"I'm so sorry, Miss Hart, but you have about just three months to live,
Three Months. The words echoed in the chambers of Maya's mind, sounding like a foreign language she couldn't understand, yet the meaning was terrifyingly clear.
She had just left the Hospital a few minutes ago and was currently in a cab, on her way back home. Recurrent headaches, blurry visions and other growing symptoms had prompted her to visit the hospital, where she had undergone some tests, and she had just discovered she had glioblastoma.
She had kept her cool while the doctor had explained everything to her, but now that she was alone, staring out the window of the cab with the beautiful sight of the setting sun reflecting in her eyes, a strangled gasp escaped her lips. Her face was pale, holding a dawning horror in it.
Her throat had a lump in it, and then a single tear fell down her right eye, tracing a lonely path down her smooth cheeks. She was slowly acknowledging that life was slipping away from her, and she probably wouldn't even make it till Christmas this year.
Quietly, she pulled off her glasses and wiped off the tear. As much as she wanted to let go and cry her eyes out till she passed out, she couldn't afford to look sad since she was on her way back home, and her grandmother was probably waiting for her.
Moreover, she couldn't let this sad news ruin her day, after all, she was having her first date with Alastair Kingsley today!
Alastair was her next-door neighbour, and they also attended the same college and graduated together. Although they were just friends, Maya had had a huge crush on him from the moment she set her eyes on him when they were both freshmen.
He was so handsome and popular. She knew she never stood a chance with him, so it had come as a complete shock to her when he had asked her out to dinner last week.
Dreams do come true!
Maya drew in several deep breaths and focused on thinking about her date. Slowly, her pale face began to light up, and a vibrant smile appeared on her face.
It was a few minutes walk from the roadside to her home, and she adjusted her round glasses as she dropped down from the cab. She had a long, black skirt on, a cute white top with long sleeves and a small orange scarf around her neck.
Her red hair was tied up in a messy bun. It was late September, and winter was slowly setting in.
Her Nana was sleeping on the couch when she got home, and Maya placed a kiss on her grandmother's forehead before she headed to her room.
Having a date with Alastair was exciting. She had already picked everything she was going to wear, starting from the hairstyle and down to the shoes. They were supposed to meet by 8:00pm at a restaurant, and it was already about 6:30pm.
Quickly, Maya threw herself into the bathroom to take a quick shower.
.
.
.
"Oh my God!" Teresa exclaimed cheerfully as her granddaughter walked out of her room looking gorgeous.
Maya was wearing an emerald green dress with a luxurious, flowing fabric. The silhouette was feminine, designed to gracefully hug her curves. The bodice was neither too tight nor loose, but perfectly tailored to accentuate her natural form. It ended just above her knee, in an elegant floral design.
Her jewellery was sparkling red, bringing out the colour of her hair.
Her hair was let down. It's Red waves were long, lustrous and almost touching her waist. The Heels she wore matched her dress, simple yet glamorous. Her face had a bit of make-up on it, especially the pink lipstick that brought out the shape of her heart shaped lips.
"You look so beautiful!" Nana cheered even more, clasping both hands together.
"Thanks, Nana," Maya blushed, "I have to get going now, I'm already late!"
"Right," Nana nodded, "Have a good time, okay?" She yelled after her as Maya ran out of the house, "Be yourself okay? He's gonna love you!"
Maya heard her, and a warm smile appeared on her face. She has been looking forward to this day for a while now, and she couldn't believe it was finally happening.
.
.
.
Maya arrived in front of the restaurant about five minutes late. It was one of the fanciest restaurants in town, which had prompted her to dress like this in the first place. But the main reason was to impress Alastair.
Maya was just about to walk in when two familiar faces rounded up the corner of the building, hand in hand about to walk into the restaurant.
Maya blinked, "Alastair?"
They both stopped to stare at her, and it only took a few seconds for Maya to recognise the woman he was with.
It was Heather Stuart, Alastair's ex back in college. Heather was the daughter of a wealthy man, and she was as gorgeous as always. During their time in college, they had broken up and gotten back together more times than Maya could count.
"Oh, it's you," Alastair said, rather disappointingly.
"What's going on?" Maya inquired, pain curling up her chest.
"Babe, who's this?" Heather questioned, sounding irritated.
Did she just call him babe?
"She's my neighbour, don't worry," Alastair replied.
Heather still retained the Frown on her face, but didn't say anything after that.