Part 8

“Yuri, the results were that you have received none other than leukemia.” The doctor said.1

For a moment, Yuri was sure she had misunderstood him. ”I—I’m sorry, Dr. Brown?”2

“You have caught leukemia, a cancer that affects your blood.”3

Yuri looked carefully at the doctor to make sure he wasn’t joking. ”M-Maybe you should do the results over again—“ 4

“Yuri, I did it three times already. There is no mistake.” The doctor said gravely. “I’m afraid the only way to cure leukemia is to do surgery. But the price is unreasonably high—But I suppose you can always try the medicine.”5

“I’ll take that, then.” Yuri said quietly.6

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The medicine bottle shook in Yuri’s hand as she stumbled back to the school. Leukemia? How could it have been this serious? She never imagined it was that bad. What will she do now? Certainly she couldn’t afford the operation, but what else is there to do? Maybe, just maybe, Yuri thought, the medicine will cure me. I’ll just have to wait and pray.8

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Thomas glanced uneasily around him. He had a feeling someone had been following him ever since he had left Emily. They had gone to music class together, then she went off shopping. And he just went for a walk.10

A dark shadow flickered past again. Thomas spun quickly, but there was nobody in sight. Damn it, he thought. Escaped again. He moves really quick. He was just about to turn when the culprit lunged out at him. Thomas yelled in surprise but ducked just in time. The shadow fell a few feet before him but got up quick as a flash. It was Randy. Randy pulled out a gun and pointed it at Thomas.11

“Randy—“12

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Yuri returned from the hospital, her ears pounding slightly.14

“You will not live for long,” Dr. Brown’s words rung in her ears. ”If you don’t do the operation, there is a chance that you will die shortly. And even the operation can only extend your life span and not fully cure it.”15

Yuri was immersed in her thoughts when a deadly voice reached her ears. 16

“I am son of the gang leader, your filthy father’s master.” It was Randy’s voice! Yuri quickly ducked behind a building to listen to the conversation.17

“My father?” came Thomas’s surprised voice.18

“Your father, Marcus Vacur, was a filthy piece of crap. He stole money from my father when he was broke. He deserved to be killed. Now my father is dead, the gang is dismissed, and yet I’m the only one who remains loyal to my father.” Randy held out the gun.19

Yuri clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. She reached quietly into her purse and pulled out her cellphone. Glancing uneasily at them to see what Randy was doing, she dialed 911 and gave them the address. The police said they would be there shortly.20

She turned back to Randy, but Thomas was talking now.21

“I never knew my father, and I don’t have one either.” He said, glowering at Randy. 22

“For years I have followed you to kill you. I have killed three of the unloyal gang members already. And now, to get rid of you.”23

Yuri gasped. She heard sirens, but Randy seemed not to notice. Yuri ran to see the police cars. Officers leaped out and they ran back to Randy and Thomas.24

Half way there, Yuri heard a blast, no doubt Randy had pulled the trigger. There was a muffled yell and Yuri’s heart stopped.25

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“Yuri,” Dr. Brown informed Yuri, who was waiting outside of the emergency room anxiously. ”The situation is grim. Thomas was shot severely in the stomach and a whole part of his liver is ruined. The only way to help him is for someone to transfer part of their liver to him. But—“27

“I’ll do it.” Yuri said instantly.28

Dr. Brown sighed. ”I was afraid you would say that. But you have to understand that you have leukemia and if you transfer your liver, or part of it to Thomas, it will shorten your life span.” He said.29

“Please, Dr. Brown.. Please, I have to help him!” Yuri begged.30

The doctor sighed. ”Well, alright. I see you truly love him.”31

“Please don’t tell him I did it.” Yuri said. The doctor looked astonished.32

“But why would you not want him to know of your love for him?” he asked.33

Yuri looked away. ”I have hurt him enough. I don't want him to know that I sacrificed part of me. He’ll regret and feel bad for the rest of his life. Just say that you cured him, please.”34

The doctor sighed for the third time. ”Well alright. If you are so stubborn about it. Come to the operation room.”35

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The next day Yuri’s operation had been completed successfully. Thomas was still unconscious but Yuri was awake and getting ready to leave.37

“Thank you, Dr. Brown. Please don’t tell Thomas. Take good care of him.” She said.38

Just then the door opened and Thomas entered. His face was pale and tired. Yuri gasped and shut herself quickly in the closet in the doctor’s office.39

“Thomas, what are you doing up from bed?” she heard Dr. Brown ask.40

“I’m alright, Dr. Thank you. I expect I will be able to leave in a few days?” Thomas asked. Yuri thought his voice was more hoarse and strained then usual.41

