A/N: Here I am again posting another chapter before it's back to school. I hope that you enjoy. And do continue sending in your wonderful reviews. ^_^
I came by over Kari's house almost everyday. I was constantly worrying over her, wondering if she was okay.
The school year was passing by. Kari's appearance had changed drastically, yet she was still the same person. It hurt me deeply to see her getting weaker everyday. It was tearing me apart. She was constantly telling me that it was going to be okay. I knew it wasn't.
It was after school and she was too weak to go so I came by her house again. She opened the door smiling happy to see me. "Hello Takeru." she said warmly. "I haven't seen you all day… I've missed you." I said. Kari smiled again. "I've missed you too, want to come in and sit down?" she asked. "Sure."
We sat down. It was silent for a moment. Until I blurted out, "Are you scared?" My voice shook as I said that. Kari looked me in the eye and put her head against mine. "I'm scared to death." she answered. I could see tears forming in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have brought the subject up." "It's okay, really." she answered. "But it's not the fact that I'm dying that scares me." I was a bit startled when she said that. "Then what are you afraid of?" I asked, hoping that I hadn't sounded too blunt. "I'm scared… of having to leave my family… friends… you Takeru. I held her tight and never wanted to let go. "I love you." she said silently. "I love you too." I whispered. "Kari?!?" She had stopped breathing. "Kari!" I screamed. She had fainted in my arms.
***
Kari had been rushed to the hospital. I broke down completely. "No.. it can't be her time… not yet… please…" I was hysterical. A few hours later Kari had regained her composure.
***
The next day I went to the hospital during visiting hours. I saw Tai sitting on a bench next to Kari's room. "Hey Tai." I greeted. "Hi." "So, you just saw Kari?" I asked. "Yeah. She's doing better. I knew that you were going to be here." said Tai. "Yeah. I'm really worried about her." "Actually, I wanted to talk to you." Tai said as he stood up.
"What about?" I asked. I looked Tai in the eyes which looked as if he had been crying, which surprised me. Tai the oh so *tough* older brother, who was brave and obnoxious; crying. I couldn't blame he though. This was hard on all of us. "It's about Kari…" "Don't worry Tai, I've changed… I took her for granted before… I knew I wasn't nice to her before… but Kari has changed me, and I really do care about her." I said hoping that Tai would believe me. He was always so protective of his little sister. "Yes, I know." he answered. I breathed a sign of relief. "And I wanted to thank you for taking care of Kari… for being so good to her. You have no idea how much this means to both Kari and I." Tai said putting his hand on my shoulder as a sign of gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me. And well … I love her." I said he wouldn't beat the crap out of me just like any other overprotective older brother would do. To my surprise he grinned and said. "That I know too."
***
A/N: What a coincidence … Tai is thanking Takeru and today is Thanksgiving! Ha ha. ^_^;; Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm oh so thankful for the reviews. Hehe.