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A SWEET ROSE

Dear mom and dad,


How are you? Im fine down here. Guess what? The doctor said that I have exactly a month to live. Im happy
though. I get to see you two again after so many years of being alone on Earth. Wait for me in heaven. Ill be there soon
Love, Angelica

I was finally allowed to leave that blasted hospital after so many months of being
admitted. I looked at the manor that mom and dad left me with. Even though it has been
months since I last stepped into the manor, it is well kept by the servants. Well, why
wouldnt they? Even though Im dying, I am still responsible for the lives of others.
Apparently, I am not responsible for mine. Instead of going into my room, I decided to
take a walk into town after seeing it from the white room of death in the hospital.

It was 3 pm and no students were mingling around town. So, I decided to check out the
public school nearby. It was pretty open to public considering on how lax the security
was. I entered the school to find the students were having extracurricular activities in
the afternoon. I have never experienced school life due to my health condition ever
since I was a young girl. I was home-schooled to which many refer me to as a rich brat
by the society. But, has anyone ever asked; why am I home-schooled? Why am I such a
loner at social gatherings?

Never No one has ever asked me that question. No one even bothered
As I sat at the bleachers watching the boys play baseball, I thought to myself. I could
have been born perfect. I could have gone to school. I could have gotten myself friends,
team mates or even a boyfriend. I could have fallen in love. But Why? Why am I born
to die at such a young age? Has God turned His back on me when he brought me into
this world? Has He gotten tired of shaping me? If he is, then why didnt he struck me on
the day mom and dad was involved in the crash? Why didnt he take my life instead of
theirs? Why did they have to protect me?
I pondered on those questions as I hung my head low avoiding any means of human
contact with anyone coming my way. I was like a red rose covered with thorns to keep
everyone away just to save them from being saddened by my departure. I never did
realise it that I now have tears trailing down my cheeks.
Suddenly, a white cloth appeared in front of my eyes. I looked up to see that it was a boy
from the fields. I took the cloth from him and wiped my eyes as he took a seat next to
me. He was wiping away his sweat while taking a sip of his water bottle.

He had a fair complexion, his face looked gentle but with a tiny bit of masculinity in his
features. His brunette hair that was slightly long for a short and messy haircut. His eyes
were brown that screams out kindness and compassion. His smile somehow his smile
made my heart skipped. What is this new feeling?

Hi there Stressed? Me too. I have the championship coming round the corner and my
pitching is not that good yet. Tell me Whats your problem? He asked me kindly with
a smile.
I froze at his question. I never had anyone asking me what is going on in my life. I
remained static as I was shy because I have never made contact with anyone other than
my servants. There was silence between us. Feeling awkward, he decided to go
elsewhere.
This was my first and last chance to make memories with other people than my
servants. He slowly got up and was about to leave when my arm reacted. I grabbed his
arm, stopping him from going. With a stuttering voice, I spoke softly

P-please, dont go I need you,


He nodded and sat back down but this time the distance between us closed in. He just
sat beside me, keeping me company until 5 pm. Not a word escaped from our mouths.
We were just enjoying each others company as we watch the students play football in
the fields. Suddenly, my phone rang. It was my butler, Mr. Watson, who was entrusted

by my parents to take care of me ever since the accident. He told me to return to the
manor before sundown.

Ok, Watson. Ill be there in a moment, I answered softly as I switched off my phone.
Then, I thought I heard a chuckle from the boy beside me. I turned to him to see that he
was smiling, containing his small chuckle to which I found adorable.

I thought you would never speak for the past two hours. I cant believe you just called
your dad by his name, said the boy as he chuckled.
Watsons not my dad. He is my servant,
Oh Im sorry for assuming. Anyway, I better go and fetch my sister from middle
school, said the boy.
Before the boy left, I stopped him again but this time I have a question for him that I
have been meaning to ask ever since I stopped him from leaving before. With a
determined mind, I asked

Why did you decide to stay when I asked you to?


There was silence between us for a moment. He then turned to me with a smile and
spoke

Easy You said that you needed me. So, I stayed. Everyone needs help sometimes even
if it is just by keeping them company, answered the boy with contentment of heart.
Upon hearing to that answer, I finally smiled after so many years of suffering. As I was
about to leave, the boy took hold of my hand. I turned to him to see his brown eyes that
were filled with worry.

Whats your name? asked the boy as he released my hand.


