Okay, no authors notes here. Just take note of what I say in the chapter. Thank you. . .

Claire's POV

This wasn't happening.

My hand went slack and the phone fell out of it, hitting the floor. I was faintly aware of the woman on the other side still talking, asking if everything was okay.

Of course it wasn't.

"Claire?" Shane put a hand on my arm and when I looked at him he wore an expression of complete worry. "What did they say?" I didn't answer, I couldn't answer. I just shook my head. Michael had gotten up and picked up the phone, currently talking to the lady in a hushed voice as if not to disturb me anymore. Eve, who had moved to sit opposite me on the table was just frowning, not understanding what was going on.

Unfortunately, I understood everything.

"Okay, yes." Michael was saying into the phone, his free arm wrapped across his chest. He wasn't pacing, like he normally does when he takes important phone calls, he was stood deadly still.

Deadly.

"Alright, we'll be there as soon as we can. Bye." Michael pressed the end button and put the phone back on the stand. He let out a big sigh and looked at me with his big brother eyes, not quite knowing what to say.

"Well?" Eve asked, standing up and taking Michael's hand. Her eyes darted between us. "What is it?"

I didn't know how to tell them. I mean, how are you supposed to tell people something like this. Michael obviously understood that I wasn't able to talk just yet, so he cut in, taking the lead as always.

"It was the hospital. They were calling to inform us that Aria . . ."

". . . She's dead!" I cut in suddenly. I stood up quickly, surprising everyone. I didn't even care that my head swam as I did it. I just couldn't sit still, I had to do something. Without thinking I grabbed the phone and threw it across the room, watching as it crashed against the far wall and fell apart. I wasn't crying, I didn't even feel like crying. I was angry, no, I was seething. I have no idea what made me react like that, it just wasn't like me. Maybe it was to do with my illness, or maybe it was just grief.

Michael, releasing his grip from Eve's hand, took a step in front of me and held my arms to stop me throwing anything else. I refused to look him in the face and just kept thrashing around, trying desperately to get free. I didn't care what he had to say until he shouted at me. Michael never shouts at me.

"Listen to me Claire!" He yelled, causing me to flinched. Upon seeing this Michael used a softer tone, by his facial expressions were still stern. "Aria is not dead okay? But she slowing fading and . . . she will be very lucky to make it past tomorrow night."

"Dear God." Eve whispered, putting her head in her hands and she slowly sat back down on the table. "I never thought that - " She trailed off, realising there wasn't much to say.

"I know, its a shock." Michael said calmly, though I could feel his hands shaking on my arms. When he was sure that I wasn't going to kill anyone, he let me go and stepped back so he could look at everyone. Shane still hadn't moved. "But it's happening, we all knew it would one day. So I think the best thing for us to do is go to the hospital. Before its too late."

"Then what are we waiting for?" I snapped. I may have calmed down, but I was still pissed off. I looked at the sofa where Shane was still sat. "Are you coming?"

I know that this must be very difficult for Shane, he knew death too well, but this was hard for me to. I loved Aria, and I did not want to lose someone else I loved anymore than he does. I need his support if I was going to get through this.

Shane stood up after I spoke, moving towards me and kissing my forehead. He tilted my chin up so that he was looking directly into my eyes. "I would never leave you alone. We'll get through this." He kissed me on the lips and whispered,

"I promise."

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Aria's POV

I never thought this would happen to me. No matter what life threw at me, I figured that I'd always be able to handle it. Beside, I'd always done that up until now. When I was four, I came down with phenomena. Because I had cystic fibrosis it made things so much worse, to the point where I found it hard to breathe. But I lived passed that. When I was diagnosed when I was born, the doctors told my family that my life expectancy would be around 11.

I lived passed that.

I turned 16 a few weeks ago. I had lived passed all expectations. But I was living a lie. I was in denial. And until a couple of days ago, I thought I was invincible.

But when I felt like I was suffocating, I knew then that was not the case. Because the truth was, I'd known my whole life that I was going to die before I'd become an adult.

Growing up, I used to read things about CF and I thought that everyone was overreacting. I wasn't going to die, I was going to grow old just like everyone else. I would watching my children grow up, and watch their children grow up. I would be surrounded by my family at Christmas times, watching as my grandchildren ran around, falling over, watching as my own children helped to cook the Christmas dinner. I had all of this to look forward to.

