Hey again. Sorry for the delay but I've been super busy and stressed with school stuff. I had an assessment nearly everyday day last week which was not fun. Who else hates Year 11? Anyway, I plan to have about six more chapters including this one.

Thalia's Tree x x x

Claire's POV

"This one?" Eve asked as she held up one of my sparkly tops. It was the red one my mum had bought me last year for Christmas.

"No." I sighed and waved it away. "It doesn't fit me anymore."

"Aww that's a shame, its pretty." Eve pouted. "Okay . . . " My best friend disappeared back into my wardrobe and pulled out another top which had a white horse on it. "Does this one fit?"

"Nope." I replied. Laying on my bed I rolled over so I was facing the ceiling. "Maybe I just shouldn't go tonight. I'll only be sat in the corner anyway." It was true. What was Aria thinking? There was no way either of us would be able to do this. Also, I feel completely grossed out from yesterdays latest dose of radiotherapy. Who knew that spending a whole night in the bathroom would make you feel so yucky? Knowing my luck I'd get half way around the room and just suddenly fall asleep.

I closed my eyes, ready to do just that when Eve jumped on my bed, causing me to curse in my head. I opened my eyes to see that she was looking way to happy for our current situation. She really is the most cheerful goth I've ever met.

"You will go to the ball Clairebearella!" She grinned. "Biperty boperty boo! It's just as well that you have an amazing best friend who is great at sewing. I'll just take one of your pretty tops in a bit and it'll fit you fine."

I forced a smile. "Thanks Eve, you're the best, but I . . . "

"No but CB, I won't even charge."

I sighed. "Its not that. It's this whole night. What am I going to do when we get there? Sit and do nothing like a sack of potatoes? I'm not saying that you guys shouldn't go, I just think it may be better if I stay here and save you all the trouble."

Ever since that happened, I've not been able to do the things I used to do. This time last year I would have been up choosing my own clothes, buying my friend her birthday present on my own and zooming around a hall full of people, all without a second thought. But now, I need help getting up the stairs. My friends don't seem to mind helping me out but I know deep inside that they are getting bored of me being such a burden. And honestly, so am I.

Once again I rolled over on my bed, this time so I was facing the wall, making sure Eve couldn't see the tears that were forming in my eyes. I knew when I got diagnosed that things would be different, that I would become more restricted with the things I could do, but I never thought having a brain tumour would leave feeling so empty. For the first time in a while, I wanted my mum. I wanted her to hold me and tell me that someday this would all be a bad memory. But my mum and dad were unaware of what was going on. Yeah sure, I had told them that I had cancer when they had come down, but like most people who left Morganville, they soon forgot. And it was my decision to let that happen. Amelie said she would allow them to pass through the barriers unaffected, but I had declined. I figured that my dad being ill was stressful enough for them both and they didn't need to have the added stress of knowing that their little girl was ill too and they couldn't be there for her. I plan to tell them again, I mean its not like I can keep it from them forever, but I'm just waiting for the right time, or for things to become more serious.

"Claire sweetie, are you crying?" Asked Eve gently as she sat on the bed next to me. I knew I couldn't talk because that would just give it away, so I just shook my head and buried it deeper into my pillow.

Eve sighed and began to play with my hair, twirling it around her fingers like I used to do to my mother's whenever I was tired when I was little. That memory made me cry even harder.

"Talk to me." Eve said softly, but I could hear the pleading tone in her voice. "What's bothering you girly?"

I was so angry at myself for crying. Again. I had made a silent promise to stop crying in front of the others because I knew it made them sad. Also, crying made me feel weaker, and at this moment in time that should have been impossible. But they would stop. They just kept coming and coming like a bad flood that would kill hundreds of people.

I just hope that one day it won't kill me.

Eve's POV

What was I supposed to do? My best friend was crying and even though I had a good feeling why, I just didn't know what to say or do to make her feel better.

I knew that this wasn't just about the party, it was something a lot deeper. I wish that she would tell me about the things that worry her instead of just bottling them up. I know I know, I'm a hypocrite but seriously, I've learnt that it does no good what so ever to keep these kind of feelings to yourself. Sure, I still feel like pants most of the time but at least I don't have to constantly pretend I'm okay anymore.