Angelica Johnsons
Im John Smith. Will I see you again? he asked again
Im not sure
How about we meet up here every day at 3pm and talk about each others day? Or
maybe if you do not want to talk about your day, we can just sit here and just enjoy each
others company? he proposed as he took his sports bag.
I nodded and smiled agreeing to his proposal. That night as I lay in bed, I had Johns face
floating in my mind. I was enjoying the feeling when suddenly my phone rang telling me
that it was time to take in medicine. I turned to my side and there was my medicine that
I had to take for the next 29 days of my life before I die

As I look at the amount of tablets in my hands, I wondered why I still have to take my
medicine when I was going to die. So, I shoved the tablets into the rubbish bin and went
back to bed. But then just as I was about to sleep, my chest hurt like there was no
tomorrow. I tried to reach for the beeper to alert Watson but instead I fell to the ground.

Thump!
I looked at the medicine tablet bottles in the bin. I quickly took out the painkillers and
swallow about 3 tablets to ease the pain. Then, Watson threw opened the door of my
room to find me on the floor with my medicine all over the place. A few maids came in
and helped me with the medicine while Watson carried me to bed.

Young mistress, you really must be careful with your medicine, said Watson as he
tucked me into bed.
Why do I have to take in medicine when I know that I am going to die? I tried to commit
suicide but I ended up struggling to be alive. Watson, has God really turned his back on
me? What is money when it cant even help you?
All the maids then stood round my bed with Watson. I was perplexed by their actions.

Young mistress, everyone in the manor loves you like their own child. You are special
to us said Sarah, my personal maid.
Yes, maam. Your parents were the most loving and kind people in our lives. They took
us in and gave us jobs, said Mary
They treat us like family. When they died that day, everyone in the household were
devastated, said Chloe head maid of the house
Young mistress, in their will, they entrusted us to you. Making sure you grow up into a
loving and kind young woman just like your parents, said Clara my nanny.
To put it simply, young mistress; we all love you, said Watson.
I remained quiet and turned away from them covering myself from them with my quilt.
Its not that I did not care about them. Its just that I want to spare them from all the
grief that was to befall them.

20 more days
Dear mom and dad,
How are you in heaven? Are you keeping an eye on me on Earth? I am so pathetic. I tried to shorten my time on
Earth but failed for I was afraid. Do I really want to die? Or do I still want to experience life?
I met a boy His name was John Smith from St Peters High School down the street. Why does my heart beat
fastened every time he smiled at me? It is so weird Anyway, save a seat for me up there. Ill be there in a few more days.
Love, Angelica

One morning, I woke up to the sound of a crash outside my room. I rushed out to find
one of the younger maids on the floor with a broken vase beside her. She was injured. I
then rushed to her side and inspect her whole body. She was overworked with chores
and that made her unaware of what was in front of her.

Mistress, I am so sorry. Ill pay it back. I promise, said the maid.


I dont care about that old junk. Are you alright? Lets get you somewhere else,
Then, Watson and Clara came rushing to the maid and I.

Young mistress, its dangerous for you to be near the shattered vase barefooted, said
Watson as he swept me in his arms.
Ill be fine, Watson. Get her to her room. She has been overworked. Put me down,
Watson. I can walk, I told Watson firmly as I pointed to the ground.
Watson then brought me to my room and checked my feet for any shattered clay. That
whole day I was in my room reading, writing and sometimes I would sneak out to the
music room at the end of the hall. Then, as I was returning from lunch, I heard the sound
of the grandfather clock telling me that it was 2pm. I then remembered that I made a
promise to John. I ran up to my room happily and opened my closet to look for a dress to
wear that afternoon.
As I was trying on my dresses, Clara entered the room with my medicine. She saw me in
front of the mirror twirling in the blue dress that I have been dying to wear for a special
occasion.

Going somewhere, young mistress? asked Clara as she placed my medicine on the
table.
Yeah, meeting a friend at school, I answered as I arranged my dress properly.

A friend? Alright then. Wait a minute You never went to school, said Clara as she
looked at me with suspicion.
Cant I make friends with other people? I asked her as I sat at the vanity table.
WellI suppose you can. Anyway, whats her name? asked Clara as she held my brown
locks to braid it.
His name is John Smith from St Peters High School down the street, I answered
honestly.
Clara was stunned for a moment when I told her that he was a boy. She then smiled and
turned to the mirror as she caressed my head gently.

Lets make you pretty then, said Clara as she continued to braid my hair.
It took her 30 minutes to finish up with my hair and makeup. It was already 2.45 pm. I
quickly grabbed my bag and ran out of the manor to the school. Clara went to see me off
and waving at me happily.

