyes. I’m holding back tears that don’t like being suppressed. I forced them open and stared out the window. It’s raining again. The clouds know I’m still sad. They’re crying for me again. Or maybe God knows. A father always knows when his child is in pain. I wonder if my father does. He was behaving so oddly yesterday… There’s only a few minutes till the bell and there isn’t any sign of Dmitri. He’s probably skipped school to play with his new girlfriend. !

Chapter Nineteen. I ran into class just after the bell rang. Normally, I sit right

next to Infiniti, but she was sitting up front today. I keep calling her name, but she won’t turn around. I tried calling louder, but that was a bad idea. My teacher gave me a very reprimanding look so I just shut up. I folded my arms and leaned back in my chair. I know she’ll turn around eventually. But how long is eventually? !

Chapter Twenty. This is the most difficult thing for me to do, but I’m sitting here,

staring forward like I can’t hear anything. No, I’m not paying attention in class, but I’m also not about to pay any attention to the little murderer in the back of the room. The bell rang. Thankfully, I got up and dashed out of the room. Dmitri grabbed my hand, but I pulled away from him. He asked why I’m mad, but I’m not answering him. I just kept walking. He gave it up and I went through the rest of the day avoiding him. Can I go through the rest of my life avoiding him though? !

Chapter Twenty-one. I can’t believe she wouldn’t turn around. I definitely heard her

say something under her breath about not being friends with a murderer. What is this about? She thinks I’m a killer doesn’t she? Great. Just great. I tried talking to her again later in the day, but she is pretty dead-set on not talking to me. I know her well enough to let it go though. She’ll come around. Eventually. Now eventually just needs to come around.

Chapter Twenty-two. I’m sitting here eating my lunch, watching the clock and waiting for

the bell to ring. I usually leave the period after lunch because I have a study hall and seniors are allowed to leave if they have their own ride, but today I don’t. Today, I have to suffer through two more periods because I didn’t want to go home with the killer. I finished my chocolate pudding and took a gulp of my kiwi strawberry Snapple. I got up to throw my stuff out when some football player ran up to me. “Yo, have you seen Dmitri anywhere? I’ve seen you guys around. You’re mad tight right?” Usually Dmitri and I eat lunch together, but today I haven’t even seen him. I honestly told him I haven’t seen him. He said, “Oh, well if you if you do, tell him that I’m sorry about what happened. He was doing a good thing for Stefan by taking him to the hospital after drinking so much. It isn’t Dmitri’s fault and I hope he isn’t too upset over it. It was an accident. He was only trying to make it in time to save Stefan. Poor kid. He’s a good guy though. You’re lucky to have such a great friend hun.” I looked at him in surprise. We both had tears in our eyes. I tried holding mine back and bit my lip. I nodded and we exchanged an awkward hug before he left. So he didn’t kill for a kiss. He was trying to save Stefan. Then what up with the kiss? How random. Obviously that was all Destiny… That… Ugh. I can’t even say it. I still think of her as a friend somewhere deep down in my heart. I know Dmitri better than that though. He would never get sexual in such an awkward time. He was definitely not that insensitive, but apparently I am. My best friend was trying to do something good for another person and an inconvenient accident took place. He was doing something good and I repaid him by avoiding and ignoring him.

Dmitri isn’t a killer. He was trying to save him. And here I am, instead of listening to him, I gave back his friendship bracelet. What kind of monstrous friend am I?

I shook my head and cried. I need to talk to him. But where is he? I walked to my locker, but stopped halfway. I looked through the window near my locker and saw a black sports car pulling out of the parking lot. I know where Dmitri is. And I know where Destiny is too.

Chapter Twenty-three. Cutting class… Jeez. Haven’t done this since freshman year. But

what does it matter? I can’t concentrate in class and my best friend thinks I’m a killer and refuses to talk to me. There was no point staying at school. Plus, Destiny didn’t have a class and needed a ride home since Stefan’s gone now. I drove her home in silence. I stopped at a bakery on the way to her house and picked up some cupcakes. One for me and Destiny and a special birthday one. I figured I’d write Infiniti a note explaining what really happened and drop it off with the cupcake after I left Destiny’s house. She’s got a cute house, but it’s cold and dark inside. It is definitely colder inside than it was outside. Is she just that upset?

