Zack

Jennifer Murray stomped in the door from school, shaking the wet cream snow off her coat before hanging it up carelessly. She wasn't in the kitchen door before it fell on the floor but for once she ignored it. That was unusual, noted her mum from the couch in the lounge. Jennifer was usually fastidious in everything she did. 1

"Is that you love?" she called cautiously from the sitting room. 2

"No it's the boogie man," she replied grumpily. "Of course it's me who else would it be? Does anyone else get in at this time from school? No, so cop on mother." 3

"Come in and talk to me dear. What's wrong?" 4

She straggled in to see her mother, flicking her auburn hair over her shoulder in annoyance. 5

"Oh everything's gone wrong. Christopher, this guy in school asked me to go out with him today." 6

"That's great darling. But you know that we won't leave you go out with any boy unless we've met him first." 7

"Exactly. I told him that and everyone started laughing. He went bright red, muttered that it didn't matter and hurried away. Now everyone in school is laughing at me behind my back and Christopher won't talk to me because he thought that it was my way of turning him down." 8

"Ignore them. They don't realise nor do you that we're doing this for your own safety. You're only seventeen. Anything could happen at your age and we want to make sure that it doesn't." 9

"That's the problem mum. I AM seventeen. I shouldn't have to ask my parents permission before I go out on a date. I should be able to make up my own mind. Now you've ruined everything." 10

Tears filled the aqua blue eyes and she let out a sob before rushingfrom the room. Mrs. Murray gazed after her with a sigh. Teenagers were so difficult. 11

Upstairs, Jennifer threw herself face down on her bed and sobbed bitterly. Her parents didn't care about her life. They just wanted to keep her all to themselves. Everything was so unfair. She was still crying when the phone rang a few minutes later. She reached over to the silvery phone hanging on her bedroom wall and picked it up. "What?" she barked angrily. 12

There was a silence. "Um, may I please speak to Jennifer please? If she's at home that is," the voice added hurriedly. 13

She froze. It sounded like Christopher. "This is Jennifer," she said hating how squeak and babyish her voice sounded. 14

"Great hi Jenny. It's Christopher here. I'm sorry about earlier. I was flustered and I rushed off when everyone started laughing. I feel really bad about that." 15

It's okay," she said lamely. 16

"So when can I meet your parents?" he laughed teasingly. 17

"Are you serious?" 18

"Yeah. That was a pick up line wasn't it? Oh no! Were you brushing me off? Oh God I'm so sorry. There I go putting my foot in it again." 19

"No," she rushed. "I wasn't brushing you off. I do want to go out with you but my parents have this thing about meeting every guy I go out with before I go out with him. Not that there were many guys but you know what I mean," she gabbled. 20

He laughed again. "Yeah, I know what you mean. My parents aren't as bad now but they used to be worse. Any time I wanted to go out, they would say where are you going? Who are you going with? What time will you be home? It got really annoying but now they've stopped thank God. So when will I come over?" 21

"Whenever suits you," she smiled. He was a smooth and quick mover. She'd have to watch herself with him. "I'm pretty much free all the time." 22

"How about tomorrow night at six? Then we could grab a movie afterwards and the go into town for a while?" 23

"That's a great idea. I'll see you at six. Thanks for ringing. Bye." 24

"See you tomorrow." 25

Jennifer hung up the phone and flopped dreamily onto her bed, a huge smile spreading over her face. She was day dreaming about her date the next night when there was a knock on the door and her mother's head popped in. 26

"Who was that on the phone Jenny?" 27

She jumped off the bed and raced over to her mother throwing her arms around her and hugging her tightly. 28

"That was Christopher," she squealed. "He's coming over tomorrow night at six to meet you and then we are going out to a movie and then into town." 29

Her mother stopped smiling and a frown appeared on her face. "But darling you know that if I or your father don't approve of him then you can't go out with him. Don't forget that." 30

