I'm walking from pre-calc down b-hall, toward the rotunda, to down a-hall to get back into b-hall in a full circle like I always do. I already made up my mind last block that I could not go on the rest of the day that block. I decided I would go find you for help. If I got lucky, maybe I'd run into you in person in the hallways. I did. You found me walking with my head down and my eyes glossy and pleading for something. Anything.

Mr. C: Hey Dianne. -smiles-
Me:
Mr. C: You ok?
Me:
Mr. C: You're mad aren't ya?
Me: -shakes head no-
Mr. C: Tell me what you're feelin, mad?
Me: -shakes head no-
Mr. C: Sad?
Me: -shakes head no-
Mr. C:

Your face changes into that concerned look.

Me: I... I don't know what to call it.. I don't know.. how to describe it.

Fat fatty.

Me: My neighbor likes to harass me me on facebook.

Ms. S: Harass you? 

Me: Yeah. Like last year she got her cousin to like call me out on facebook about minding my own business from when Arty said something to her last year about her boyfriend being fake and I was just there. So, I didn't answer because I didn't say anything then. Anyway, I told Arty and he got mad and confronted her. Then we went on her wall and saw that her cousin who messaged me was like "Haha, that b---- didn't answer me." Which is dumb. 

Ms. S:  Wait how old are they?

Me: They're older, definitely. They graduated a couple of years ago. 

Ms. S: Wow. They must really be losers. No offense to you, but why would you pick on people still in high school. 

Me: That's exactly what I was thinking! Anyway, yeah. And that went away, and last night I posted a picture of me from 8th grade til now just saying how much has changed and she commented it saying "Haha, too bad you still look like a slut." 

Ms. S: What?! 

Me: Yep. It was just pictures of my face. So I don't even know. Maybe it's cause I like to wear shorts all the time...? 

Ms. S: So? Who cares? You don't look bad in them anyway cause you're little. 

Me: That might be it, cause, don't mean to be rude or anything, but she is not that little... 

Ms. S: She's probably just jealous then because you can wear shorts and get away with it. And when she wear shorts she just looks like a fatty. 

Me: -cracking up-

Ugh god, I love you.
I consider you to be one of my best friends.
Sorry for always popping in.
Sorry for never warning you I'll stop by.
Sorry for never saying much.
Sorry for saying too much.
Sorry for making you wait around for me.

But thank you.
For always inviting me in.
For always greeting me with a smile when I stop by.
For talking to me.
For being patient for me.

As we were leaving you told me,

Ms. S: Thanks for visiting me. 

Thanks for letting me in.

Sweet Semptember.

This place again. I sign in. I see you. You see me. You beckon me to come in. I did not bring my books this time. I figured I'd be back to class. I figured it'd be wierd if I brought my things this time. I had nothing to show, after all.

Cold. Small. Another chair has been thrown inside the room. You sit in the same spot. I go to sit in the less comfortable chair. You say the other one is comfier. I take that as a sign you want me to sit in that one instead, so I do.

Today starts by saying you're mad at me. You're always mad at me. But I never believe you. I know you're not really mad at me. How could you be? It's not like you are my father. It's not like you are my brother. It's not like you are my friend. You are only here to listen to me whine and complain and cry. The truth is you are disappointed in me. Not mad. I don't care though. I am mad at me too. I am disappointed in me too. You ask me why I did what I did. The only reason I had to support me was that I did not want to do what I had to. 

You ask me if I have any goals. I shake my head no. I do not. You tell me I should.

This upsets you. You lecture me. You tell me to treat school like work. It's important. I don't really care. You ask me what would I do if I had a great job that paid $100,000 and if I screwed up by not doing what I had to, I'd lose the job. I told you the truth. I didn't care. I really didn't. What's $100,000 to someone who has everything already, but has nothing all at the same time? Money makes no difference. Money won't fix this. You continue lecturing. And then say that was your lecture for the day.

You ask me how my summer was. If I did anything. I tell you no. I have stayed inside most of the time. I have gone out about 5 times. Which is true. You lead up to something else that I've been quite curious about for quite some time now.

You: Are you depressed?

Me: I don't know. I guess. 

You: If we were sitting in my office, and I was psychoanalyzing you --which I'm not! I'm a therapist and this is just how I think-- But if I were writing out a prescription, I would diagnose you with dysthemia. Do you know what that is?

Me: /shakes head no.

You: There are different forms of depression.There's major depression, being the highest, and then there are other stages that are lower, like dysthemia. Dysthemia is a minor form of depression. It's like everything is just "eh" you're never too happy about anything, and you're usually low. Everything else doesn't matter. But that's just what would happen if we were in my office.

