X Element

What's up with me Doc?

Diane and Rachel went back to class and listened and behaved like good school kids for the rest of the day. Thankfully, there was no sighn of Fred or any of his gang. They were no doubt causing trouble somewhere else to some poor unfortunate soul. So, by closing time everything seemed all and well. But that issue with Fred was still on Diane's mind. There was no one with them, she was sure of it.

Rachel was saying something about getting their nails done in the weekend.

"So what do you think happened?", Diane asked cutting Rachel off mid sentence.

"First of all, that was rude you know. You don't see me cutting your marbles short when you're rambling on about Lady Kay's albums even though we all know she's a 'has-been' and not getting any better".

"I'm sorry about that. And say what you want but Lady Kay is still one of the best".

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, and who knows, you might actually start to believe it".

"So what do you think happened?".

Rachel looked around. Kids were scrambling out of Dawn City High like there was no tomorrow. Rachel said, "I don't know D. Maybe he finally went...." She brought her index finger to her head and rolled it in circles. "Crazy. You know there have been rumours. He just probably thought he saw something that wasn't there."

"Yeah, you're probably right. I'm coming over tonight".

"Sweet. My dad just bought this mini massage chair that's supposed to take you to heaven and back. He and my mom are out tonight and my granny mostly sleeps so as long as we don't make too much noise, we shud be just fine". Rachel winked and Diane laughed despite herself.

She decided to walk home even though Rachel tried to convince her to take the bus. She even confirmed that Fred and the others were in detention so they were in the clear. But Diane refused. She needed time to think and collect herself.

It wouldn't be the first time either. When a serious case of her condition struck they'd have to put her in a medically induced coma till the pain subsided. Every time she came out it was like weeks of her life had been snatched away. It wasnt fair. And something like that needed time to be processed.

When she got home, Mrs. Farrow was already waiting. The stress lines around her eyes meant she was worried.

"Where have you been?".

"I walked home".

"You know city hall provided a school bus so you wouldn't have to do just that".

"It's okay, I wanted to".

"Fine, okay. Eat something and let's go. We're almost late for our appointment".

Diane ate a microwaved pizza and drank a cup of orange juice. Then she followed her mother to the hospital. The smell always made Diane anxious. She never got used to it, despite how many times she'd been in and out of the hospital. She basically already knew the ins and outs of the place and could recognize most of the staff.

The doctor was a little late for their appointment, as he always was. Just late enough to discomfort you but not irritate or anger you. The doctor was a handsome blue eyed blonde. He had one of those smiles that would make most females swoon. And what's worse....he knew it.

"Hey there Diane, how've you been?"

Her mom answered for her, "well, she's been having little headaches and the occasional tiredness but otherwise she's fine".

"Well, that's all to be expected given what's she's been through. The treatment does have its side effects". And like that Diane was pushed to the background. Adults were so weird.

"But Doc" Diane's mom was saying "are the tests result ready now?".

The doctor looked disturbed, "let's talk in my office".

'Uh oh', Diane thought, 'that's never good'.

"Now Mrs Farrow, here's the truth". He crossed his palms and looked her straight in the eye. 'This is definitely not good'.

"Its not good news. As far as we can tell".

"Wha...what do you mean", Mrs. Farrow stammered heartbroken. But Diane just sat there like it was all a dream. "They said the treatments were working, they said they'd find the cause, they said they'd cure it".

"Well, see, that's just it. We found the cause. Allow me to explain. Diane is unique. There's a particular extremely rare strain of gene in the human race that has only recently became detectable. On its own, it is harmless, and only affects small characteristics like how fast her fingernails grow or even possibly her taste in music. But sometimes, when this gene is potent enough, it causes a reaction to certain types of radiation in our solar system that are harmless to other people."

All the while the doctor was speaking Diane just sat there, silently listening to everything. In her ears all she understood was one thing. That she was messed up. Cursed even.

Mrs. Farrow pursed her lips. "What can be done?. There has to be something you can do".

"There is", the doctor said but didn't smile "A new procedure can help her cope by reducing her reaction and sensitivity to the radiation. You'll just have to worry about the occasional headaches from time to time, and we'll prescribe the best pain killers for that".

'And here come the but'.

"But it is very expensive".

Mrs. Farrow was unrelenting, "How expensive".

'You're not going to like the answer mom'.

The doctor mentioned the amount and Mrs Farrow did not like it.

The doctor was saying some other encouraging 'bright side' that Diane wasn't paying attention to when she blurted out. "I'm getting worse aren't I?".

The sudden statement took the two adults in the room by surprise, but Diane didn't care "How long?" She asked.

"Oh honey, don't-".

"How long do I have doc?".

The doctor was flabbergasted, turning his gaze between the mother and daughter back and forth.

"Not long huh?". Diane decided. She got up and walked out. Ignoring the calls of both the doctor and her mother behind her. She wished they'd stop. They were giving her a headache.