Finally I figured that maybe it was best to just let her cry. I didn't want to leave her by herself in case she didn't want to be alone, but was too scared to ask me to stay. I tucked my black hair behind me ears, noticing that my hands were shaking.

"Come here you." I said simply. With a little help from me Claire allowed herself to be pulled into a hug. I could feel the tear running from her eyes and onto my bare shoulder, but I ignored it and continued to stroke her hair and rock her gently. I didn't say anything, I just let the silence take over. If there's anything I've learnt about Claire, its that sometimes, she just needs to let things out, and if someone interrupts her, she'll fine away to hold it all back in.

We sat like that for a while, both our legs crossed, holding onto each other for support. I began to wonder if this is what it would be like to have a daughter cry in your arms after her true love has just dumped her. Maybe, just maybe one day I'd experience that.

After what seemed like forever, Claire muttered, "I'm sorry."

I pulled away, slightly shocked. "Why?"

"For crying, for being a burden, for making you sad." Claire wiped her eyes. "For being ill."

I shook my head. "No." I said firmly. "it's not you fault okay? You didn't choose to get sick, so I never want to ever here you apologize for it again." I took her hands, suddenly feeling a lot stronger inside. "You are not a burden Claire. We look after you because we want to. You are Michael's little sister, my best friend and Shane's fiancee. We all love you and you have to remember that."

Claire nodded, staring at our linked fingures. I gave her's a squeeze and then a soft smile. She returned the smile, though her red eyes became serious once more.

"I know you do, but sometimes I wonder if, I dunno, if I wasn't here then things would be easier for you."

I felt myself stiffen. "What do you mean, if you weren't here?"

My best friend's eyes closed and she turned her head away from me. "You know . . . if I were - "

"Dead?" I cut in angrily. "That's what you mean right?" Claire didn't argue. "You're crazy you know that? You really think that you being dead would solve things? Because that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. " Claire pulled her hands out of mine and I realised them that I may have been a bit harsh.

I tried again, only this time more gently. "Look, sweetie, please don't think that. You dying would be my worst nightmare. I wouldn't know how to live without my best friend. And if it would kill me inside, how do you think Shane would react?"

"I know. And I wouldn't." Claire insisted. "I couldn't put you through that. But sometimes the idea just creeps into my head you know?"

I shock my head again. "No, I can't say that i do, but promise me you won't do anything like that okay?" I was worried now. Would she? I mean we can't all be there with her 24/7, so what if she does something bad while none of us are there? Oh my God . . .

"Wait." Claire said, suddenly realising something. "You won't tell Shane I said any of these things will you?"

"I won't tell him," I began. "As long as you promise not to do any of these things." Okay, so it was black mail, but she seriously had me worried.

Claire didn't even hesitate. "Of course I promise!" Then she grabbed my hands tightly and looked me straight in the eyes. "I'm not planning on going anywhere."

Right, that's a good thing. I don't need to worry, I don't need to worry. But I have a funny feeling that i am never going to stop worrying.

"Okay." I said finally. I leaned forward and kissed Claire on the cheek. "You are beautiful, smart, talented and have the biggest heart in the world." I told her. "Don't let that go to waste."

Claire smiled a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "Thank you Eve, I'm glad we talked."

"So am I." I agreed. "Now, I need to you to pick a top so I can get sewing. . ."

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Claire's POV

I looked at my watch which read 6:27pm. Perfect timing. Michael, who was driving, had just pulled up at the sports centre. It was a big blue and green building that was newly built in Morganville. Apparently we all needed to get fitter. In my opinion, running away from vampires on a daily basis was enough exercise.

I got out of the car and brushed down my purple top which floated down just past my waist, worn with simple black leggings. Eve really was good at sewing. I was greeted by Shane, wearing an orange top with a fist on it. Underneath the picture was written, Put 'em up, or die.He liked it. Holding out his hand he said, "Hello there M'lady. Care for an escort to the Royal Ball?"

I laughed, but took his hand gratefully. "You're so silly."

My financee grinned back at me. "Just the way you like me."

"Hmm," I pretended to think for a minute. "I also like you sexy . . ." I leaned up for a kiss, which he happily accepted. We heard someone coughed next to us.

