Carmen's Diary

Old Best Friend

    'There are times when we stop, we sit still. We listen and breezes from a whole different world whisper.' 

    'Breath is the power behind all things. I breathe in and know that good things are going to happen.'

    'Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.'

    'Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.'

    These were the quotes Carmen had saved in her old diary. A large notebook, she had from her childhood. The book he, her old bestie had bought for her. 

    It was a simple gift for her 14th birthday, 10 years ago. It was the last birthday he had spent with her. Or rather, the last day. He left her a small note that she noticed a few hours after his family had left. They were celebrating her birthday with her family as they were like one family. 

    Carmen never used to like diary books and thought that they were stupid, reminding you of the reality you want to escape from. 

    Tears fell down her cheeks as she was reading it. 'As you are reading this, you perhaps already know that I left or I am on my way to the airport now. My plane flies at 10 pm. I don't honestly know where I am going and why. But always remember that I'll forever support you. We'll talk daily, please don't cry. I miss you already. Happy birthday again.'

    As she finished, a sound of a car was heard. Carmen rushed to her bedroom's window and stared outside. It was Liam!

    Her legs unconsciously started moving and she ran down the stairs, outside the house's door. 

    "Liam!"Shouted Carmen. 

    The teenage boy turned his head around and stared at her. The look in his eyes was different. It wasn't the same look he always used to give her. 

    "I will never forgive you Carmen. You're the reason my life is ruined! You destroyed my life! Some best friend you are" screamed Liam, not caring that he was being drained by the heavy rain.

    "What"She mumbled under her breath, completely dumbfounded. "Liam, what are you talking about?"she asked. 

    He shook his head, looking disgusted and entered the expensive looking car. A driver has already turned it on and was waiting for him to enter. 

    A few minutes later, young Carmen finally realized what was happening. Her best friend were going away...to the airport. 

    "LIAM!"she screamed again, jogging after the car. "Stop please! Let me at least say goodbye!"she sobbed out loudly. "Just tell me why you're so upset and I'll let you leave."

    Liam sat in the car, without a glance towards his friend who was still following them and crying loudly. 

    He had noticed that she was barefooted before he entered the car. She was probably getting hurt. 

    He stared at the chauffeur and ordered him to stop the car. Immediately, the car was stopped. 

    Carmen smiled brightly, waiting for him to get out the car and take her home to explain everything. 

    The backdoor opened and he walked out. Then he slammed the door loudly, sending chills down Carmen's spine. 

    Young Carmen stood there, in the middle of the street, shivering from coldness. As she looked at his feet touching the ground with steps louder than the ones before, she held her breath. 

    He stood in front of her and gave her a stern glare. Her smile faded and she looked questioningly at him. 

    "I wish you have died before putting that letter in the mailbox"said Liam calmly. 

    Carmen gasped as she had never heard her best friend talk this way to her. Tears were threatening to escape from her wide eyes. 

    "L-Liam, what was it for? I swear I didn't know i-"

    "Enough! Stop lying! All you do is come up with stupid reasons. Stupid just like you!" He pushed her away from him. He didn't even want to stare at her innocent 14 year old face. 

    He wasn't old either. Just 16 years old. But, he surely had so many misery in his life. 

    He stepped backwards and got back into the car. It sped off, leaving Carmen in the middle of the street, crying her heart out. 

    She heard voices calling out for her. They belonged to her parents. They came out, running towards her. 

    "Carmen! We were worried sick when we didn't find you in your room. What are you doing here under the rain!"her mother scolded. 

    "You're grounded for two weeks. You're not allowed to hang out with either Liam or any of your other friends" said her father. Not like she will ever see him again. 

    She wasn't hearing any of it. She just fell down on her knees, sobbing. Her parents thought it was because of her injured feet so her father carried her into the house carefully. 

****

    "Carmen!"

    Carmen gasped and dropped the gauze from her hands. She stared at her little brother whose eyes were filled with tears. 

    "Oh my! Cody, I'm sorry, I zoned out for a second."

    She stared back down and remembered that he had hurt his right leg with a broken glass. 

    She grabbed the gauze again and continued doing her work. 

    She was reminded by that day the second she looked at her brother's leg. 

    She sighed heavily and kissed Cody's forehead. 

    "It is my fault that you got hurt. I should have been more careful"apologized Carmen. 

    "Don't apologize Car. Remember when I injured you with my pencil last week by mistake? Everyone does mistakes"he smiled innocently at her. 

    She chuckled upon hearing his words. He was clearly so mature. Other kids his age were crying not to go to school.  It absolutely depends on the life someone has. 

    'Carms, please don't be sad. It was just a mistake. You didn't want to spill the water on my bed accidentally, right? Anybody can do mistakes.'

    'Stop remembering his words, Carmen. Stop it already!' She thought, trying to get him out of her thoughts. She had managed to do it for ten years, what was the problem then?