~Sho ~
I looked around the house one more time. The girls next to me face turned red.
"I know it is not the most extravagant house, but papa wanted to buy us a house before the wedding."
I turned to her and kissed her on the forehead. "It is lovely, Jen."
She leaped up and gave him a big hug. "Oh good, I'm glad you like it. I know that this not the wedding either of us would have wanted but I hope we can be happy."
"Jen I am always happy with you."
"Sho, I know you are happy. And that makes this sadder."
"You will never be alone with me around." I said with a smile. I hugged her. From over her shoulder I saw something small move. "I am sure this house is going to be amazing, Jen. And no matter what you think at some points, I really do love you."
"And when I die?"
I just hugged her even tighter. "I'll still love you."
Jen's chemo took so much out of her that she spent weeks away at the hospital. I spent a lot of time with her but could not bear it all the time. So I spent time at home making it look nice for when she got home. I rarely slept any more it felt like.
~Arrietty~
I may sound crazy but I knew that voice. I try to forget it but I do. I know the rules. I shouldn't be venturing out. But the minute I heard it I was pulled towards it. I slipped up the wall and saw his face. It was the same face of the same being that had changed my life ten years before.
I didn't dare get near him. I knew he had been a friend then, but he was a kid then. He probably remembered me as an imaginary friend. I couldn't risk it to find out. Not again. So I kept my distance. I refused to do my borrowings the next few days and helped ma and the other mothers around the house. Spiller gave me crap about it once or twice but then gave up.
I ventured out. I couldn't live my life in fear. I never had and I couldn't start now. I slipped a red dress on and I slipped out the door. They gave me the job of getting paper so I slipped into the office. What I didn't expect was to find him in there reading. I stopped in my tracks and stared at him.
"Well you are a young one."
CRAPPP
His smile widened. "Don't worry I help Borrowers."
I couldn't open my mouth but I made myself. "I am not that young."
~Sho~
"It is you. You saved my life. I wouldn't be here without you." I said
Arrietty blushed the way she always had. "How do you always get me like this?"
"I am always that special. Look." I said pulling out and old clip.
"My clip? You held on to it?"
"Ofcourse I did. You were my best friend. I could never forget you."
"Of all the houses and you buy this one?"
"We beat the odds."
"Can I give you the doll house now?"
She laughed. "Although, mom would love the kitchen back, I don't think the others will go for it."
"You know what I have always wanted, Arrietty?"
"What?"
"To be able to hug you."
Arrietty blushed again. "You are not alone in that wish. I saw you hugging that lady."
"She is my wife."
"She is beautiful and lucky. I am glad you are happy and healthy."
"And you? Any kids? Husband?"
"Not yet. But since we moved here there is a bigger chance. Back home it was me, mom and dad."
"I am so glad it all worked out for you. I have always worried about you."
"So tell me about her."
"She is amazing. I met her in college. We became best friends instantly. She reminded me a lot of you. She and I got married soon after we moved in here. I wish you could get to meet her."
"You know I cant."
"I wish that is how I meant that."
~Sho~
"The doctors say she wont be able to come home again. They gave her weeks."
"Weeks?"
"Arrietty?" I heard someone call
"I will be right out,Spiller"
"Can't you just stay a little longer.
"Go see her. I will always be here but she wont. Go see her then we will talk."