Feelings in the Open

Before she arrived with everyone at Buster's, Babs stopped by Bugs' office and Bugs handed her Buster's pills that Bugs picked up after Buster left the restroom. Babs, gave two pills to Buster and he got up on his own. "Buster, are you alright?" Buster looked at Babs and then gave her a hug and cried on her shoulder. "Buster, it's okay, I'm here. I'm here and I'm never leaving you again!" When they all got together, Babs told them to go home because she was going to stay with him. The others apologized to Buster before leaving. Babs helped Buster to his bed. Buster fell asleep almost instantly. While he laid resting, Babs couldn't help look at him and cry. She couldn't look at him without crying, because she saw his suffering but couldn't feel it. She just didn't know how serious it was until after Buster woke up. "Haven't you slept at all, Babsey?" "No. I was too busy watching you." Babs sat down next to Buster and held his hand. Buster was about to tell her the real truth. "Bugs told you, huh? I asked him not to. How much did he tell you, Babsey?" "Just that you have cancer. Why?" Buster looked into her eyes and whispered to her, "Nothing is ever as bad as it turns out to be." Upon saying that Buster kissed her passionately on the lips. Then, they got into his bed. When they woke up the next morning, Buster said, "Babs, I have to tell you something. Bugs told you I have cancer. He never told you how bad did he?" "I don't understand, Buster." "Babsey, my cancer is—" Buster paused before answering, "My cancer is terminal, Babsey. There is nothing anyone can do." "WHAT!" Babs yelled. When they went to school, Buster was smiling, while Babs was not. Buster went on through the day like nothing was wrong. Babs 

couldn't stop thinking about what Buster said. The days continued just the same. Buster lived his life. Babs was worried constantly. It has been seven months since Buster was diagnosed. It was now close to Christmas. School went on as usual. Buster lived his life and Babs always watched worried.