 Me: 

You continue on by saying that it's okay though because a lot of other teenagers feel that way too. And that you think when I get older it will all be better. And I will get over this. And I will be happy.

You continue with your therapist talk. You tell me there are only 2 types of people in the world. You ask me if I know who they are. I do not know the answer. You raise two fingers and point to them and say, "There are only two types of people in the world. There are neurotic people. And there are psychotic people. 97% of the world being neurotic with everyday kinks and worries that we all think about that bother us. We all pick at tiny flaws about ourselves. The other 3% are psychotics, who are heavily medicated just to keep them alive. I'm trying to keep you in the neurotic circle. We don't want you in the psychotic circle. That's bad.

I think about that. With the world being populated with over a billion people, and 97% being neurotic and normal. 3% being psychotic and medicated. 3% with a big number like that was still a lot. There are a lot of sad people in the world. Am I one of them?

You tell me I am only in the first trimester of my life. I still have a long way to go, unlike you who is in the last trimester of their life. You tell me statistics of average age of dying males in the U.S. You have only about 10 years. This saddens me. I never thought of it that way. I never thought it would be so soon.

My thoughts are broken by your words. You tell me that we have the rest of the year, and until then you are going to try and help me feel better about myself. Feel better about life.

You ask me how I feel. I tell you how every morning the first thought that rushes into my head when I wake up is,"Being awake is the worst feeling ever. Being alive is the worst feeling ever." Your facial muscles contort into a concerned look. Your eyebrows move. Your mouth is in a frown. You tell me, you know how it feels. You understand how it feels. I believe you. You throw me back into your past. You tell me that we both feel the same way. But we both expressed the same thing differently. You were outwardly angry with the world, getting into fights and trouble always. I am inwardly angry, directing most things toward myself. This is true. You tell me it will get better. You tell me to look at you as an example, after all, you made it through til now. You want me to make it through, too. To make the best of what we have now because we don't know if there is any better than this.

We are talking and you see one of your colleagues through the window. You greet him through the door. He creeps in and asks if he is interrupting anything and looks at me. I say nothing. You say no. It's fine. He is in the room with us now. You ask him how he is, and if he needs anything. He says no and smiles, Just wanted to drop by and say hi. You embarrass me

You: I'm just talking to one of my favorite students in the building. This is Dianne. Do you know her?

Him: I've seen her around. Hi Dianne -smiles at me- 

Me: Hi. 

You: Mr. V if you see her around, and she looks sad. Say hi to her and tell her to smile. 

Him: Will do. Well, I'm gonna get goin now. It's gonna be a long day.

You: Ah jeeze, I even have to work on Mr. V too. He's one of the most negative people I know.

Me: Smiles.

He leaves.

I ask you if I am contagious. You laugh and say no. I am not a disease. I tell you I know, but it feels like how I act is spreading. And if this person acts like me, and other act like them without knowing where they got that notion from, then who am I? I tell you it upsets me. You tell me you understand where it's coming from. And you begin to ramble on about how people tend to find people who are like them in character. I tell you, I know, I know. But this is different. This person was different before me. In fact, she was the opposite of me. I told you it is wierd and freaky and I do not like it. You shrug your shoulders and say something. You do not know what to say to that.

Somehow you bring up that I have a good friend at Memorial. I am puzzled. You insist that I have a very good friend there. I am a deer in headlights. I assume it is Mr. Z. You tell me she asks about me all the time, and if you have spoken to me, or have seen me.  She. She...!?!!? I connect the dots quickly. Your face pops up into my head. Your name tumbles out of my mouth.

You tell me that you tell her you are always busy, but you do see me. I am patient for my turn to talk to him all the time because you are busy. You tell me she always tells you that I am her bestest bestest friend. You tell me she talks about me like I am the entire world. I am overcome with emotion. My eyes are tearing up. I tell you I love her lots. She is the best. I tell you of the story of how she came to my house late that night. How her parents love me too. You say she really cares about me then. Your voice has a certain tone of happiness at hearing this.

You ask me if I have had any relationships. I tell you no. I am not interested. I did, but it never really works out. You ask me why. I tell you, I usually don't feel it. You tell me I need to give people a chance. I tell you I do. But it usually does not work. I never get too close to people in the first place. You tell me I am afraid of getting hurt. I do not think that it is that though. It doesn't feel like that. I just have a hard time getting close to others. Even getting to her was hard. But I just started talking and couldn't stop, and that was how it happened.

You tell me that it is ok if I will get hurt, because everything will have an end, and everyone will mourn over a loved one. You tell me that you promised your wife that you would love her until the end, until one of you passes away. Whoever passes away first, you will mourn for each other.

I tell you I know. It is not that I am afraid of getting hurt because I still hurt even before any relationship because of what is inside of my head. You smile at me and tell me that's right. You are glad I am aware of my actions and what the consequences I bare myself are.


