Baby-Sitters Club belong to Ann M. Martin
I was walking to school with my best friend, Mary Anne Spier. She's about to be 15 in two weeks. We became best friends when Mary Anne visited New York with her family, we met her through Stacey. We moved here last year because of our parents' jobs. Only my father left our family before our move. It was tough. But Mom is thankful to have Mary Anne if we need her help with our six younger siblings. It doesn't always often because they're in their after school activities, so that's usually on weekends if Mom have plans. That's why Mary Anne and I make plans to hang out. Kayla used to be like that until she got too tired to do anything.
"How's Kayla have been feeling these days?" asked Mary Anne.
"Not well. She have been feeling tired," I said.
"Still?" asked Mary Anne.
"Plus, she had a hard time to swallow. Mom made a doctor's appointment and the doctor is fitting her in this afternoon," I said.
"I hope she'll be okay," said Mary Anne.
"Me, too," I said. "I have a little secret. She had cancer in the past."
"Really?" asked Mary Anne.
"It was caught early back then and was remission after a few months," I said.
"When did that happen?" asked Mary Anne.
"We were still living in New York. Stacey's parents weren't divorced yet. Laine wasn't too supportive- she was jealous," I said.
"Wow. I would never act like that," said Mary Anne.
"I think that's why Kayla kept her past illness as a secret," I said. "But I know Kayla will trust you to be there for her."
"Of course. That's what best friends are for," said Mary Anne.
"I'll be going to the mall today. I'm going to get my ears pierced," said Mary Anne.
"That's cool," I said.
"I've been wanting to get them done. I mean, I understand why Dad wanted me to wait. He told me Mom had hers done when she was a year older than me," said Mary Anne. "All I was able to wear was clip on earrings, which was better than nothing."
"True," I said.
"I knew he gave me the green light. He said I can start looking and if I see something, I can get them done while I'm there," said Mary Anne.
"I'd go with you, but I have to do some homework," I said.
"It's okay," said Mary Anne.
"We can hang out when you get home. I'll be done by then," I said.
"Okay," said Mary Anne.
We don't see each other much. We're the residents of Portland, Maine now. We attend Portland Voc-Tech High School for tenth grade. Currently, we have different divisions. I'm in 10-2, which means I'm in shop and she's in 10-1, which means she's in class. I'm studying Office and she's doing Fashion Design.
After school, I was at home doing homework. April had no plans, so she ended up going with Mary Anne. In the meantime, at the mall, Mary Anne was looking at the earrings.
"Are you sure you're allowed to wear earrings yet?" asked April. "You could get in trouble if you don't have permission."
"Yes, because my dad said I can," said Mary Anne.
She walked up ahead without April. She's trying to be more assertive now. She's normally too shy to speak up for herself. At the mall, she saw some earrings at a few of the places while April was on her case.
"You're not even listening to me?" asked April.
"Just mind your business," said Mary Anne. "If you're going to be like that, I don't want you here."
She looked at the other mall areas until she picked out what she wanted and used her baby-sitting money for the earrings. She checks for prices to fit the budget. She went to the clerk.
"Am I allowed to do it myself?" asked Mary Anne.
"Yes, you can. If you need some help, you can let us know," said the clerk.
"Okay," said Mary Anne.
She replaced the clip on earrings to put the new ones on.
"Can you double check to see if I did it properly?" asked Mary Anne.
"Of course, dear," said the clerk.
When they were checked, the clerk said, "You did a good job doing it on your own the first try."
At home, Mom had just left with Kayla. I checked out the window to see if Mary Anne's back yet. I got my cell phone to call her and she had just gotten home.
"Oh, perfect, I wasn't sure," I said. "I rather be at your house than being alone."
"It's fine," said Mary Anne.
At the doctor's appointment, Dr. Andrews was examining Kayla when she found something.
"I can feel a lump near your throat," said Dr. Andrews.
"I had cancer when I was younger," said Kayla.
"It's probably back, but I'll have to make an MRI appointment before you leave," said Dr. Andrews.
When she checked the appointments, she said, "I'm fully booked until next Thursday at 3:00 pm."
"We'll take it," said Mom.
On their way, Kayla said, "Can I still hang out next door with the girls?"
"Sure. You girls can stay for dinner," said Mom.
At Mary Anne's house, we were just getting ready to watch a movie.
"Do you want any popcorn?" asked Mary Anne.
"Sure," I said.
That was when Mom was getting in with Kayla.
"I bet she'll join us," said Mary Anne.
"She's planning on doing that," I said.
Then, Kayla came on the porch and I went to go let her in.
"We're just getting ready to watch movies," said Mary Anne.
"Perfect," said Kayla. "Kaylee, Mom said we can stay here until after dinner."
"Okay, sweet," I said.
"Do you want anything while I go get popcorn?" asked Mary Anne.
"Do you have anything soft?" asked Kayla.