Suddenly she felt pain rapidly streaming through her bones and muscles. Her whole body felt immensely weak and rubbery. Her vision was turning from black to normal and to black again repeatedly. Unable to control herself, Yuri fell with a loud thud. Thomas, who was heading out the door, turned. But Yuri was saved by Dr. Brown. 42

“Oh, damn it, it must be the books in my closet again. And I just restacked them!” he said exasperatedly.43

Thomas smiled wanly and left. Yuri began to cry. She wanted Thomas to know she loved him, but she didn’t want to hurt him anymore. The doctor helped her out and let Yuri cry.44

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“Hi, mother. How are you?” Yuri said into the phone. It was night back at the dormitory and she was calling her mother.46

“I’m fine, Yuri, dear.” Susan Kowan’s voice replied. ”And you?”47

“I’m—“ Yuri considered for a moment to tell her mother about her situation, but decided against it. ”I’m alright, mother. Can I ask you if you could ever forget father?” she asked quietly.48

“No, Yuri, I will not forget your father ever.” Mrs. Kowan answered. ”I will not, and I cannot. Because once someone is deep in your heart, you will never be able to forget him.”49

Yuri felt tears roll down her cheek. ”Thanks, Mother.” She whispered. ”I’ll talk to Thomas then.” She added vaguely, before she knew what she was doing.50

“Thomas who?” Susan Kowan suddenly demanded.51

“Thomas Vacur.”52

“Him?” cried Mrs. Kowan to Yuri’s great surprise. ”You have to break up. You cannot be with him.”53

“Why? Do you know him mother?” 54

“N-No, well yes, Yuri. I’ll fax an article to you right now, then you’ll understand.” 55

They chatted for a while longer, then Yuri hung up. She watched the fax machine as an article was printed out. She read it, and gasped.56

December 28th, 200157

. Mr. Leon Spiel came to Sacramento for some meetings he had to attend in the name of his father, Mr. Aaron Spiel. It was then that he lost his young life. Late in the night of December 14th, his car had collided with that of Simon Kowan’s, and he was sent directly to the hospital were he was found to be under the influence of alcohol. Simon Kowan was killed instantly after the crash. Leon had received a severe bump in the head and a variety of cuts, but no big danger, and was sent back to London, England two days later, where he lived with his father and stepbrother, adopted Thomas Vacur. However, four days later, it was said he developed tumor from a bump in his head and died a week later. 58

Yuri looked up, stunned. So it was Thomas’s brother who had killed Simon. Leon had killed Simon. Thomas was as good the murderer of her brother.59

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Thomas bumped headlong into Yuri after music class the next day. She looked up at him firmly.61

“Yuri, let’s not break up.” Thomas, said, grabbing her arm.62

She looked up at him and saw a look, he wasn’t quite sure what, glistering in her eyes. 63

“I’m sorry, Thomas. We were never meant to be together. We can never be together, either.” She said. She swung free of him and walked away. As she did, a piece of white fax paper fell out of her bag. Thomas picked it up and read. As he did, his eyes widened in horror and he understood. His brother had killed Simon, the person Yuri had loved most in her life.64

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“Father, how did Leon die?” Thomas asked Aaron Spiel.66

The man stopped in his tracks and looked at Thomas in surprise. ”Why do you ask?” he asked sharply.67

“Tell me!” Thomas exclaimed.68

“He died with cancer, don’t you know?” Aaron Spiel said.69

“He killed Simon Kowan, Yuri’s brother, and then developed tumor from the crash, right?” Thomas cried.70

His father froze. ”How did you find out?”71

Thomas shoved the letter in his father’s face. The man read it and sighed.72

“I knew how much you love Yuri, I didn’t want you to know.” Mr. Spiel said.73

“How did things become this way?” Thomas yelled. ”Why is love so unfair? Now she will hate me forever. I am the brother of Simon’s murderer!” 74

Meanwhile Yuri was back in her dormitory, her cellphone held tightly in her hand. She hesitantly dialed Simon’s beach house number. Yuri waited for the four rings to pass, then Simon’s voice: Please leave a message.75

“Simon,” Yuri whispered into the receiver, her voice choked with misery. ”I haven’t called you in a long time. How are you? I am in love with the brother of your murderer. I can’t control my emotions, Simon. You had always been a good resource. Please help me.” Yuri paused, so her tears would not spill. She swallowed, then went on. ”Help me, Simon. I don’t know if I should love him or not. Mother said a person who is deep in your heart is unforgettable. That person was you, but I’m not sure if Thomas has replaced you or not— please help me decide—“ Yuri’s voice trailed off as she broke down completely. She felt pain burn her muscles and drain out her energy, and she squinted in her pain. The telephone receiver fell out of her hand and crashed to the ground. The power button hit the floor and the phone shut off. Yuri slumped onto the floor and clutched her chest, wincing in pain. She crawled to her bed and climbed in.76