You ask me something again:

You: Is there anything I can do to make you happy?

Me:

You: What can I do to make you happy?

Me: This. I like this. I like being here. 

You: Good. We have the whole rest of the year for this. For me to work on you so that you see  things differently by the end of the year. I want to help you because I like you and I care about you. It's hard to see you when you feel this way. I don't want you to feel this way.

You tell me I should get back to class now or my teacher will be mad at you.You and he are good friends. You tell me that Friday will be our day, and that you will try to mix it up when you call me down because my 4th block teacher will come after you if I come down at the same time all the time. This amuses me.

You are signing my pass back to class, and I tell you I continued to write over the summer. I ask if you would like to see it and you say yes. I say Ok. At this, you asked me if I painted anything over the summer. To your disappointment, I tell you I have only once. But it is not in my hands. It is in her hands. I show you a picture of it though. You look at it and tell me you like it. It is different. You are seeing something different from me. It is so interesting to you because it is not the same horror and pain that usually comes from my hands. It is a different feeling this time. You tell me it is very good, and that you would like to see it in person. I tell you that you will have to ask her to bring it in because I am sure she will if you ask her. You tell me you will make sure to ask.

You ask me if I am doing anything this weekend. I have to think because the schedule for me had already left me. I tell you and you tell me good luck. You have a wedding to go to and would much rather go to your son's soccer match. You tell me to have a good weekend. I tell you I will try.

I leave feeling better than I did beforehand. I am feeling a bit lighter. I have something to look forward to now. I have some sort of incentive to try.

I do not know if I am making a step forward only to fall even harder than before. I do not know if I am making a step forward to really leave the place I am in now. I only know that I like that I am moving. Even if it is only a step.

Good news.

There's a highly likely chance I suffer from dysthemia.

Oh boy.

The summer I jumped into the fire.

At least once a week, for every week during the month of August, til now, early September, I have seen you.

At least once a week, for every week during the month of August, til now, early September, you have made me smile.

At least once a week, for every week during the month of August, til now, early September, you have given much more than you know.

2 August 2011; Tuesday

It started with a simple, just-hanging-out kind of deal. Tuesday, after sax lessons. I got up, got ready, and left. Restless the night before, I hadn't slept. Whether it was due to hormones, or the fact that I was actually going to hang out with someone, at their house, one on one for the first time ever--I didn't know--I didn't care either really. I felt fine, and so I would be fine.

Before meeting you out front, I had seen someone who meant a lot to me, who is helping me. We chatted for a couple minutes. As much as I had wanted to chat with him more, I wanted even more to get to the car so I wouldn't keep you waiting too long. I would be a guest, after all.

I jumped into the car, said my hellos, and we went to your house. It being my first time in your house--in anyone's house--I was nervous of course. I would be under an unfamiliar roof, with unfamiliar people; even you quite honestly. I had hung out with you previously approximately 4 times -- two of which was during a movie, the other 2 incidents, there was another guest.

We went to wake up your older sister who was happened to be sick. Poor girl. We went back into your room, only to go on the internet for a good portion of our time. Eventually our conversation had wandered down the path of N--whom we both worried about. I said how I was afraid for her, and how she might become like me and how I didn't want that all. Me now, was scary. I scared me. I hated me. I didn't want her to fall under the same clutches. And in that explanation, the words came tumbling out of my mouth of why my tumblr posts are the way they are. Why I always seem sad. Etc.

I started to cry, and you only listened and hugged me. Then I pushed myself away, only to reveal the real source of my condition. You got up and shut the door, I watched you. You looked at me, I looked at you. I spoke the words that felt too much like clouds and dust in my mouth. You looked at me again, only in disbelief and shock and held me close. I began to shake and cry uncontrollably. The nightmare was replaying on the walls of my skull. You laid me down next to you and held me, stroked my hair, and just let me cry. I'm happy that you did that. There was nothing else to explain, nothing else you could say to something like that, but you picked the right thing to do, in my opinion.

We stayed like that for quite some time. You spoke reassuring words, and your own personal demons.

Eventually, I fixed myself up and you got your grandmother to make us cups of tea, along with animal crackers. We went swimming, and after we just sat on the front porch and just chatted about ourselves. We got to know each other more and more witch each word that fell from our tired mouths. We became even closer and closer since then.

12 August 2011; Friday

We had created plans to go the mall. We smelled candles and went to Starbucks. It was pleasant and fun.

13 August 2011; Saturday

I slept over your house. I was nervous about asking my parents, because they always said no to such requests. But not this time. I got lucky. The gods approved of the bond we forged together out of pain and suffering and felt it only necessary to provide us with the company of each other, as we had no one else--as if they felt that now was the time for us to stop feeling this way and it was time for us to move on.