"Sure. You can come to the kitchen with me," said Mary Anne.
"My throat is feeling better, but I don't want to chance it," said Kayla.
They went off to the kitchen when Mr. Spier came home from work.
"Hi, Kaylee," said Mr. Spier.
"Hi. Mary Anne's in the kitchen with Kayla," I said.
The girls came back out. Kayla had a dish of vanilla ice cream.
"Hi, Dad," said Mary Anne.
"Hi, hon," said Mr. Spier. "Your new earrings look nice on you."
"Oh, yeah, I almost didn't notice them. I like them," said Kayla.
"Me, too," I said.
"It's my initial. I bought both M on one ear and A on the other ear," said Mary Anne.
"That's fine. I have no problem with that," said Mr. Spier.
"April gave me a hard time," said Mary Anne.
"For what now?" I asked.
"First off, didn't you tell me I can have them done if I see something I liked?" Mary Anne asked her father.
"Yes," said Mr. Spier.
"She thinks I was doing it behind your back," said Mary Anne.
"Seriously?" I asked.
"She tells me I'd get in trouble and accused me for not listening," said Mary Anne.
"She is wrong," said Mr. Spier.
"Good for you," I said.
"I was trying to ignore her until I told her to mind her business and added if she didn't like it, she can leave," said Mary Anne. "I added that you gave me permission."
"Glad you told her that," said Kayla.
"Sorry I couldn't go with you," I said.
"It's okay, it's not your fault," said Mary Anne.
"She is not your mother or baby-sitter," said Kayla.
Later, we had a pizza party while we did a movie party. After dinner, we thanked for dinner and we went home. Her stepsister, Dawn, showed her how to clean the earrings. She said the best result is to let it soak overnight.
A week later, on Wednesday morning, Mom was on the phone with Dr. Andrews.
"We have a cancelation, so I can fit Kayla in at 10:00 am. Is that alright with you?" asked Dr. Andrews.
"That's fine," said Mom. "We'll be there."
"Alright. See you then," said the doctor.
After that, she told Kayla.
"Oh, good. I'm a bit nervous about tomorrow," said Kayla.
"That's normal," said Mom.
"I got a feeling that cancer might be back," said Kayla.
Then, the phone rang as Mom picked up. "Hello."
"This is Thrive Dental Studio to confirmation Kaylee's appointment to have her wisdom teeth removed on Friday morning at 2:00 pm," said a dental assistant.
"Okay, thank you," said Mom.
Later, when I got home from home, she told me about Friday.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot about it," I said.
"I'll pick you up from school early at 1:00 pm," said Mom.
"I wonder if I go sleep over at Mary Anne's on Saturday instead just in case," I said.
"I think that would be better," said Mom.
"Should I still attend her birthday dinner?" I asked.
"You can wait to see how you feel," said Mom.
"True," I said.
"Also, Kayla's got the MRI appointment at 10:00 am tomorrow. There was a cancelation," said Mom. "She's nervous."
"I would be, too," I said.
The next morning, I told Mary Anne about Kayla on our way to school.
"How does Kayla feel?" asked Mary Anne.
"Nervous," I said. "Oh also, I have wisdom teeth removed tomorrow at 2:00 pm, so I'll be getting dismissed at 1:00 pm."
"Sounds painful," said Mary Anne.
"A little," I said.
"We can have a sleepover on Saturday," said Mary Anne.
"It's funny that you said because I thought about the same thing," I said as we giggled. "I should be able to make it to your birthday dinner tomorrow night though."
"If you can't, don't worry about it," said Mary Anne.
At the MRI, after having a Cat Scan, Kayla was waiting in the exam with Mom feeling nervous about the results. Then, Dr. Andrews came in with the file.
"The results came up and your cancer came back," said the doctor.
"I had a feeling about it," said Kayla
"This time, it's terminal," said the doctor.
"What do you mean?" asked Kayla.
"You're in Stage 4. You'll have at least 8 months to a year to live," said Dr. Andrews.
On the way home after the appointment, Kayla said, "Why did we had to find out now? Mary Anne's birthday is tomorrow."
"I know, honey," said Mom.
"I just hope I can attend her birthday dinner or her sleepover," said Kayla.
"Maybe. I don't want you to overdo it," said Mom.
Later, Kayla told me the news.
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said.
"Worst part about it is that Mary Anne's birthday is tomorrow," said Kayla.
"This is going to be tough," I said.
"I know," said Kayla.
"I don't dare telling her about it now," I said. "I'd be afraid to make her feel miserable."
"I know Mary Anne will want to know, but I rather wait until her birthday weekend is over," said Kayla.
"I agree," I said.
After we talked, I texted April the news.
The next day, at school, I was telling Beth. She's in the same shop as me.
"Wow, I'm sorry," said Beth.
"Me, too," I said. "I just worry to tell Mary Anne because of her birthday."
"Of course," said Beth. "You're a good friend to wait. Your secret is safe with me."