Jennifer pulled back and studied her face seriously. "You can't be serious," she burst out. "Christopher still wants to go out with me even though I totally embarrassed him. I can't say that my parents don't approve. You can't say no." 31

"Calm down Jenny," said her mother automatically. "We won't know until tomorrow night anyway." Now come on down for your tea." 32

She followed her sullenly downstairs and they waited for her father to arrive home. Her mother served up the potatoes and green vegetables and gravy that she had cooked that afternoon but Jenny pushed it all away, claiming that she wasn't hungry. Her mother sighed but let her be. It was easier to let her husband Alan deal with their teenager. When they heard his key turning in the lock, Jenny leapt up with energy that she didn't know she had and rushed out the front. 33

"Daddy," she screamed. "You won't believe this but the nicest guy in school is coming over to meet you tomorrow night. We're going into town to catch a movie afterwards and I just know that you will like him as much as I do." 34

"Whoa Jenny," he kidded holding his hands up in the air. "I'm not sure that we are going to be here tomorrow night. I have a very important meeting at work with the main committee and your mother is going to have to come with me." 35

She felt the air drain out of her like a burst balloon. "But, but, but, but you have to be here. If I say no again then he mightn't ring me again." 36

He raised his eyebrows. "Well then he doesn't deserve you petal." 37

"Yes he does. It's me who doesn't deserve him," she burst out. "Please daddy please be here." 38

He shook his head solemnly. "We have to go to this meeting. We won't be home until midnight so you'll have to go over to your aunt." 39

"No, I'm seventeen. I can stay until midnight by myself." 40

He considered this and then smiled. Here was a way to get her back into a good mood and still avoid the subject of this boy. "Ok I think you are old enough to stay by yourself. But I hope that you'll know how to behave responsibly and that you won't have crowds of people over. I don't want anyone here understand?" 41

"Yes, yes, yes, I will behave responsibly I promise." 42

"Good. Now you had better go and ring that young lad and tell him that you can't go out tomorrow night hadn't you?" 43

Jennifer nodded, falling back into a temper when she remembered. "I'll go and ring him now," she volunteered quickly glad to get away from her seemingly uncaring parents. 44

As she left the kitchen, she glanced back over her shoulder to see her parents leaning across the kitchen table. Their heads were practically touching as they whispered quietly. She smiled for although she was angry with them, it made her happy to see how close they were and how much they still loved each other after all these years. 45

She galloped upstairs and fell into her bed, wondering how she was going to tell Christopher. Then the idea came to her. Maybe I don't have to tell them, she thought. We could still go out and nobody would know. 46

She picked up the phone and dialled the operator, asking for Christopher Byrne's phone number. There was no Christopher Byrne listed. Of course, she realised. He only moved here a few months ago so he wouldn't be enrolled. 47

She lay down to go to sleep and dreamt about the next night and what would happen. 48

The next day, she slept in until lunch. When she got up, the house was eerily silent. Downstairs, on the kitchen table lay a note on bright red paper. It read: 49

"Jenny darling, we had to go away earlier than we expected. I didn't wake you because you looked so tired. When you do get up, will you wash the dishes in the sink and hoover the rooms upstairs? I left the video card on the dresser in case you want to rent a movie to watch tonight. I'm sorry again about not being able to meet the young boy but maybe another night. Love you lots, xxx Mother". 50

Underneath that it said: "Jen, dad here. If the insurance man calls the money is on the sideboard. Do not use that money for anything else. I know that you won't. I don't want a huge phone bill coming in for today so don't be phoning any friends up." 51

What friends? She thought bitterly. You never approved of any of my friends so I had to drop them all. 52

"Be good and we won't be back until tomorrow morning. Ring your aunt if you want anything. Don't forget to feed the rabbit. Dad." 53

No kisses, no I love you, she observed briefly. Oh well, you can't have everything. 54

After slurping down a bowl of cereal, she got to work hoovering the house and washing up. She wanted everything perfect for when Christopher came over. 55

