Hello Goodbye

"Keep to the right children." said a shrill woman in a skirted suit of taupe. Left open to reveal the standard crisp white button down shirt. "Here is where we see the polar bears." There were 'oohs' and 'aahs' all around as a group of 11 children ran up to the railings. One of the tallest of the bunch, whom had stayed behind, with red hair and orb-like blue eyes pulled on the sleeve of a young teen who was clearly in a daze.

"Umm, yes, Annabelle?" asked the teen, who had so many things running through her mind at once.

"Can I go and see the polar bears?" asked Annabelle, owlishly batting her blue eyes. She was shaking in her jean jumper from the nervousness of asking. "Please, Casey?"

"Of course, Annabelle." said Casey smiling. The timid yet sweet Annabelle made her way slowly over to where the other children stood watching the polar bears. The bears seemed to go on with their routine, paying the fascinated children no mind. Casey again smiled as her eyes landed on Annabelle. She was quietly talking to another little girl, with a blush staining her pale cheeks. The passion with which the other children watched was amazing to Casey.

From there they went on to the seals and even penguins. They were most captivated by the waddling black and white creatures. "Casey, Casey, they walks funny!" said Annabelle excitedly. And then with sadness she added. "Just like me."

Casey could tell the girl was near tears. She scooped her up and made sure to wipe her tears with her own thumb. "You do not walk funny, Anna, you walk special." said Casey with a smile.

"I'm so tired of being special." said the small girl, still threatening to bawl in Casey's arms.

"I wish I was something special, like you, Anna. But you're right." she said putting her down. "Being special is not always fun. I'm really smart and people make fun of me for it."

"Yeah?" asked Annabelle, her eyes even wider than usual. A feat Casey would have never thought possible.

"Yep, even call me a grade grubber." Casey found laughing at herself felt quite good.

"Wow." said Annabelle, with some semblance of a smile.
"Point is, don't stop being the special you that you are just because it's rough sometimes. Being special isn't bad at all." Casey smiled when Annabelle finally smiled. Ms. Rochester, the shrill woman giving the tour, watched Casey from up front. Casey smiled and nodded, everything was ok, and, for once, the woman smiled. Genuinely smiled.

After seeing all the zoo had to offer the kids piled into their medical transportation bus and traveled back to the famous Saint Jude's Hospital. Casey read little Annabelle a bedtime story around nine, after eating their meals together. "She's a special one." said the one and only Ms. Rochester standing over Casey. The girl had been watching Annabelle slumber peacefully.

"Yeah." and then something that had been nagging at her all day came to the forefront of her mind. "What's wrong with her, Ms?"

"Scoliosis." said the nurse gently.

"Oh." said Casey sadly. Such a beautiful and sweet girl should not have such a big problem. She might never walk normally. And why not? Why couldn't they allow her to be 'normal.? "It's not fair."

"No. It never is." said the nurse placinf her hand lightly on Casey's shoulder. "Lets go, dear."

Casey stood out front of the hospital waiting on her Mother when the double doors opened once more. A boy with unruly brown hair came out. Casey couldn't see much of his face but was intrigued none the less. "Hello." she said, though she went unheard. In the cold weather Casey wrapped her sweater tighter around her body and again said "Hello." This time she was heard and the boy turned on her. He had the deepest chocolate brown eyes she had ever seen.

"Hello." he said entranced.

"M-my name is Casey." she said smiling happily.

"Derek." he shrugged. "Nice to meet you." he extended his hand and Casey shook it softly. It was so warm, and sent shivers through her.

"You as well." she giggled involuntarily. Are you here for the out patient work program?"

"No, my little brother Edwin. He's… sick." said Derek, eyes downcast angrily.

"Oh." said Casey, dumbfounded, in her mind she was looking for something to say when a horn blew and took away her attention.

"That's me." Derek said, sending her a knee weakening smile. "Goodbye Casey."

"Goodbye Derek." Casey was swept off her feet by a magical carpet, yet let down just as easily. He was really gone. Yet something told her she would see him again. Destiny never lied.

See you next chapter