How long she slept, Yuri didn’t know. But it was break, so she didn’t have to worry about school. When she woke up, the sun was shining through the curtains. She still felt weak, but didn’t feel any pain. Yuri got up and dressed, and was about to leave when there was a knock on her door. Yuri opened it and found Thomas standing at the doorway. 77

“Oh, hello.” Yuri said quietly.78

Thomas studied her.79

“Yuri, you look terrible.” He said, concerned. He reached out to touch her face, but stopped. ”Uh—I just want to tell you that Mr. Spiel has appointed me to go study in France, and—and—“ he stopped and looked down.” And, well, I just wanted to tell you.” He turned to walk away.80

Yuri felt her heart break again. Thomas was going to leave her. What should I do? She thought desperately. He was going right now, maybe leaving me forever, just like Simon. Before Yuri could decide, she ran up and hugged Thomas around the waist. He stopped moving and stood still.81

“Thomas, I love you!” Yuri whispered, her tears falling and she lay her head on the back of his shoulder. She tightened her arms around him.82

Thomas felt the prickling feeling at the corner of his eye again, but he didn’t let the tear fall. He lay his hands on hers.83

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Thomas and Yuri walked along the sandy beach, their bare feet crashing with the waves.85

“I’m sorry, Yuri.” Thomas said after a moment of silence.86

“It’s ok.. It’s not your fault.” Yuri said quietly, shifting her feet. ”And plus, it’s already in the past. You’re right, I can’t live in the past and shadow forever.” She felt a sudden gust of wind hit her insides and closed her eyes and waited for it to go away.87

“I leave the day after tomorrow. My stuff’s packed already.” Thomas said awkwardly. Yuri took his hand.88

“Thomas, when will you come back?” she asked.89

“In a year.” The boy replied.90

Yuri thought how long and painful that period of time would be without him. Then tell him not to go, he’ll listen, part of her brain was saying. She opened her mouth but the other half of her brain restrained her. No! If you want him to be happy, think for him, think for his career. This is very important to him, let him go. She suddenly felt weak and her stomach churned with pain. Yuri put her hand over her stomach and she knelt down, still holding Thomas’s hand. Her weight pulled him back.91

“What’s wrong, Yuri?” he asked.92

“I-I slipped and I fell.” Yuri said before she could stop herself. It was the lamest lie she’d ever heard of told. Thomas laughed and pulled her up. 93

“Good luck there, Thomas. I’ll wait for you to return.” Yuri said, squeezing his hand. He squeezed her hand in return to show his appreciation. Yuri felt her stomach churn again and she flinched. Thomas put his hand around her waist and she felt better. Her vision was clearing and blurring again.94

“Thomas, it’s cold. I think I’ll go rest now.” Yuri said.95

“I’ll walk you to your dorm.” Thomas offered.96

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“How could you let him go?” Emily screamed, pointing a finger at Yuri.98

“I let him go because it was his wish.” Yuri said sincerely, sitting down on her bed.99

“Yuri Kowan! How dare you say you give him true love!” Emily shouted. ”If I were you, I would not leave him! If I were you, I would always be at his side! If I were you—“100

“Emily, you’re only thinking of what you want. How could you be so selfish?” Yuri asked, taking a step toward Emily. ”How could you say you truly love him. Have you ever considered what he wants? You think about what you want him to do! Not what he wants for himself!” she stopped and for once glared back and stared firmly back at her. Emily sneered.101

“There are many ways to love. You always think you do everything for the best. Not always your ways are the best. And just because I don’t want him to leave doesn’t mean I don’t truly love Thomas!” Emily turned on her heels and stormed out.102

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“Thomas, please don’t go to France!” Emily begged. She and Thomas were in an empty classroom. ”I’m your girlfriend, please don’t leave me!” she hugged Thomas.104

“Emily, I’m sorry, but I have to go.” Thomas said. ”Even Yuri—“105

“Then let’s get married and I’ll go with you!” Emily went on, trying to stop Thomas from mentioning Yuri’s name.106

“What are you talking about, Emily?” 107

“Why is that girl so much better than me to you?” Emily screamed. ”If today Yuri said this to you instead of me, would you say yes?” 108

“I’m not going to answer that question.”109

“Why not?”110

“Because Yuri would never be so unreasonable!” 111

Emily burst into tears. ”So loving you, not wanting to loose you is being unreasonable? Fine, go to France! I don’t care!” she ran out, sobbing.112