We sat down on her couch and talked for a bit before turning on some Comedy Central. We both need a good laugh after everything that’s happened over the past few days.

We ate our cupcakes and laughed as we had a frosting fight. All I can think about is Infiniti and all our crazy fun times together.

Destiny offered to make hot chocolate and I can never decline hot chocolate so I let her make me some.

She walked to the kitchen and I laid back, closing my eyes. I wish I never went to that party. I wish I could just turn

back time. I wish I just told her I loved her.

Chapter Twenty-Four. I wish I could just turn back time and make things the way they

used to be. Dmitri must have lied to everyone. He wasn’t saving Stefan. He was just lying to kill him so he could have Destiny all to himself.

That selfish brat! To think I believed the story of him so simply trying to save Stefan

disgusts me. I spent the next to periods trying to hide my tears. I got on the bus

and the crying stopped. I’m out of tears. When I got of, my father was waiting for me. I was shocked again.

My dad was rarely home. The baby is due soon though, maybe that’s why. “Infiniti. Come here.” I walked over and he questioned if I was crying. I shook my head

no, but he caught me. “A father knows when his daughter is upset,’ he said. “If you don’t want to talk about it right now, it’s ok, but when you do, I’ll be here for you.” I smiled and gave him a hug.

“It’s alright Dad. I’ll work through it.” “No it’s not alright. I’ve never been there for

you the way a father should be and I’m sorry. I regret how I’ve acted all these years and I only wish I could turn back the hands of time so I could change that.”

Ha. Don’t we all wish the same? I told him I just need some alone time and went to my room. He

whispered, “I love you,” as I walked away. I pretended I didn’t hear. I don’t believe in love anymore. “Oh God.” I heard him pray, “Please, just let my

daughter have a bit of happiness in this world. Do for her what’ I’ve been unable to do.”

Good luck with that Daddy. !

Chapter Twenty-Five. I don’t get why it took Destiny so long to come out with the hot chocolate, but she did. Her hands were shaking as she set them down on the table. “Is everything ok?” “Yea, it’s just chilly in here is all. I guess I turned the heat off this morning.” She went to urn the heat on and came back so we could watch some more TV. She chugged her hot chocolate down halfway into the episode before I could even start mine. This stuff tastes so weird. I want to gag, but she’s smiling at me. I don’t want to hurt her more than I already have. So I finished it. A few minutes later that crazy girl starts crying again. I brought her close to me and said I’m sorry for everything that has happened. She pushed me off… Ok then. What the hell? “Don’t be,” she wailed. “You didn’t kill him. I did.” “What do you mean you did?...” This girl is seriously messed up. “Didn’t Stefan drink that can of beer with the little ribbon on it I gave him?” “Yeah, but he drank a lot before that babe. It wasn’t your beer that killed him.” I tried explaining it to the loon. “Yes. It was.” “How? Why don’t you try explaining that to me?” I said, completely irritated with her inability to think things through with logic. “I poisoned him. Duh.” Yeah. Crazy chick. !

C h a pt e r Tw e n t y -S i x. ! I can’t stop staring at my wall. What’s the point of living? Life is just full of heartaches. I mean look at my father. He’s been a terrible man all his life and now he’s regretting it, but it’s too late. He’s always too late for everything. A tear rolled down my cheek. Today is my 18th birthday and nobody remembered. Not even my oh-so-regretful father. I felt a sharp pain go through my head. I need some painkillers. I walked over to my medicine box.

I’m an adult now. It’s time for me to make some decisions of my own.