“What will I wear tonight?” she agonised as she searched desperately through her wardrobe. “I need something smart and sexy, but not over the top. Aha.” She took out a dressy pair of blue pants and a sleeveless lilac and white top with blue squiggles. “This is perfect!” 56

She was just putting on emerald coloured eye shadow later that evening that both matched and emphasised her eyes when the doorbell rang. She snapped it shut and ran downstairs, skidding to a clumsy stop at the end. When she opened the door, it was all she could do not to gape. Christopher looked gorgeous in black pants with an oversize tee shirt on underneath his black leather jacket. He misinterpreted her look and began apologising. 57

"I'm sorry. I know that these clothes aren't suitable for a night out. And compared with you, well there's nothing that I can say. You look absolutely gorgeous. It's just that I was afraid that if I dressed up then your parents would think that I was a snob but if I came roaring up the drive on my motorbike, then they would think I was a tough, evil guy. So I just wore normal, house clothes." 58

"You look great," she stuttered. "I mean, you don't look evil but I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of you. And you have a motorbike?" 59

"Yeah, it's only second hand because I had to save up for it myself but it does the job as you'll see in a minute." He lowered his voice. "So where are the parents?" 60

She found her voice. "Oh they're gone out. They said that they'd leave us alone. So I figured maybe we could stay in and watch a movie? I rented "Gladiator". 61

"Great," he seemed thrilled. "Will I leave my jacket on the banisters?" 62

"Yeah sure." She ushered him into the sitting room and he whistled. 63

"Wow, this place is gorgeous. Who decorated it?" 64

"My mum. Too bad she didn't use the same taste when she did my bedroom." 65

"Is that a hint for me to come up to your bedroom?" 66

She blushed and searched for something to say. He saw her distress and chuckled. "Don't worry I'm only teasing you." 67

"Oh right, sorry my brain doesn't seem to be functioning." 68

"No worries, I'm sure mine will go to sleep in a minute as well." 69

They laughed, glad for something to do. He patted the couch next to him. "Come on, sit down and let's watch this. It's brilliant isn't it?" 70

"I haven't seen it yet," she confessed. 71

"All the better." 72

She sat down next to him uncomfortably. He slung his arm casually around her shoulder and she jumped. “Sorry,” he laughed. “Didn’t mean to frighten you.” Jen went crimson. “You’re okay,” she managed. “I was um, I just wasn’t expecting that.” She cowered under his gaze, feeling like a fool. “Come on,” he replied eventually. “Let’s watch this film.” She nodded meekly and pressed play. 73

Roughly three hours later he was getting ready to go. "Well that was a great film, and I’m glad that I got to watch it with such a beautiful girl." he said smiling tenderly at her. "Do you want to meet up again tomorrow night?" 74

Jennifer thought fast. "Um, I'd have to phone you but I don't have the number." 75

"Here, I'll write it on the back of your hand." 76

He wrote it on her hand with a little message underneath and as she leaned over to read it, he caught her face in his hands and kissed her softly on the lips. 77

"I've been wanting to do that all night," he smiled and then he turned and was gone into the night. 78

She looked at the back of her hand. It said “I was always told that if I find something awesome, to take it by the hand and run with it. Well I’m reaching out my hand. The question is, are you willing to take it?” Jennifer raised her hand to her face and grinned dizzily. 79

They continued to see each other secretly over the next six months. She was astonished to find out how much they had in common. 80

Secrecy was a high point in their relationship because if her parents ever found out about them then she would be in more trouble than ever before. But it was as though they were twins separated at birth. He liked the same toppings as she did on his pizza although maybe he just said that to please her. But he wasn't like any other guy that she had ever gone out with. They were always pressuring her to have sex because "everyone's doing it" and "who wants to still be a virgin when they reach eighteen?" She didn't listen to any of this because she wanted to wait for the right guy to come along and now, it seemed that she had found him. 81