Claras POV
The young mistress finally met someone. I cant believe that it has already been 18 years
already. Watching her grow up is the most memorable part of my job. I still
remembered her first words as Mistress was holding her in the playroom.

Angelica, dear. Dont bite mommys hand. Its painful, said Mistress Monica as she lets
Angelica bite her hand even though it was painful.
Maybe shes hungry, mistress. Heres her bottle. Ill prepare her bath after this, I
informed the mistress as I gave the milk bottle to her.
Angelica was giggling when she saw the bottle and was reaching for it. Her mother then
gave it to her and she was so excited that she jumped in her mothers arms. Then, a cute
voice came from little Angelica.

Mama
That day was the most memorable day in my life. Both for her mother and I. Monica and
I were in high school together. After high school, I was not so lucky as my parents went
into bankruptcy and could not afford my tuition fee in university. After 5 years, I met
Monica again but this time she was already married. She was married to the man that
she has always been having a crush on since high school.
I was ashamed of my status that I wanted to run away from her but Monica has always
been my good friend. She never sees others according to their status. Monica took me in
as her lady in waiting. She made sure I was properly educated and sent me back to
school and receive my degree.

Now that you have received your degree, you may leave the manor and venture out to
the world, Clara said Monica on my graduation day.
No, Monica. I am indebted to you. I will stay and work for you. Besides, you have a baby
on the way. I want to see this baby grow up into a beautiful and kind soul just like you, I
told her as I embraced her who was 3 weeks pregnant at that time.
As I see the young mistress who day after day looks more and more like Monica, I really
miss her and her kind presence in the manor. Even though she has departed, Monicas
presence never did left the manor. Its still present in the manor with Angelica running
around and doing everything she can to live her life well.

Monica, your daughter is the best thing that has ever happened in our friendship,

I arrived at the school with John waiting at the bench for me. He was reading a book as
he waited for me. I was surprised that he actually waited for me. I approached him and
he looked up from his book. His brown eyes were like staring into my soul. He then
smiled and gesture to me for a seat beside him.

Sorry for being late. I had some things to do, I apologised as I looked away from him.
Its fine. Everyone has things to do. That reminds me! May I have your phone number?
It will be easier for me to contact you if I have any other plans so that it will save you the
trouble from waiting for me, said John as he took out his phone.
Sure I agreed as I gave him my phone number.
After we exchanged phone numbers, we just sat there and enjoy the silence as the time
passes. Sometimes I would catch him glancing at me for a moment. As we sat there, I felt
droplets of water falling onto my head. It was going to rain. John noticed it too and
gestured to me to follow him and find shelter. There was only a pagoda nearby and we
took shelter there. We were slightly wet from the rain but it was alright. I sat at the
bench warming myself up. As I was rubbing my hands together, John placed his school
coat over my shoulder to warm me up. I looked at the badge of his coat. It wrote there
President.

Yeah, now you know my secret, said John as he sat beside me.
The burden must be quite tough, isnt it? I asked as I smiled.
Well, no. It is not much of a work. There are others out there who shoulders heavier
burden. This is just a mere a sack on the back, he answered me as he rubbed his hands
together for warmth.
Seeing him cold, I took his hands and held it in mine which was covered by his coat and
warm it up for him. He was stunned by my actions but he did not push me away. The
rain took a while to stop.

The rain really had us this time, said John as he chuckled.


Yeah, I dont think it will be stopping any time soon, I answered him.
Maybe we should get to know each other better, said John out of the blue.
What?
I mean if you want or not, he answered indifferently.
Dont worry Of course we can do that, I told him as I giggled looking at him
panicking.

Johns POV
Why do I feel this way about this girl? I have just met her a few weeks ago and her smile
has already make me feel like my heart was about to explode. She is so pretty and very
soft spoken. When she arrived just now, I was so stunned of her beauty and soft
appearance. She looks really beautiful. What is wrong with me? Why is my brain
listening to my heart and not itself? Oh God! I just asked for her number with a clich
excuse.

Sure she answered as she took my phone from my hand.


I watched her as she pressed on the screen of her number on my phone. She looked so
fragile as if something was really bothering her but was hiding it from the world. Wait a
minute Why do I care over her concerns? I never cared about the other students
problem in school. But Why Angelica? Why her and not my friends whom I have been
together longer than she has?
After she gave me her phone number, we sat there enjoying the silence. I would
sometimes glance at her just to make sure she was alright. Then, little droplets of water
fell on our heads. It was beginning to rain. I lead her to the nearest shelter which was
the pagoda. Fortunately, we reached the pagoda before getting caught in the rain. She
sat at the bench provided and warmed herself up.
I had my coat with me and put it around her to warm her up. She saw the tag on my
coat.

