<<117>>
* You are unique and important. *
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----- Evie ----
As much as I hated to admit it, sometimes I feel like the third wheel between Joseph and Mira.
Though the duo had tried their possible best not to make me feel that way... Still I just couldn't help it.
I am human after all...
And no matter how strong I claim to be... I still find myself succumbing to my feelings and emotions.
Though... Emotions can't be trusted as they are never stable always fluctuating.
Yeah... I never really had a close friend till I met Mira.
And one thing I always wanted and prayed for is a best friend whom would be mine and mine alone.
One whom I won't have to share with anyone as I wanted my best friend to be exclusively mine.
Meeting Mira... I thought my dream had finally come true until I heard about her and Joseph's long history together.
To be honest... I was sad.
The fact that I only came second... Hurt a whole lot.
Perhaps it isn't meant to hurt and I was just feeling possessive.
But whatever it is.
The fact that it hurts... Still can't be denied.
Sometimes... Watching their interactions... Their closeness and everything I experience a feeling of jealousy.
It hurts to realize that my best friend wouldn't be exclusively mine and I have to share her.
It honestly does hurt.
But well... I just have to.
Though... Overtime I have realized that Mira needed me too.
As much as my ego refused to accept... I realized that she needed me in her life too.
There are still some areas where she needed me more... Areas where Joseph wouldn't be enough.
And for some reason, the fact that she still needs me serves as a little comfort.
But not for too long as I often find myself breaking down realizing that I alone couldn't be enough for her.
Like seriously, I do!

" Evie... " I didn't realize I was already in Mira's room until she called out to me.
I looked up at her and saw her smiling whilst beckoning to me.
" Mira... " I walked briskly towards her and embraced her rather tightly as soon as I got to her bedside.
At that moment... I felt all the emotions I had been keeping in... Come crashing down.
I found it completely difficult and almost impossible to hold back my tears... So I let them fall down.
The feeling of dread I felt when I realized that she wasn't breathing the other day and that her body was turning cold already.
Though... It really seemed like I was quick to recover from the shock as I still was able to drive the car to the hospital.
But it wasn't the case at all!
It felt like my heart became numb the moment I saw her lying lifelessly on that bed.

Not sure why... But I thought losing Mira was like losing a part of me... A very important part.
Perhaps it's because I am an only child... I had always longed for comfort and love.
I always longed for a sibling with whom I'll share my thoughts and feelings with.
But as time went on... I began to be numb to that desire as I realized that I wasn't going to get one.
To be honest... I didn't know when I began to see, Mira as more than and a friend and a gist partner.
I didn't realize that I have started seeing Mira as my sister until that day!
And those three days while she was asleep was hell!
I thought of all the worst scenarios that could happen.
I also couldn't stop thinking of the, " What if's "
And as much as I tried my best to remain positive... I just couldn't!
I just couldn't!
Anytime... I recall Mira lying so lifelessly on the bed... It feels like all my beliefs and faith just flies out of the window.
As I just couldn't keep believing!
It was a very difficult period!
And now that she's awake? Finally awake after three long days of sleeping... I just couldn't help breaking down!
I just couldn't!
Like seriously... I couldn't!
" Evie... It's okay... I am awake now. "
Her words brought me back to the present situation.
I slowly detached myself from her embrace and stared up at her...
Only to realize that she was crying too.
Though... It wasn't unexpected as I knew Mira to be overly emotional.
" I am glad you are finally awake, Mira! " I smiled tearfully.
" Yeah... So you should stop crying now. " She scolded wiping out my tears.
" I'll. You too. " I sniffed wiping out hers too.
We were silent for some minutes as we just stayed there simply staring at one another.
" So have you finally forgiven, Joseph? "
" Yeah... I realized that I was being too hard on him by blaming him for all that happened to you. " I paused before adding. " Though it was partially his fault. Am I right? "
" Well... I guess. "
" Mira... You still have to tell me about all that happened that day! " I said sternly.
" Well... Okay. But you have to promise not to laugh at me after I have told you everything. "
" I promise. "
" Okay... "
" So... Go on. " I urged her.
" Well.... " Mira began recounting all that happened that day, including how she had been feeling before then.
To be honest, at the end of her speech... I didn't know what to say or feel at first.
Like... I was really shocked to realize that Mira was feeling almost exactly how Kathy felt.
It also hurts to realize that, Mira was also seeing herself as nothing but a burden and a baggage to both Joseph and I when all we both want Is to love and care for her immensely.
It really hurts.
" Mira... " I took a sigh before speaking. " You do know that you are a very important part of my life, right? "
" I do... " She nodded.
" So why do you keep doubting it? Why? Don't you realize that you are just as important or even more important to me as I am to you? "
" Hm... "
" If what you are talking about is financial assistance... Then let me tell you, girl... anyone can do that for you! Even a stranger not to talk of we your friends! "
" Hm...."
" Mira... You aren't a burden rather you are a blessing from the creator to me, Mira... I also will never cease being grateful for you, Bestie! "
" Really? "
" Yeah... You are priceless to me, Mira! So stop doubting your worth! Just stop it! "
" I will... Thanks, Evie. "
" You welcome, Bestie. "
" Um... Bestie, I love that word. " Mira said and we both giggled.
" I love it too! So from now on I'll address you as, Bestie! "
" Nice... I'd also imitate you, but as a creative student I am! I'll address you as, Bestiest instead. "
" Hahaha. " I couldn't help bursting out in merriment hearing her words. " Creative student... Indeed. "
" Seems like some people are having a lot of fun without me. " Joseph's playful voice was heard in the room attracting our attention.
" Well... You are here now aren't you? " Mira retorted.
" Yes I am here to Join the fun. " He chuckled handing me a glass of yogurt.
" Thank you. "
" You welcome. " He smiled at me before handing Mira a glass of warm milk.
Surprisingly, Mira didn't complain and took it with an appreciative smile.
" Seems like someone is learning how to be a good kid. " I found myself commenting.
" I have been scolded enough for today... I don't want anymore scoldings. " She said and we all laughed.
" Come to think of it... Evie and I didn't scold you much though.. we should have done more... Right, Evie? "
" You are right. " I replied sipping my yogurt... " But let's propone that to another time. "
" If you say so. "
The room soon fell silent as we concentrated mainly on the refreshments we had in our glasses.
" I really can't wait to be in college. " Mira exclaimed all of a sudden attracting my attention.
" Same here's... I bet it'd be fun. "
" I am sure it'll be. "
" I just can't wait! "
" Resumption is just next week... So chill! "
" We've got a lot of preparations to do indeed! "
" Yeah... And we'll begin right after you get discharged from here, Mira! "
" Sure! Can't wait to be discharged already! "
" You need to rest! " Joseph and I said at the same time.
" You meanies! " I found myself chuckling seeing her pout... It's just too cute!
" Still you love us... "
" Not like I have got a choice anyways... " She smiled...
Later, we all dropped our glass cups on the bedside table as we did a group hug.
" Thanks for coming into my life, guys and making me whole! " Mira cried on our shoulders.
" You welcome, Baby girl... Thanks for completing us too... "
" Love you both... "
" And we love you more, Angel... "
Somewhere in the clouds, Mira's parents who were watching them smiled tearfully as they embraced each other.
" Seems like we don't have to worry much about our daughter as she has finally found a family. "
" Indeed... I just hope she'll be happy from now on. "
" I hope so too. "
Um... But life is filled with ups and downs and there's definitely nothing like happily ever after.
Yet... It's possible to remain Happy and stable despite the ups and downs of life, right?
.....
A/N : Wow! What an emotion packed chapter! What do you think, guys?