Accept I didn't, did I?

I would be given leaflets from the hospitals, or read articles online about other people's fights with cystic fibrosis. They would talk about how even though they were scared, they had come to accept the fact that they were different to others, that in a couple of years time they would pass away. I remember thinking that the people who died from CF were the people who had chosen to give up. And I would never choose that.

But here I was, fighting to breathe. Breathing is such an easy thing to do, so easy that most people just take it for granted. I know that up until this year I did too. But now I was lying in a hospital bed, on a full time ventilator that was attached to my trach and I was hardly able to find the energy to move most of the time. That was the worst part, lying there like a deflated balloon.

I still had to do my treatments, which tired me out the most I think. I hadn't told my friends this, but a couple of months ago, just before Claire's 18th birthday, the hospital had put me on a CA, which stands for cough assist. I didn't like to talk about it much because even though I admit that it helps, it is also humiliating sometimes.

The basic idea of a CA is that it attaches onto my trach, pushes air in and then sucks it out really really fast, meaning that I am able to produce a better cough. That, in combination with my other treatments, helps to try and get more gunk out of my lungs. I didn't like it at first. It makes a really loud, scary thumping noise as it sucks air out, which would make me panic, and on top of that the air that was pushed into my lungs would be pulled out before I could even register that it was there. The first time I did it, I remember gagging, trying desperately to cough, but unable to. As it had kept thumping, I had tried to pull the tube off my trach, but several arms had restrained me. Finally, the nurses had got the hint that it was distressing me too much, and had stopped the treatment early.

Ever since that day, I have always been scared to try new treatments, but after a while I guess I just got used to them.

But no matter how many scary, humiliating treatments I have had to put up with in my life, none of them were able to save me in the end.

So I guess you're wondering what it feels like to be dying. And to answer that question, I don't really know. Its strange, I feel like my mind is fully awake, but my body is nearly asleep. Although I'd never admit it, I'm also really scared. I don't want to die, I want to do all the things I've always wanted to do, like travel the world, see all the monuments, have working lungs so I can walk without getting short of breath.

But also the small things, like going on a date, or seeing my brother graduate from his performing arts college. I'm going to miss so much. I won't be there to help my Chace look after my dad when he gets old, I won't be an auntie, or a godmother. I won't be able to hang out with my friends, I won't be there to see Claire get the all clear from her illness.

Why does this happen now when everything is going right for a change? For the first time in my life, I had proper friends and I had finally talked to Chace about how I was really feeling, how I was scared of dying. Ironic I know. I just feel like someone up there is playing a sick joke. I'm finally happy they decide that its my time to go.

But that's what I keep reminding myself of. I've always believed that there is a time for everyone to die, and when they do, it is because they have fulfilled their purpose. And even though I don't feel like I've done anything special, I've obviously done my bit to help the world. Maybe it'll be my story, the story of how I died. Maybe it'll raise awareness. Not just for CF, but for donor donation in general.

It makes me angry to think that there are so many people dying out there, people who no longer need there organs, and instead of donating, they are letting them go to waste. There are so many sick people like me who dream of having a life saving transplant, but can't because there is never any donor matches. Because even though deep down I know that that is not the reason I am dying, it makes it easier on me to be able to blame something. But then again, I don't know how I would feel about someone cutting up my body when I am dead, so I can understand why not everyone signs up.

Even though it won't help me, I still pray every night that someday scientists and doctors will find cures for diseases like mine, so that nobody has to go through what I am going through now.

I feel someone moving me. What are they doing? Oh, I just felt a push of clean air into my lungs. That feels so good. I'm making the most of every breath I am given, knowing that soon I won't be able to breathe at all. Air catches in my throat, causing me to cough hard and gag. I can feel someone suctioning my trach, and strong airs lifting me up in a limp sitting position. My head fell against someone's chest.

"Relax Aria." I hear my brother voice say as he strokes my hair. "Just try and breathe, dad and I are here." I nodded in response, letting him know that even though my eyes are shut, I can still hear him. I feel him let out a sigh and kiss my forehead. Another hand touches my arm before holding onto my own frail hand. I know its my dad. He's taking this so hard. I know he feels bad about not being there for me, but I've told him that all that matters is that he's here now.