Must be a heavy burden, isnt it? she asked me as she smiled.


Well, no. It is not much of a work. There are others out there who shoulders heavier
burden. This is just a mere a sack on the back, I answered her as I rubbed my hands
together for warmth.
The next thing I knew it, Angelica took my hands in hers and held them keeping them
warm as I sat beside her. We stayed like that until my hands were warm enough. I
suggested that we get to know each other more while waiting for the rain to stop. She
willingly agreed as she giggled at me who was panicking. God Why is she so cute? I
cant stand it!

Ill start first. Well, you already know my name and what school I attend to. Okay My
hobbies I love reading and listening to classical and jazz music. I play the saxophone
and I want to pursue my studies in the musical field. I want to create music specifically
for hospital patients in the hospital to soothe their minds whenever they are feeling
scared at a hospital, I explained.
Thats a very good ambition and dream. I really do hope that I can listen to you play
some time, she said.
What about you, Angelica? I asked her back.

Me? I never did attend school. I was home schooled all my life, said Angelica sadly as
she looked away.
Why? Why were you always home schooled? I asked her.
I am always sick and I am always at the hospital. Thats why I was home schooled, she
answered sadly.
I felt like I have stepped into a bomb mine. Why did I ask her that? I am so
inconsiderate... Then, I heard Angelica released her breath. I turned to her and what I
saw in her eyes were sorrow and suffering. Without realising, I embraced her to assure
her. My heart beat was so fast and loud that I can hear it. I can feel Angelicas heart beat
which was quite fast too.

Its alright. You must have been suffering for a long time now. Just cry it all out, I
assured her as I held her tight.
Then, I felt droplets of water on my shoulder. Angelica was crying silently as her tears
trailed onto my shirt. She must have gone through a lot already and no one has seen her
in her weakest state. I wish I couldve been there for her. Wait a minute Why am I
doing this? Shes just a girl I have just met. Why am I doing this when I barely knew her?

Angelicas POV

Its alright. You must have been suffering for a long time now. Just cry it all out, John
assured me as he held me tight.
His embrace was warm and full of sincerity. The feeling that I have been missing from
mom and dad for 12 damned years of loneliness never really did bother me until today.
I never realised that it has been welling up inside me for so long. I was ready to burst
and I finally did. Tears were trailing down my cheeks. I tried to stop it but my tears just
kept on coming and finally I broke down in tears. I could not stop them. God, I am
making his white shirt wet. But he kept on holding me tight.
We stayed like that for an hour and I finally regained my composure and he gave me a
handkerchief for me to wipe my tears away. The sun was finally up. It was around 4.30
pm. I was expecting a call from Clara when John took hold of my hand.

Would you like to go for some ice cream? he asked me with a smile.
I nodded as I followed him while I wipe away my tears. We walked into town. I was
surprised by how the streets were quite empty on the account it was a weekday. As we
walk, I noticed that he was still holding onto my hand. I then returned the grip and felt
the warmth of his palm. His hands were big compared to my small and frail hand. The
more I look at my hand, the sadder I have become as I have only a couple of weeks left
to live. Life is cruel

Angelica, hey Is something the matter? asked John as he turned to me.


Ha? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about something. Anyway, are we there yet? I
asked him.
Were here. What would you like? asked John as he pointed to the menu.
Ill have chocolate and vanilla mix, I answered him.
Really? Wow, people say that its a weird mix, said John.
Whats wrong with these two mixing? They are a I said but was cut by John.
A match-make in heaven. Yeah, I know. Its my favourite too, said John.
I was surprised by his answer. Embarrassed, I turned away to cover my red face. I
thought I heard a chuckle coming from John. I cant help but to smile as it was really
unexpected since no one has ever saw it from that perspective. As he was getting the ice
cream, I was distracted by the teddy bear in the toy shop across the street. I was
intrigued by the teddy bear that I did not realised John calling my name.

Angelica, your ice cream is melting, said John as he was shaking my arm.
Ha? Oh, sorry. I was looking at that teddy bear. It looks as if it was staring deep into my
soul Oh my gosh, that is just so creepy... I answered John as I licked my ice cream.
Okay? Lets head to the park and finish our ice cream there, proposed John.
I agreed and followed him. I then noticed that he was not holding my hand since the
cold air brushed against my hand. I wonder if my hand will be this cold when I die. Or
will I never feel it moving again. I kept on looking at it and moving it to feel it moving
again and again as I wont be able to feel it in a couple of weeks. Then, I hit something. I
looked up to find that it was John.

