Chapter One
I felt sick. Of course I am sitting in a doctor's office so what do I expect? Dr. Todd came into the room where my mom, dad, and I were waiting for test results.
~Flashback~
Bridgette was sitting on my bed flipping through a magazine as we waited for our boyfriends to show up. We were going to a movie.
"Bridgette, up or down," I asked referring to my hair.
"Up, it's a movie. Casual," she said pulling my long hair into a ponytail for me. She was about to tie it when she noticed something and stopped.
"Um, Courtney did someone play a joke on you?" she asked.
"No," I said quickly.
"Well there is a quarter sized spot on the back of your head," she handed me a small mirror and I looked at the back of my head.
"What is that?" I asked.
~End Flashback~
Dr. Todd entered the waiting room.
"Well, I have some good news and bad news," he said sitting down.
"Tell us," my mom said putting her arm around me.
"Courtney has leukemia," Dr. Todd said.
My mind went numb.
"What can we do?" my mom asked.
"Well the good news is Courtney isn't going to die. She just has to go through chemo treatments," Dr. Todd said.
"So she will lose her hair?" my dad asked.
"Yes, but judging my the fact that Courtney's hair is really long, you could get it cut and have a wig made of her exact hair. I know of someone who could make it in two days. Your first chemo session will be in two weeks," Dr. Todd said.
"Okay, so when do I lose my hair," I asked.
"Any time after the first session. Courtney I will warn you: it's better to have a support system like your family, friends, or anyone you can go to. It makes this experience easier," Dr. Todd advised.
After that he told my parents some stuff but I wasn't listening.
My phone buzzed with a text. It was from my boyfriend, Duncan.
Hey sweetheart. Missed you in school today, feel better.
If only he knew what those last two words meant now.
On the way out to the car my mom was making an appointment at our salon for today.
When we got home I called Bridgette and told her everything.
"So have you told Duncan yet," she asked after I finished.
"No, and I'm not going to. I am only telling you and my parents," I said.
"Why?" she asked confused.
"I don't want my boyfriend pitying me, I don't want the cheerleading team thinking I can't be the captain because I'm sick, so I'm not telling anyone," I said.
"Well he's going to find out eventually. What then?" she asked.
"I will cross that bridge when I get to it," I said.
"Courtney it's time to go," my mom called from downstairs.
"Where are you going," she asked.
"To ruin my life," I said. Bridgette didn't reply.
"I'm getting my hair cut to make a wig identical to my hair but shorter," I explained.
"Your long hair? That's so sad," she said.
"No pity, I don't need it," I warned her.
I was outside now and getting in the car.
I said goodbye to Bridgette as we left the house. I so don't want to do this.
~Later~
"Courtney, Duncan's here," my mom said. I heard footsteps on the stairs as Duncan walked up to my room. I was still looking at my hair in the mirror. Duncan knocked on my door.
"Hey beautiful," Duncan said walking into the room.
"Hi," I said still not looking at him. I wanted so badly to tell him.
"Cute hair, I like it." Duncan said hugging me from behind. I started crying.
"Courtney what's wrong?" he asked. I couldn't keep it in.
"I, I… I have leukemia," I said to him. He let go of me. That made me cry even more. Now I have to deal with pity. I suddenly was turned around and Duncan pulled me into a hug his arms tightening around me.
"Princess you don't want my pity," Duncan said to me. He was always good at reading my thoughts.
"So, I am just going to say that I love you and you will get through this," he said.
"I'm going to lose my hair," I warned.
"I know. I don't care. You are still beautiful," Duncan said.
Duncan may be a punk but he's the softest, sweetest guy I know.
"That's why I cut my hair. To make a wig for when I lose my hair. It was long enough," I explained.
"I will be here for you princess," Duncan said.
Now if only it were over already, I thought to myself.