Weakly, I allow my eyes to flutter. My father sat in the chair next to me, his deep blue eyes softening as he see I'm awake. I look up at my brother who is sat on the hospital bed with me, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, warmth and love radiating from his body to mine.

Quietly, looking at both of them in turn, I say "I love you two so much, and I always will."

Claire's POV

I felt tired. My adrenaline rush from earlier had completely worn off, and i would have fallen asleep in the car if I didn't have so much on my mind.

What was I supposed to do when I say my dying friend lying in a hospital bed? How would I react? I have never been in this situation before. The last time someone I loved died they had passed away before I had gotten to the hospital. What was I supposed to say to her? There wasn't a lot to say. It was obvious what was happening, there were no questions I needed to ask. Well, there was one question.

Why?

But that was a question no one would answer. Nobody knows why people die. Maybe its nature, or maybe its God. If God was so loving then why would he cause so much pain and suffering in the world? Surely He knows better than to do this to people. Surely He knows that this is what turns people against him.

But I have to stop feeling sorry for myself. This is about Aria, not me. I can lock myself in my bedroom as much as I want when this is over, but right now I should only be thinking about her.

We were walking through the hospital corridor, Shane, Michael, Eve and I, Shane and I holding hands while the other two did the same. When I looked at Eve I could tell she was trying to be strong, trying not to cry. I know she is not good in these situations. She is so sensitive and soft hearted, she'd cry at anything. But of course, this isn't just anything. This is a person who doesn't deserve to die. A sweet, kind 16 year old girl. I was that age when I first came to Morganville and back then I was put in lots of situations where I thought I was going to be killed, but I never was. I would come home at the end of every situation and was able to sleep knowing that for now I was safe. But that wasn't the case for Aria. She was 16 years old and she was dying. She had no choice. She must be so scared.

"Hey." Shane said to me, getting my attention. I hadn't realised we had stopped walking. "We are on the right ward. Are you ready to see her?"

I looked up at my boyfriend's big brown eyes. I shook my head. "I don't think I can do this." I said, trying not to burst into tears. O hadn't cried yet, and I didn't want to. My breathing sped up and my heart beat fast against my chest.

Shane must have seen my panic because he led me over to a chair that was to the side. I sat down in it and he crouched in front of me. Over his shoulder I saw Michael and Eve talking to one of the night nurses. Michael was nodding his head and his eyes looked sad. Eve was shaking and clinging onto her husband's arm.

"Claire, look at me." Shane ordered, though his voice was soft. I turned my attention back to my fiancee. He took my hands into his and spoke quietly to me. "You need to go in there and see Aria. If you don't, you are going to regret it, I know you." Shane sighed. "But you have to get yourself together first okay? You cannot go in there like this. You have to be strong. There's no doubt that Aria is petrified, and if you go in there in the state you are now it is not going to help matters."

I nodded my head, knowing that what he was saying was true. "But what do I saw to her?" I asked. Shane hand moved to my face and stroked my cheek gently.

"Tell her that you love her. Tell her that you will never forget her. Tell her all the things that you love about her, talk about the happy memories you have had together." Shane let out a shaky breath before continuing. "I never got to say any of these things to my family, and I wish I had. Just tell her all the things you know you will regret not saying tomorrow."

Again, I simply nodded. Shane had done this too many times. I knew he was right. I had to go in there and see my friend, before it was too late.

"Okay." I said. "Okay, I'm ready." Shane smiled sadly and kissed me before helping me up. I suddenly felt very weak at the knees.

"Good girl." He said, wrapping his arm around my waist and helping me to walk. He nodded and Michael and Eve, indicating for them to follow us. The night nurse smiled and led us down the corridor to the furthest door.

"Young has been talking about a Claire." The nurse said softly. "I think she was hoping you'd come."

I returned the smile. "Thank you." I replied.

The nurse nodded and walked off, leaving the four of us by ourselves outside the door. I took in a deep breath and looked around at my friends. They all looked sad, but nodded in encouragement. I removed Shane's hand from my waist and pushed on the door handle, resulting in the door creaking open.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I say next.