But sometimes it was as though he were two people. One day, six weeks after they started going out, they were sitting in their favourite booth at the local pizza parlour. It was in the back, a secluded area where nobody could see them. After ordering their usual, they started talking about debating and Christopher commented on how much he hated it because being in front of crowds made him nervous. But he had previously told her that he loved debating because being in charge made him feel powerful. 82

Nevertheless, she soon realised that she was falling in love with him. She told him this as they sat on the highest point of the town, overlooking the sea shore as they lay on their backs looking at the night sky. 83

"I love you", she said. "And I want you to come home and meet my parents. I don't want us to be going out secretly anymore and I'm sure that once they see how much we love each other they won't dare to try and stop us." 84

He sat up and looked searchingly into her eyes. "I love you too Jenny and I want your parents to know that. But first there's something I have to tell you." 85

What is it?" she asked happily. 86

He swallowed hard and looked at her. She was so happy, there was no way he could tell her now. ""Oh nothing, it can wait." He couldn't bear to spoil her happiness. Not now. He stood up, stretched and reached for her hand. "Come on. Let's go and you can introduce me to the dreaded parents." 87

She took his hand and let him pull her up. They clambered onto his motorbike and she put her arms around him, loving the feel of him. "We'll have to wheel the bike up from the end of the street because my parents think that I'm studying in the library." 88

They took off into the night, laughing for pure joy and happiness. Jennifer felt in her heart that there was no way her parents could dislike Christopher. She shouted this into his ear and he turned to look at her. They didn't see the car coming towards them on the wrong side of the road. They only knew when it hit them. The bike spun crazily in circle and Jennifer was flung onto the road. She bounced onto the grass and scrunched up protectively into a ball like a hedgehog. The bike on the other hand, turned over a few times and finally landed on it side, pinning Christopher down. 89

The driver of the car got out and ran over to the bike. His car hadn't been hurt just a few scratches and he himself was fine. But Christopher wasn't. He took out his mobile phone with shaking fingers and quickly phoned for an ambulance. 90

Jennifer passed out from the pain and when she woke up, she was in a white ward with white beds. Her parents were leaning over her anxiously and when they saw her eyes open, they put their arms around her. 91

"Are you all right Jenny? We were so frightened," cried her mother. 92

Jenny came to grips with where she was and sat up anxiously. "Where's Christopher? I can't see him." 93

"Is that the stupid lad who was driving the motorbike?" questioned her father grimly. "He's in another ward and he's fine. I can't believe that you would be so stupid. To go riding with someone you don't know. And we trusted you." 94

"I do know him," cried Jennifer. "He's my boyfriend and he's not stupid. It wasn't his fault it was the driver of the car. 95

Her father glared at her. "What do you mean your boyfriend?" he asked through clenched teeth. 96

"We have been seeing each other for six months," she said boldly. "And I didn’t tell you because I knew you'd stop me. But if you really cared about me you'd have known. We love each other and I refuse to stop seeing him." 97

"That's it," bellowed her dad. "You have been lying to us for six months and I just can't believe you would do such a thing .We trusted you and you betrayed that trust. You will never see this boy again." 98

"No daddy, please daddy please. We love each other. That's what we were going to tell you last night. We were on our way home and I shouted something in his ear. The car came out of nowhere and it was on the wrong side of the road. It wasn't our fault. Honest." 99

"I don't care," retorted her father. "How can I tell that you aren't lying to me now? I just can't believe you anymore." He passed a hand over his face suddenly making him look old and decrepit. 100

"We're going home," he ordered taking Jennifer's mother by the arm. "We'll see you tomorrow when you come home. And I don't want you going anywhere near that boy understand?" 101

Jenny didn't reply but turned her face away from him. Her pillow soon became a lake of water as the tears ran constantly. 102

There was a knock at her ward door but she ignored it. She wasn't aware of anything happening until she noticed a handsome young man standing next to her bed. 103