Chapter Twenty-Seven. ! I’m speechless. I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Between sobs she told me she laced the rim of the can with some sort of poison. 45 minutes. It killed in 45 minutes. Between all that traffic and getting to the hospital, Stefan never really had a chance. It wasn’t my fault. It was Destiny. But Why? “He was going to break up with me. After all we’ve been through… after how much I’ve loved him even though he was always after other girls. I can get whoever I want and yet I stayed with him. And after 2 years of putting me through all that, he was going to break up with me. I just couldn’t let it happen. So. I killed him.” ! Crazy girl alert. CRAZY GIRL ALERT. You would think I’d have left by now. “Aren’t you afraid of getting caught?” ! “Of course not. His stupid religious parents would never let anyone touch Stefan’s body. They want him buried right away. I’ve got nothing to worry about. Plus, I’ve only got a few more minutes to live.” ! What. The. Heck?!?! She picked up her hot chocolate mug and smiled through her tears. It was creeper than anything I’ve ever seen. My heart froze over. I drank the hot chocolate too. How much time has passed? How much longer do I have left? I reached into my pocket for my phone to call 911, but my phone wasn’t there. I pulled something else out. A heart. A heart-shaped note? Infiniti’s handwriting is on top. I opened it quickly and read it. I read it and cried. She loves me. She freaking loves me. And now it’s too late. I’m about to die. And she invited me over for today too. Oh God. What have I done? “What do you have against me Destiny? Why would you kill me off too?”!! “I don’t know why you’d even ask that question. You stole my best friend away from me. I’ve hated you for years. I just finally got my chance to get back at you is all. This is what you deserve. You have no idea what you put me through. No idea.” !

! Ugh. This was the girl Infiniti had been best friends with. Destiny and Infiniti. Infiniti and Destiny. Wow. What did I get myself into? Destiny left for the summer and Infiniti was lonely. I was bored. I just needed someone to chill with. I didn’t know I was stealing someone’s best friend…I didn’t know. But wow. She’s so crazy. I’m glad I took her away from this girl. I ran out to my car, but stopped at the door because I heard a thud of a body hitting the floor. Destiny was gone. I don’t have much longer. With a sick feeling in my stomach, I jumped in my car and sped towards Infiniti’s house. Then my eyes started to give and everything was blurry. The heavy rain wasn’t helping. I crashed. Again. I crashed that car into a tree. The car wasn’t ever meant to hold another passenger besides Infiniti. I betrayed it. I betrayed her. And it betrayed me.

Chapter Twenty-Eight. I heard the bell ring and my dad called me to get it because he was making dinner for my mom. I went downstairs and opened the door. It’s Dmitri. He’s soaking wet… and has frosting on his face. He tackle hugged me and we fell off the porch. Both of us were giggling and crying at the same time. “Happy Birthday!” ! He remembered! But the birthday wishing was short lived. He just started babbling about everything. He told me he didn’t kill Stefan and that Destiny poisoned him. ! “I don’t have enough time to explain it all to you Infiniti. It’s hard to believe, but I’m serious. You need to trust me on this one. I would never kill anyone. Especially not for a kiss from that crazy girl.” “Oh she is crazy. That’s why I didn’t want to be friends with her so much anyway when I met you. I believe you Dmitri. I’m sorry that I acted so terribly. I just didn’t know the whole story.” ! “It’s alright hun. It’s all over now though, it really is. And I have to tell you something.”! “I have to tell you something too.” ! “Let me tell you first babe. Shush. Stop crying. I love you and I’m sorry I never told you before. I was stupid.”! “I love you too Dmitri. I wish I told you before too because we really don’t have much time left.” ! “I know. I’m sorry I’m leaving you like this…”! “What do you mean you’re leaving?” ! “Destiny poisoned me too. I really don’t know how much longer I’ve got left.”! “Oh. Well I guess we’re leaving together.” ! “What do you mean?”! “I was really upset Dmitri. Please don’t get mad at me.” ! “I promise I won’t. I can’t get mad at you in a time like this. What is it?” ! I could see the look in his eyes telling me he was worried beyond belief and I didn’t want to say it, but I had to tell him. I had to tell him I took all the painkillers we had at home. I had to tell him I was going to die too. He didn’t say anything. He just pulled me close and cried. We cried together. And then he pulled away and asked what my other secret was. “My other secret?” ! “You said you had two secrets in your note. You only told me one silly.” “Oh… I can’t tell you.” ! “Sweetie, we are about to die. If you don’t tell me now, you’ll die with a secret. Do you really want to do that?”