I firstly saw Chace sitting in a large chair on one side of the bed. He was leaning over and stroking the blonde girl's hair, muttering sweet words to her. On the other side of the bed was an older man. He had a book out but I could tell he was finding it hard to concentrate on it. This must have been Aria's father.

Finally my eyes feel upon the small fragile girl laying in the hospital bed. She was wrapped up in blankets but was still shivering. I could hear her gently mumble to herself. She seemed peaceful.

There were tubes all around her. One looked like it was coming from her stomach, one was inserted up her nose, and there were several heart rate monitors attached to her in different place. There was a low humming from the machines that echoed the medium sized room. The heart rate monitor beeped every so often. The ventilator supplying oxygen to Aria's lungs buzzed. But other than that, silence greeted us when we entered the room.

The two men either side of Aria looked up when they heard the door open. The older man frowned while Chace smiled, happy to see us.

"I'm so glad you came." He said quietly, as if not to disturb his sister. He got up from his chair and came over to us. He opened up his arms and I hugged him. "I'm so sorry." I whispered into his ear. "I can't believe this is happening."

Chace pulled away and looked at me, his facial expression full of sorrow. "Neither can I." He admitted sadly. "But it is. I just wish I could stop it."

"There's nothing you could do Chace." I told him gently. I was surprised by how calm I sounded. "You just have to be there for her." He nodded in agreement before greeting my other friends. He shook Shane and Michael's hands and gave Eve a big hug. It was all too much for her, she had already started crying.

Finally he turned to his father and said, "Dad, these are Aria's friend's she has been telling you about." He introduced to his dad, whose name was Phil. Afterwards Chace slowly returned to his sister's side, leaving us there. I felt like a spare part. Like Chace, I wanted to stop this from happening, but had no idea how to. No amount of intelligence could stop this girl's death.

"Ari." He whispered, gently shaking her awake. "Sweetie there are people here to see you."

Aria's eyes slowly blinked open and she stared at her brother, dazed and confused as if she didn't know who he was. When she finally had a grasp on reality Chace helped her to sit up. I watched the small girl struggle to sit upright, trying and failing to take in deep breath's.

When she looked at me, she frowned as if she didn't understand something. But then a small smile form on her pale, almost transparent skin.

"Claire." She whispered, her voice barely audible. Then she looked at the others who were stood behind me. Like me, they didn't know what to do. "You all came."

"Of course." I replied. "Why wouldn't we?" I smiled back at her and she nodded, closing her eyes. Even being awake seemed to drain the energy out of her.

Phil cleared his throat and stood up. "I'll give you all some space. I'm gonna get a coffee."

"I'll come." Chace replied to his father, giving Aria a quick kiss. "We'll be right back baby girl."

"Kk." She replied quietly. Chace smiled at me as the two men passed us and left the room. They shut the door behind them, leaving only the five of us.

Michael was the first to speak. "We won't stay long Aria." He told the blonde who was lying in the bed. "We just wanted to come and see you before . . . .well, we just wanted to see you."

"Come over here then." She told us. I'd actually forgotten that we were on opposite sides of the room. Slowly I followed the other three towards the white covered cot. I stood at the end whilst the other three crowed around the dying girl.

I didn't want to go that close. From a distance I could tell myself that she wasn't dying, that she was just ill. But close up, I wouldn't be able to make that lie so easily.

I zoned out for a moment, however I was still aware of the others talking, I just didn't respond.

"Aria, sweetie we are all here." Eve was saying. "We are all here because we love you. You mean so so much to us."

"You are such a brave girl." Shane continued. "No one deserves peace like you do."

"And no matter what, you will always be in our hearts." Michael finished.

I didn't like the way they were talking. They were talking as if she were already dead, and they shouldn't be. Maybe she'll pull through. I shook myself out of my thoughts when I felt Shane put a hand on my arm. "Babe, we are going to wait outside for five minutes okay? Leave you two alone of a bit."

I didn't replied, I just nodded. He kissed me on the forehead and whispered. "Don't forget what I said." Then he led the others outside. Eve squeezed my hand on the way and Michael gave me an encouraging smile.