"Not meaning to ruin the moment," Michael began, trying not to laugh, "but lets get going." He lead the way into the centre, hand in hand with Eve, Shane and I doing the same behind them. As we entered the building I felt a wave of heat, like when you enter a shop and they have the heating on. It was cosy. I could also smell chlorine, which was coming from the swimming pool to our left, behind the glass just passed the cafe. It was a nice place. A set of green stairs were to our right, leading to what I'm guessing was the gym area. Straight ahead of us was a long corridor with lots of doors on either side. To the right hand side was a long queue of people, which were all probably here for the roller disco.

"Blimey." I gasped. "That's a lot of people."

Shane pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around my waist. "You'll be okay. Just stick with me and . . ." He though for a second then added, "Actually I've never done this before, so staying with me may not be the safest option."

"Aria said to go straight to the front of the queue as we are fast listed." Eve said, jumping up and down a little, her two ponytails flying around wildly. "This is going to be so fun!"

"You won't be saying that when you go landing on your ass." Shane smirked.

"Bite me Collins!" Eve snapped.

"Na, you're not my type."

"Guys!" Michael cut in. "Not tonight okay?" He turned to me and mimed pulling out his hair which made me laugh.

Like we were instructed we went straight to the front of the queue and to one of the girls at the desk. Her name tag said 'Lizzy'.

"Hello there," Greeted Michael as all four of us gathered around the table. "We are here for a party."

"Join the back of the queue." Lizzy said in a monotone.

"But we - "

"Join the back of the queue."

"No no," Shane tried. "We are here for our friend's birthday and she said that we get fast tracked to the front and that we don't have to pay. Her name is -"

"I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do." Lizzy said. "Everybody has to pay and everybody has to queue, so I suggest that you join the back of it." Oh my goodness her voice was so annoying. It sounded like she had put a peg on her nose!

"Okay . . ." Michael said slowly, trying to remain polite. "Well, if I could just explain the situation -"

"Could you do it quickly? There are other people waiting." Lizzy snapped. Woah, she actually thought we were trying to get in early and for free?

"Maybe we would if you didn't kept interrupting!" Shane shot back. I put a hand on his shoulder and whispered, "Not helping babe."

"We are here with Aria Mae," Eve continued. "It's her sixteenth and she is very ill."

Just at that moment we heard a pretty voice exclaim, "Hey guys!" I looked to my left to see Aria and Chace appear through one of the doors. Then she looked at our faces. "What's the problem?"

"That bitch is the problem." Stated Shane.

"You're with her?" Lizzy said, shocked. "Oh I see, there must have been a misunderstanding of some . . . "

"No misunderstanding Lady." Spat Eve. "You're just rude. Work on your people skills."

"With all due respect, its not like it was that much of an important issue." Lizzy replied, turning back to her monotone.

I felt Shane tense next to me. Oh dear.

"You listen here. " He began in a low voice. "That may have not been important, but these two girls are." He said, point to Aria and I. "They've been through hell, and frankly your attitude is ruining a good night out. " He shrugged his shoulders. "That said, I hope I dont accidentally run you over later"

He grabbed my hand and, without a second look at Lizzy, follow Aria and Chace into the hall.

Well that was an interesting start to the evening.

Oxoxoxoxoxoxox

The hall was actually massive. There was already about twenty people skating around so I carefully made my way over to where you get your skates from. I walked next to Aria who held on to my arm, unable to walk far with some kind of support.

"So how are you going to do this?" I asked her curiously.

"It's quite exciting actually." She said. "I get to be pushed around!"

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"We'll I'm going to be in a wheel chair so that I get to skate around with you guys, only I wont have to do any work."

"Neat. " I said. "Happy birthday by the way."

"Thanks!" she said happily. She took a breath to cough and then said. " I wasn't sure whether you would come to be honest. Are you going to be okay?"

I patted her arm. "Don't you worry about me. We are going to have a great time tonight!"

We all reached the table and began to get equipped with skates and for some of us, knee pads. I laughed as Shane tried to get his balance when he stood up.

"I'll let you laugh because I love you. " he said as he landed on his bum.

"Am I allowed to laugh?" Eve asked as she gripped onto Michael arm, trying not to fall over herself.