“No…” I got up and he got up with me. “My other secret is that I like to dance in the rain.” “Oh really?” “Yes.” “Then let’s dance.” ! And we danced. In the rain. Without any music. And I’ve never been happier. I guess it’s a good thing to be happy before you die. It would be a shame to die in sadness wouldn’t it? I wouldn’t know… because I’m dying as the happiest girl alive. It didn’t take long for us to get tired considering we were so close to death and we sat down on the porch, watching the rain fall. I didn’t think we were going to talk much before we both died, but Dmitri isn’t one to be quiet for long. “Infiniti.” “Yes?” ! “Darling, I’d kill for a kiss.”! “Kill for a kiss?” “Yes, I’d kill for a kiss from the lips of the girl I love before the world kills us.” “You don’t need to kill anyone for a kiss from her Dmitri.” ! And what I wouldn’t dare to do just hours before, I did. I turned towards him and kissed him hard. I don’t know how long we kissed, but it wasn’t long enough. Still I was satisfied. “I don’t think I can keep my eyes open anymore,” I told him. ! “Well then. Want to take a nap in the rain?” ! I laughed and said, “Why not?” So we did. We lay in the grass as the rain soaks us through even more than we already are. But it doesn’t matter. Nothing matters anymore. It’s all over. So this is it? I guess I finally get my wish. I get to fall asleep next to the boy I love. But will I see him when I open my eyes? Will I ever open my eyes again? What’s beyond this? It doesn’t matter though. This is close enough to being perfect. If forever ends now. Then I guess I’ve loved Dmitri forever… For Infinity. ! !

Chapter Twenty-Nine. ! And as we lay in the grass, I watched her die in my arms. I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me back and then she was gone. I can’t believe this is what destiny had in store for me… or Destiny rather. Destiny is cruel, and even I don’t know which I’m talking about.

It’s funny. I only prayed once in my life and only asked to be able to live long enough to tell Infiniti I loved her. God answered my prayer. Oh why didn’t I ask to just be with her forever? Even then though. Won’t I be with her forever in death?

There’s no use thinking about any of this anymore. I see crazy lights! Oh looks like she’s getting the birthday party

she wanted after all! I kissed Infiniti one last time on her forehead and shut my own

eyes and let “sleep” take me over.

Chapter Twenty-Nine. ! And as we lay in the grass, I watched her die in my arms. I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me back and then she was gone. I can’t believe this is what destiny had in store for me… or Destiny rather. Destiny is cruel, and even I don’t know which I’m talking about.

It’s funny. I only prayed once in my life and only asked to be able to live long enough to tell Infiniti I loved her. God answered my prayer. Oh why didn’t I ask to just be with her forever? Even then though. Won’t I be with her forever in death?

There’s no use thinking about any of this anymore. I kissed Infiniti one last time on her forehead and shut my own

eyes and let “sleep” take me over.

Chapter Twenty-Nine. I was cooking dinner when I heard my wife calling to me. It was time… but there was no way I could drive out in this weather. I called an ambulance and as soon as I heard the sirens, I rushed outside. The rain is pouring ridiculously hard. And what’s that? My daughter and Dmitri lying on the grass? They’ll get sick. They have to come inside.

I walked over to them and tried to wake Infiniti up, only to realize the worst a father can be forced to face. Death of my daughter as a son is being born. How ironic.

After all these years, as I’m finally starting to understand her, she’s taken away from me. I couldn’t help but cry and still thank the heavens above for at least giving her that happiness I begged for. She deserved that even if she didn’t deserve to leave the world so young.

Maybe I deserved this all? I never paid enough attention to her or any of my children really. Is this my wake up call?

I couldn’t stay out long before I ran inside to call the police too. They are both dead. But how?

Chapter Thirty. I have never cried so much in my life. First from sadness, then from the pain of repeatedly realizing one of my daughters is gone. I will never understand what happened that night. So many young people died in such a short timeframe. I plan to forever believe they all died for love. They really shouldn’t be having those kids read Romeo & Juliet. It puts crazy thoughts in their fragile minds, but if it’s love they died for, then I’ll forever respect it. It’s interesting that my wife was supposed to give birth to a boy, but instead she had twins – a boy and a girl. Naturally we named them Dmitri and Infiniti. This way they’ll always be with us. It’s almost as if time has turned back and they’re getting a second chance . Well, that’s how I look at it. When we brought the twins home, the rest of my children finally had something to smile about through all the crying. My eldest daughter commented on how adorable they are and said, “Wow. They’ve got the biggest smiles ever. Look at those dimples they have already! Infiniti’s got two huge ones!”

And the youngest said, “Aw they’re nothing special. I’ve got

two dimples too. That little brat Dmitri’s only got one!” I smiled and gave him a hug. “Ew Dad. You never hug me! Stop that!” “Well it looks like it’s time for some change, get used it.” Not everything can last forever.