Later, at lunch, April said, "I saw your text last night."
"Kaylee is concerned about telling Mary Anne," said Beth.
"Why?" asked April.
"Did you forget it's her birthday? I don't want her to be miserable all day," I said. "And, do not bring it up at her party tonight. So, you better promise me not to say anything."
"Fine. I promise," said April.
This was a perfect time because Mary Anne has her lunch the second shift. After lunch, while going back to shop, Beth said, "There is one thing I should warn you about April."
"What?" I asked.
"I don't share secrets with her anymore because she's a blabbermouth," said Beth.
"Really? I'll test her to see what happens," I said.
"Good idea," said Beth.
"I'll be at Mary Anne's party tonight," I said.
"She invited me, but I got plans, so I can't make it," said Beth.
"April should know is to never spill secrets except if anyone is in danger," I said.
"Exactly," said Beth. "When she tells me her secrets, I keep my word. I felt like telling her how would she feel if I did that to her if she was in my shoes?"
Beth and I are best friends now, but I still consider Mary Anne as my best friend. She does let me have other friends.
After school, I had my wisdom teeth removed and it didn't hurt.
"Will I be okay for a party tonight?" I asked.
"It won't affect you. You have time to take it easy for a few hours," said Dr. Hunt.
"Okay," I said.
At home, I relaxed for a few hours until it was time to get ready. Kayla's been wanting to come, but she had a fever, which was why she didn't go to school.
At Olive Garden, Kristy spotted her long time best friend and went over to her.
"Happy birthday," said Kristy.
"Thanks," said Mary Anne.
"Hi," said Claudia.
"There's my favorite birthday girl," said Logan.
"Thanks, Logan," said Mary Anne as they hugged.
That was when I arrived. "Happy birthday."
"Hi. You made it," said Mary Anne.
"My dentist told me this wouldn't affect me from attending, but I'll be fine for you to sleep over tomorrow night," I said.
"Oh, good," said Mary Anne.
Once they sat down, April arrived.
"Sorry if I'm late," said April.
"We're just getting started," said Mr. Spier.
"Boy, I thought it was awful to hear the news," said April.
"What news?" asked Kristy.
"Kayla's sick with cancer," said April.
"Gosh," said Stacey.
I knew exactly what Beth was telling me about April. Mary Anne just said to April, "Can we forget about it for now?"
"Why?" asked April.
I played along and said, "She wants to enjoy her birthday, that's why."
Wait until I have a serious talk about this. I bet April was trying to spoil Mary Anne's time. Later, when I got home, Kayla said, "How did the party go?"
"Well, glad you missed it because April told the girls about you," I said.
"Even after you told her not to?" asked April.
"Yes," I said. "April was the first one to know because I thought I could trust her."
"I know," said Kayla.
"Beth's better with keeping secrets. She warned me about April and I saw what she meant. I didn't want to make it a scene during the party, so I'll fix her tomorrow before Mary Anne comes over," I said.
"Good idea," said Kayla.
"I'll do that before Mary Anne comes over," I said. "She was the one asked April to forget about it."
"Glad she did. April shouldn't have done that to ruin Mary Anne's birthday," said Kayla.
"I agree," I said.
Kayla and I are starting not to like April for what she did. She is not the same person we used to know. She had a boyfriend, Andy, whom nobody liked. He would pressure Mary Anne to do stuff that she refused to do and had the habit to be at her house when her father's not home which is against their rules. Plus, one of his guy friends stole her money she saves to help pay the phone bill. Even though they finally broke up, the girls are still having friendship problems.
The next day, I felt good to have a sleepover. Before Mary Anne could come over, I decided to call April and blasted at her for not keeping her promise.
"Don't yell at me," said April.
"Too bad. You should've thought about it before and I made myself clear to you not to say anything to anyone including Mary Anne," I said. "You're lucky you didn't spoil her birthday because I would still blame it on you. In fact, I am not going to trust you with secrets any longer. If you want us to trust you, you'll need to learn to keep your mouth shut."
After I hung up, I blocked her number. I am very angry at her. Kayla did the same thing.
Mary Anne came over with her overnight bag.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm doing fine," said Mary Anne.
"Good. I was concerned about you," I said.
"I'm glad you told April off last night," said Kayla.
"I'm sorry, but she should not do that to you," I said. "I wanted you to enjoy your birthday, not being miserable
"I was planning to let this weekend slide before I could tell you or the other girls," added Kayla.
"I know," said Mary Anne. "I did realized you made the right choice. Even Dad couldn't believe and would never thought April would be like that."
"Same," said Kayla.
"I already blasted at her and we just blocked her," I said. "I didn't want to do that last night."
That evening, we had a movie party with pizza party like usual. We stayed up until 11:00 pm. We were glad to have a good time for our best friend. Kayla is glad to be with us again. She missed that. We just hope Kayla will fight and beat her cancer again.
The End
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