"If you don't mind me killing you later, then sure, go ahead. Shane turned his attention back to me. "Need a help up cupcake?"

"Sure." I replied. I took a deep breath, trying to control my nerves. I took Shane's hands and gripped onto his arm like there was no tomorrow.

"Relax." Shane whispered in my ear as he leaned in close.

"I'm scared of falling. " I said honestly.

"I won't let you fall. " Shane promised.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and a voice boomed through the DJ's microphone.

"Hey hey hey! Whose ready to have a good time!?"

The hall had filled up now and people began to shout in agreement.

"I'd like to just wish Aria Mae a happy 16th birthday from her brother. Aria, he says you're a very special young lady. Have a great night everyone!"

Jessie J's domino came on an in their groups people began to skate around. Shane squeezed my hand. "Ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. "

Hand in hand we followed Aria, who was being pushed by Chace. Michael and Eve were behind us.

The night went by in a blur. In the rush of everything we had completely forgotten to bring Aria's birthday present, but I had promised to take it around to her house tomorrow.

I'll admit I didn't skate the whole time. Shane was a sweetie and would sit with me to keep me company. But I had insisted that he skate with the others.

So I was currently sat by myself, watching the crowds go by.

"Hey stranger. " Came Chace's voice from my side. I turned to see him and his sister coming towards me, Aria in her chair.

"Hey guys." I greeted. "Everything okay?"

"Yep." Said Aria. Tonight she was wearing a hot pink, short dress with her blonde hair pulled back into a bun. "But I do need to take out my feeding tube, do you think you can come to the bathroom with me?"

"Sure." I said. Turning to Chace I smiled. "I'll bring her back in one piece I promise."

"I don't doubt it." He replied with a wink.

As I wheeled my friend to the bathroom I leaned forward and asked, "Is he always such a flirt?"

"Imagine how I feel." She laughed in reply. "I have to live with him!"

In the girls bathroom I wheeled Aria close up to the mirror and sat up on the side, watching closely as my friend slowly lifted up her dress and gently removed her feeding tube, turning around to shut off one of the alarms that had began to go off on her chair.

"Well, that's one less thing I'm attached to. " She joked as she stood up from her chair and stood next to me by the mirror. "Do you think you could pass me my purple back pack with my suction kit in?"

"Yep." I jumped down from the side but had to stop and grab the side as a dizzy spell hit.

"You okay?"Aria asked.

I took a deep breath and waited for my vision to clear before nodded and said "I forgot I can't do that anymore. "

"Do you want me to get Shane or Eve?" The small girl asked in a worried voice.

"No, they are worried enough as it is." I took another step forward to find that my balance still hadn't come back completely. Aria grabbed my arm gently and I realised that I was scaring her.

"I'm sorry Ari, just give me a minute and I'll be fine. Promise. " I slid my back against the wall so that I was sat on the floor. My friend sat down next to me.

"So, is your dad in town?" I asked.

"Yep." I could hear the smile in her voice. "He got home late last night. I was asleep but it was nice to wake up with him there. I invited him to come along tonight but he insisted that I should spend it alone with you guys." Ari laughed. "He said he'd cramp my style."

"That's true, I know my dad does."

"I'm glad you're here." She said suddenly. "It's been the best birthday yet, because this year I've actually had friends to invite."

"Well its been an honour to be invited." I replied honestly. "Okay, I think I'm alright now." I stood up to test the theory. So far so good. "Let get you back to your brother before he thinks I've kidnapped you."

"Okie dokie." Agreed Aria as I helped her up and into her chair. "Let's go and enjoy the rest of the night. . . "

Oxoxoxoxoxoxox

That night I fell over a total of two times. Shane fell over five times, mainly because he was zooming around the place like a maniac. Michael obviously didn't fall over and Eve only fell over three times due to the fact that her husband has vampire reflexes.

Tonight had been great. Aria enjoyed herself so much and I don't think I've seen her smile as much as have tonight, baring in mind she is constantly smiling anyway.

I live for moments like these, moments which make incredible memories. And when you live lives like ours, memories mean everything

A memory lasts forever, never does it die. True friends stay together, and never say goodbye . . .