"Um Jennifer?" he asked leaning over her. "Are you awake?" 104

She stiffened. That was Christopher's voice. 105

"Christopher," she cried sitting up abruptly and throwing her arms around his neck. "I was so worried, no one would tell me anything…" 106

She trailed off as he backed away from her with a queer look on his gorgeous face. 107

"What's wrong? Why aren't you in bed? They said you were fine but that you wouldn't be allowed to walk for a couple of days." 108

"I need you to come down to my ward with me." He swallowed hard. "There's something I need to tell you." 109

Jennifer stepped gingerly out of bed and reached for her crutches. She hopped down the ward next to Christopher with his arm around her, supporting her. He knew she'd need the support when she entered the ward. 110

And when she did enter the ward, she nearly fainted from surprise for there was Christopher sitting up in bed. 111

"I, I, I don't understand," she gasped as Christopher helped her to a chair. "Which one of you is Christopher?" 112

"I am," replied the boy behind her. 113

"And who are you?" she asked pointing at the boy in the bed. 114

"I am Zack," he answered in the warm friendly voice that she knew so well. 115

"What's going on here?" she looked to Christopher for understanding. 116

He sighed and sat down on the end of the bed. "It's a long story but we both feel that it's time to tell you. Zack here is my twin brother. He doesn't go to the same school as us because he's about three times more intelligent that us normal people so he goes to a school for brains." 117

"It's not a school for brains," interrupted Zack. "The people in my school just have the capacity to learn more than other people that's all." 118

"Whatever, anyway I wanted to go out with you. So I asked you and you accepted. But then on the night we were meant to meet up, a problem appeared on the horizon for me. I didn't want to phone you and cancel because then you'd be upset and it would ruin any chances of us getting together. So I asked Zack to go in my place just this once. And he did but the only problem is that he fell for you instantly. And I couldn’t tear him away. I went out with you once, remember the time I said I hated debating and you thought I loved it? Well that's because I was there that night because Zack couldn't go. But it was him all the other nights I swear." 119

"Why did you want me to know this?" she asked coldly. Zack started to speak but she continued on. "My life was finally perfect. I was doing well in school and I had a boyfriend who I adored. And then you go and tell me that the two of you were playing with my heart. Well congratulations, you've just managed to break it." 120

She stood up with tears running down her face once more and hobbled across the room, leaning heavily on her crutches. 121

"Wait Jenny," cried Christopher. "There's more…" 122

She ignored him and departed at a brisk pace. The two boys looked at each other hopelessly and Zack made no attempt to wipe away the falling tears. 123

Although, over the next few weeks her bruises and injuries healed, her heart still felt as though someone were stabbing it with a thousand knives. Seeing other boys and girls together, holding hands on the street was too much. She hated their happy faces and the dreamy look on the girls' face as she leaned in to kiss her boyfriend. She hated seeing Christopher at school and whenever she saw him coming, spun around sharply and went the other way. But she soon realised that even though they had lied to her and played tricks on her behind her back, she wanted Zack back more than anything else in the world. She tried to phone him but he never returned her calls. And so she knew, with a sinking heart that she had left it too late to get back the only person who had ever truly loved her. He filled all of her dreams with a deep longing and his name lingered around the edges of her mind consistantly.124

Her parents were being unusually kind and she suspected that something was up. 125

One cold evening in early January Jennifer was curled up comfortably on the couch in front of the fire reading a detective book when a knock at the door made her jump. Who can that be? she thought curiously. Her parents were gone out and she wasn't expecting anybody. She grabbed onto her crutches and hauled herself up. Then she dragged herself to the front door. When she saw who it was, she was tempted to turn and walk away. 126

"Wait Jennifer, I really need to talk to you," pleaded Zack. "I know I've been a ghoul but there's something important that I need to tell you. Please let me in." 127

