Chapter 19
With all my heart
Days turned to weeks. And no matter how many medications she took, Anna's state worsened. The "good" days were practically non-existent.
Anna's parents, Ted and Lisa Scott, decided to stay in the Mcdonald/Venturi house during their daughter's last days since it was difficult to move her around anymore.
As much as everyone tried to maintain a positive attitude around Anna, as she insisted, the mood of the house was somewhat melancholy and each day ended in tears.
Derek spent every moment he could by her side. Most of the time spent in silence with Anna sleeping and Derek watching over her and doing his homework. Whenever they could have a conversation, he filled her in on the rest of the world. Be it at school or on the news with her asking questions here and there. However, on that day, Anna had another topic to discuss.
"While you were at school, I went online and I found this whole chatroom of people's ideas of death." Derek cringed as she spoke on softly.
"That's when I began to wonder what it must feel like to die."
"Maybe this isn't something you should be thinking about." Said Derek wanting desperately to change the subject.
"I can't help it." She answered. Her eyes shut briefly and opened again with fresh tears now stinging her eyes.
"Are you scared?" He asked placing a hand on hers.
"All the time. Like you."
He looked away from her then back again. It was as if her still vibrant eyes saw right into him.
"I know I'm going to go soon. That's pretty much unavoidable. But I want you to promise me that you will always remember how proud I am of you, that you will believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. And I will always love you and watch over you."
"I promise."
He cupped her cheek with his other hand and his eyes met hers.
"I promise all of that. And I promise I will always love you and miss you."
He kissed her gently on the lips and took her hand in both of his to place over his chest.
"With all my heart."