By: Abigail Handojo
Promise Me You'll Live
Chapter 6: "Christmas"
Lily’s POV
Christmas is here and Amy is finally herself again. The trees outside are dusted with snow, pure and inviting. But I can’t play in it, as much as I wish I could.
In a way, I am like the snowflakes outside our window. Falling from the clouds though I should be in the sky. Landing on the ground, slowly becoming more transparent until I melt into nothingness. It’s as if I didn’t exist in the first place.
My thoughts are cut short as Amy bursts into the room.
“So...?”
“They said I could go! This is going to be amazing, I’ve never been to a New Year's Eve’s party before and I can’t believe my parents agreed to let me go!” She rushes out in one breath.
“...How far is it again?”
“Well, the classmate that invited me lives more to the North so I’d say about half an hour’s drive?" Seemingly reading my expression, she adds, "Don’t worry Lily, I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.”
Amy beams and I swallow my concerns. I should be able to go a few hours without her in the room with me. Out of all her days at school, there was only one time I almost disappeared completely. I should be fine.
When I look up at Amy a second time, I notice a small package sitting in her hands. That wasn’t there before she came back upstairs.
“What’s that?”
“I don’t know. My parents handed it to me after I showed them the invitation. Do you think it’s a… Christmas present?”
We sit in stunned silence.
“It would make sense but… your parents don’t really seem like the type to…”
“They’re not.”
“Well, go on.”
Amy unwraps the package carefully, trying her best not to tear the paper. When we both get a glimpse of what’s inside, my heart shatters.
“Wait, aren’t these the headbands you mentioned? And the bows- they gave me not one, but two! Ariel’s and Belle’s, Lily it’s us!”
Amy rushes to pin a bow to the closest set of ears before placing it on her head. She runs her fingers across the intricate golden patterns and velvet red rose.
“I still can’t believe my parents bought me a Christmas present! I thought they were only sold at Disneyland!”
She reaches for the second pair, threading it through her hair and striking a pose. The sunlight bounces off the green sequence and shiny pearls. It fits her perfectly.
...
Tonight, Amy has no trouble falling asleep. I watch her rest carefully, trying to steady my heartbeat. Her breathing is natural, no nightmares tonight. For in her eyes, the future looks up.
I don’t want to ruin that for her.
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