Why did you stop, John? I asked him.


I forgot to hold your hand, said John as he took my hand and started walking again.
This time when I held onto his hand, I brought myself closer to him. I want to feel this
feeling as I will never feel it again in a couple of weeks. When we reached the park, we
sat at the fountain and finished our ice cream side by side. After we finished our ice
cream, we enjoyed each others company. Then, John turned to me.

Angelica, I want to tell you something, said John.


Alright, go ahead. I wont judge if it is something weird, I told him as I giggled.
The next thing I knew it, John kissed me. I did not push him away at all. I just stay there
static not knowing what to do. He then pulled away from the kiss.

I love you, Angelica. I never did realise it until today. I want to be with you and make
you happy, said John as he held both my hands.
I was surprised and happy at the same time but then, I looked down at my hands that
were constantly being pierced with needles for my medicine. I was really sad and was at
the verge of crying when John lifted my head to his face.

I will be there for every moment of your life. I promise, said John with a smile.
Will you? I asked him back.
Yes, 24 hours a day. Well, except for that. Maybe around 12 hours a day since I have
school, said John jokingly.
I agreed and the both of us have been together for the next 18 days. Throughout that
whole 18 days, I kept my secret from him. Afraid that he will be very depressed.

1 more day left,


Dear mom and dad,
How are you? These last 18 days of my life has been the happiest days in my life. I mentioned before that I could not
wait to see you two again. Well, I changed my mind. I have finally moved on. Now, I want to see John for the rest of my life.
I dont want to die. Not yet I still want to be with John. I want to marry him and have my future with him. I really want to
be happy with him
Angelica
Hey, Angelica Do you know how to do this equation? I kept on getting the wrong
answer, asked John as he leaned on me with his homework paper in his hand.
Hm? Where? I asked him when suddenly he kissed me covering us with the paper.
I love you, Angelica, said John as he held my hand.
Looking at his face, I feel so depressed as what was going to happen to me tomorrow. I
may not see the day or worse I might not see him anymore. The feeling in my heart
was so heavy that I might burst any moment now but I hide it with a sweet smile. We
were always together ever since we met that fateful day.

John, what would you do if I was gone for a day? I asked him sincerely.
A day? If it is for a day, I would be very sad since my energy comes from your smile,
answered John as he laid down on my lap.
Really? Ahaha I wont be of any problem though, I told him as I continued reading
my novel.
Why? Arent you afraid that I might cheat on you? he asked sarcastically.
No. Because I trust you. Hey, I know. Lets have a contest. Lets not have contact for a
day? I want to test how loyal you are to me, I proposed.
Alright, the loser will have to pay for dinner, said John happily.
I caressed his head as he covers his face with his homework paper. I was smiling on the
outside but I was weeping on the inside. I cant bear to leave him or see him cry. I want
him to smile. I really hope that he can find someone later in life after Im gone. That
evening, he walked me home. As he was leaving, I ran to him and embraced him from
behind.

Bye, John. I just want to hug you before our bet, I told him.

He just held my hand as I embraced him. That was the last time I would be seeing him as
I prepare myself for the worst.

It has been a day already and John was going to Angelicas house to surprise her with a
visit. He bought flowers and chocolates for her. As he was walking towards her house,
he noticed a lot of cars parked at the side of the road. John quickened his pace and found
that everyone was wearing black. He pushed open the front door to find a white casket
in the living room. He dropped the flowers and chocolates. He slowly approached the
casket to find Angelica lying there lifeless wearing white.

Im sorry, boy. The young mistress is gone, said Watson as he placed his hand over
Johns shoulder.
Why? Why didnt you tell me that you were sick? I couldve saved you. Angelica Wake
up I love you I love youso much, said John as he collapsed in tears.
After the burial, John was sitting at Angelicas headstone. He was crying nonstop as he
read the letter that Angelica left for him.

Dear John,
I am so sorry for not telling you that I was dying. I did not want to tell you because you are always happy and that
makes me happy. Before I met you, I have countlessly trying to commit suicide. That day when you gave me the handkerchief, I
really was at my worst state. I wanted to leave the world more than ever. But because of you, the days goes by, I strived to live
happily. I wanted to live. I wanted to be happy. I wanted to be happy with you.
Thank you for proving to me that you can live a day without me. Now, continue the game for the rest of your life.
I will be waiting for you,
I love you, John
Angelica

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