When we were finally alone, I went and sat next to Aria on her bed. For some reason I felt like it was going to be easier to talk to her without anyone in the room.

"Relax." Aria told me. "Its still the same me."

"I know, I just hate seeing you like this." I replied, taking her shaking hand.

Aria tried to laugh, but ended up choking. "Sucks for me too."

I smiled sadly at her. "Are you okay?" I asked, because even though it sounded like a stupid question, her face showed an expression of not only strain and pain, but sadness.

My friend closed her eyes once more. "I'm scared Claire." She said quietly. She was so weak I could see how much it pained her to talk.

I sighed and shuffled so that I was lying on my side next to her, my head supported up by my hand so I could still look at her as I spoke.

"So am I Aria." I admitted, playing with the ends of her soft hair. "I'm so sorry I can't make this go away."

"No one can. And I've . . . I've accepted that."

I shook my head. "How can you?" Aria attempted to shrug weakly. "I can't spend my last days all upset now can I?"

"I don't want to lose you." I admitted suddenly. I wasn't planning on saying that, but it just came out.

"You aren't. " She promised. "I'll always be with you, even if you don't always know it. I'll just be a breath away."

I sat up more so I was looking at her gentle face. No matter how ill she was, she still looked beautiful.

"You are my angel you know that?"

"If that's what you want me to be, then that's what I am." She said breathlessly. Suddenly she choked slightly. I helped her lean forward as she retched.

"Calm down." I mumbled into her ear as I rubbed her back. "You are hurting yourself."

Aria's tiny body continued to shake as she coughed but I knew there was nothing I could do to stop it. I reached over and turned up the oxygen slightly, hoping it would good.

After a minutes or so, Aria's breathing returned to its normal state. She leaned weakly against me, unable to sit up any longer.

I stroked her hair. "Go to sleep sweetie." I told her. "You are exhausted."

"No." She whispered. "I need to tell you something." She coughed quietly before closing her eyes and continuing. "These past months have been some of the. . . happiest months of my life. Because of you. I never had friends or people I could talk to but that changed because I knew you. People come into our lives for a reason Claire, and you've certainly changed mine."

She took a few seconds to catch her breath. "I want to say thank you. You didn't have to care for me, especially when you have enough problems of your own. But you did. You are such a good person, and I am thankful I had the chance to know you, even if it was for a short time."

I felt tears build up in my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. "Ari, I should be me whose thanking you." I exclaimed. "You have thought me so much in the short time I've known you. You've taught me about the importance of life." I laughed to myself. "Who can say if I've been changed for the better, and I do believe I have, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good. You've rewritten my life by being my friend, you'll always be with me like a hand print on my heart." I took a deep breath. "Shane said to tell you all the things I want to, while I can so I don't regret anything. But I'll regret not being able to have known you longer."

As I looked down at my friend her eyes opened and I saw stray tears fall from them. "I don't want this to be the last time I see you." She whispered. "I may be strong, but I'm not sure if I can do this."

I wiped the tears away with my fingers and kissed her forehead with the affection that she deserved. "Its okay to be scared Aria, but you are not alone. Don't forget that. Its okay to let go."

But she shook her head stubbornly. "I don't want to let go yet. I have to fight for as long as I can."

"Okay." I replied quietly. "Just rest sweetheart." I rocked us both gently side to side. I took in the smaller girl's scent, the way she felt in my arms, the way she looked. I had a feeling this would be the last time I would hold her like this. I had to make every last moment count. I softly began to sing the words to the song 'For good' from Wicked, making sure that Aria understood that I meant every last word.

After a couple more minutes, my other friends opened the door and looked in. I nodded to let them know it was okay to enter. Still rocking Aria, I whispered quietly, "I love you."

I thought she had fallen asleep, her breathing was shallow and her chest rose in a beautiful melody. But then, barely a whisper, she replied,

"I love you too."

Who can say for certain, maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me, you're memory so clear. Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You're still can inspiration, can it be . . .That you are mine, forever love, and you are watching over me from up above. And I believe, that angels breathe and that love will live on and never leave. Fly me up to where you are beyond a distant star. I wish upon tonight to see you smile. If only for a while to know you're there.

A breath away's not far to where you are.