She sighed and unwillingly opened the front door. "What do you want now?" she asked sullenly. "Do you want to tear my home apart like you did my heart?" she felt as hollow as her voice sounded128

He trembled and dropped his gaze. "I'm sorry for what I did," he said quietly but she could hear his voice shaking. "There's no excusing it. But Christopher really did want to go out with you only then I did and I fell in love with you and then it all continued on from there." 129

"And you expect me to believe this?" she asked crossing her arms over her chest. She wondered if he could be baiting her130

He shrugged. "Well it's the truth. Anyway, can I come in because I have to tell you something." 131

"All right but make it quick because I….I….I don’t want to talk to you." 132

They went into the sitting room and sat down at opposite ends of the couch. Her eyes drifted over his body, wondering why must his every movement remind her of his sexual attractiveness. His hands twisted nervously and he fidgeted. "Well, after you were signed out of hospital, they kept me in to do some tests on me. They found a few tumours on my leg which they assured me weren't dangerous or anything. And they were right." He swallowed hard, then continued on. "At least, they were right at first. But then a few weeks ago they discovered that the tumours had spread all over my body and that they were actually cancerous". 133

He looked at her seriously. "They said that I only have a couple of weeks to live." 134

The thought froze in her brain and Jennifer drew in a deep breath. "Is this another one of your sick jokes Zack? Because if it is you don't want to know what I'll do to you…" 135

He stood up, his eyes flashing furiously. "A sick joke? A sick joke?" he shouted. "The doctors told me that I have a few weeks to live. I pass the thrilling news onto you and you ask me if it's a sick joke?" 136

He stood glaring at her for a few seconds and then collapsed on the couch crying. Jennifer sat down next to him and awkwardly patted him on the back. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just don't know what to say." 137

He sat up and, putting his arms around her gave her a long hug. "I just thought you should know. God, I'm just so scared. I don't know what to do. Chris was the one who told me to come over and tell you. I wasn't sure if you'd want to know or not." 138

"I'm glad you told me," she replied softly. 139

"You are?" he looked unhappily into her eyes. 140

"Yes, at least now we know how much time we have left together," she murmured trying not to cry. 141

He wiped away the tears from his eyes. "You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that." 142

They fell into each other’s arms and remained like that for the rest of the evening. When they heard her parents’ key turning in the door, they leapt apart. “I’d better go,” said Zack hoarsely. “I don’t want to get you in any trouble.” 143

Jennifer looked at his haggard face. “No,” she decided. “Stay where you are. I’ll explain everything.” 144

“We’re home Jen,” called her Dad as he entered the sitting room. A frown creased his forehead when he saw who was sitting next to her. “What in the blazes is HE doing here?” he roared. 145

“What’s wrong Alan?” asked her mother as she followed her husband into the room. “Oh my!” Time stood still as they regarded each other solemnly. 146

“Daddy, Zack called over here tonight because he had to tell me something.” She swallowed hard, trying to melt the lump in her throat and then continued speaking, almost whispering. “He’s got cancer Dad.” 147

Her father sat down heavily on the couch. “Do you love my daughter?” he said gruffly. 148

Zack stood up politely and then sat down again, as if he weren’t sure what to do. “Yes sir, yes I think I do.” 149

Alan rubbed his hand across his face wearily. “I told Jenny she wasn’t to see you ever again. She disobeyed all our rules by going out with you behind our backs. Do you know what happens to a family when there is no trust? The family is destroyed.” 150

Jen opened her mouth as if to interrupt but he held up his hand. “Let me finish Jen.” 151

“But, I think we may have been a little harsh here. You must understand Zack,” he paused, having said his name for the first time. Then he continued. “You must understand that we were concerned only for Jenny’s safety. When you crashed that motorbike, we had to forbid her to see you because we didn’t know who you were. But I think that I can say now that we were wrong. I’m sorry to hear about you troubles, and I don’t intend to add to them.” 152

He looked at Mrs. Murray who smiled and nodded. “We had actually decided on the way home that if Jenny were to bring you to the house and introduce you to us, we would consider letting her see you again. Now that you are here, I can see that we were indeed badly mistaken. You have our permission to continue seeing this fine young man Jen.” 153

Jennifer jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around her father, hugging him tightly. “Thanks dad,” she whispered in his ear. Then she sat down beside Zack again and took his hand in hers. 154

Every minute for the next five days was spent together. They went to the cinema, to Zack's house, to her house and just spent quality time together. 155

On the sixth day, Zack insisted that Jenny were to go out with her other friends. He promised that he would be fine and would see her later. Tonight there were no shadows across her heart, just a casual lightheartedness as she relaxed for the first time in a week. Then came the phonecall, her name announced over the loudspeaker at the icerink only to be told that Zack had been rushed into hospital when his heart failed. 156

She got there just in time. His family was gathered around the bed, his mother sobbing into the crook of her arm. Jenny knelt down and took Zack's hand. He turned his head slowly towards her. "Jenny, I'm so glad you got here," he spoke hoarsely. "I can't hang on much longer. The pain is so great. But I want you to know that I will always love you." 157

The tears began to run down her face. "Don't leave me Zack," she choked. "You're going to get better and we'll get married and have children together. You can't go now. You know that you can't leave me." 158

He smiled gently. "I know that Christopher will take care of you." 159

He gripped her hand tightly in his and Jenny felt her heart break in two as his eyes closed and he gradually stopped breathing. An even more terrifying realization washed over her as she realised for the first time that she was going to have to learn to live without him being there, forever.160

Two days later, she stood battling against the wind on the highest point of the town with tears rampaging down her face. Christopher stood next to her with his arm around her shoulders. Streams of misery like splintered icicles filtered through her, piercing the deepest corners of her heart. She sobbed into his chest as Zack's coffin was lowered slowly into the ground. One by one the mourners passed by until only Christopher and Jennifer were left. His parents were gone home, holding onto each other tightly and he assured them that he would be home right after they had said their final goodbyes. 161

He let go of Jennifer and knelt down by the grave. "I'll always remember you buddy," he said softly. "And I promise that I'll take good care of Jenny for you. I know that that's what you would have wanted." 162

He stood nodded a brief goodbye to Jennifer who knelt down in his place and strode down the hill briskly. 163

"Goodbye Zack, you know that I'll miss you forever and that I'll always have a special place in my heart for you," she sobbed. "Our time together was so short but I'm sorry that we wasted those precious weeks. I hope you're having fun wherever you are now and remember to look down on us every once in a while." She stopped as the sobs caught in her throat and she resisted the urge to throw herself down onto his grave and beat the ground with her fists. 164

She felt a loving hand on her shoulder and looked up to see her parents smiling down upon her fondly. "Mum, dad," she cried. She stood up stiffly and threw herself into her parent's arms. "Why did he leave me? Why did he have to go?" she yelped over and over again. 165

Her father rubbed her back clumsily. "He had a good life darling even if it was so short. And you know that you improved his life by loving him and letting your bright light shine upon him. Sometimes loving someone means letting them go. You need to let go, so you can move on. Just because two lips have met, it doesn’t mean two hearts have joined. I know you will never forget him, but life goes on. And I know it sounds corny but you can be sure that he's watching you from wherever he is now and that he'll always look after you."She looked up into the sunlight, the tears shining on her face as she tried to keep her fragile control. Her favourite song was playing softly on a portable tape recorder in the background. The chorus flowed smoothly through her head, like a final message from Zack. 166

“As we go on, we remember 167

All the times we had together. 168

And as our lives change, come whatever, 169

We will still be friends forever.” 170

Jennifer smiled painfully, remembering indeed all the good times that they’d had together. "Thanks dad". She glanced once more at Zack's grave and then turned and walked down the hill together with her parents. 171

*By Moya Muldowney, 15*172