I had left my house around 5 with shorts that we had purchased together the night before, in a simple outfit that seemed to 'formal' or 'cute' for everyday wear. But that's how I usually dress.

I appeared smiling at your door. It had been raining all day. A was at your house. She and Y were getting ready for a night out at work, while we just chatted and watched. You sat at the laptop and commanded I sat on your lap because you wanted to show me something. Your mother walked in, looked at us, and said "Huge." It was rather hysterical.

Y and A left. We got ready ourselves, and left. Your dates had cancelled, but we still had a pleasant time. We went to starbucks and talked about music. We made our way onto Marshalls only to smell candles. It was fun, and a good memory. We left with a pair of headphones and earphones.

Your mother picked us up and we went back to your house. She had prepared Russian food, which was quite good. I was afraid, not for tasting reasons, but for other reasons. But for you, it was worth the risk. After we went up to Y's room and plugged in the laptops and just went on Chatroulette and Tumblr all night.

Eventually, our conversation got lost and I found myself opening up again. It wasn't as bad as the last time, but still had quite the impact. It was already about 3AM, and you crawled into bed and beckoned me over. I huddled closely. I felt my eyelids become heavy, and I fell asleep for a couple of minutes before I asked a serious question. You answered honestly, and I drifted back into sleep.

Later, Y had come home and looked into the room. You had gotten up and was back at the desk, and I was by myself in the bed. You only look backed and smiled, and motioned how cute I had been when I slept. I got up again, and we both wished Y and A a good night before they went to bed, and we made our way back to your room. I cuddled up against the wall, and you had the outside of the bed.

I woke up early the next morning, after saying how badly I wanted to sleep in. It was only 9, but there was no use going back to sleep. I got up, brushed my teeth, washed my face and sat mindlessly at the laptop until you woke up much, much later. You felt bad, but I assured you it was fine. I was used to it.

We had breakfast when you got up, and joined Y and A for a movie. It was long and wierd, but still nice. It was a rainy day in cuddling with you and that was fine. Moments I had left, you, Y and I had spoken about our distaste for N that was developing. I left. It was a good weekend.

20 August 2011; Saturday


The birthday party at your house for only family members was happening. I was the only one who wasn't family who had attended. I felt special. It was also my grandmother's birthday party, which I had wanted to show my face for even a little bit at least, out of respect.

I arrived late, everyone was already drunk. But I enjoyed the greeting I got when I arrived. So full of love. So full of life.

We talked, and I was introduced to all your family. They were all lovely really. Your mother insisted I ate, and I tried the best I could.

Later, we sat by the pool, only to get pushed in. Our clothes getting soaked. I wasn't mad, we figured right after we might as well go in as well. When we did, though, it was too cold. So we crossed the street only to use the hot tub for a amount of time. Eventually we got out again, and dried off for the final time. You gave me your clothes, you gave me your concern.

I felt really close to you that day. Not because I had your clothes on my back, but because I was the only non-family member there. You were having two separate parties for that, but I was invited to both. I was part of the family.

We spent the rest of the night with Y while she packed for NY the next day. I prayed hoping you would have a good birthday despite that.

23 August 2011; Tuesday


Instructed driving has led me to your house again. I felt bad this time though. I didn't mean to come on such short notice, I didn't mean to intrude even more than I already had. I felt like I was walking on glass. We stayed on the laptop all day. We experienced an earthquake together that day.

Later, I got very quiet, and I found the words to get it out. I cried, and you listened. We stayed on the couch and you let me cry. You wiped my tears, you took care of me again. I felt bad for that. But I'm still glad you took the time to listen to me.

26 August 2011; Friday


Hurricane watch is in effect.

Your party for only friends is today. I arrived late only because I had been invited to another party beforehand. Your mother greeted me at the door and said I would help take care of the party.

I liked your friends.

You whispered to me that N had been impersonating me all day, and then asked me to bring a bathingsuit when she already had one. I got mad, I got back. It's ok.

The whole time, I was pretty much by myself, being the oldest one there and not knowing anyone. I tried to stick by your side as much as I could. I didn't mind, though. Being alone. Because even though I was alone, I didn't feel lonely. I knew you were there waiting for me, in the back of your mind. At least, that's what I told myself.

I was one of the last to leave, and as I went to tell your mother I was leaving, she hugged me and thanked me for being such a big help. I was happy I was of use to someone.

It was a good day. I felt good.

2 September 2011 - 3 September 2011; Friday night


Friday was alright. Everyday was the same. My self-hate was growing. The voices are getting stronger. But I can't stop it. I only do what I can. It took over that night.

I texted you.

11:43 PM : I would like to let you know that I'm gone. There's no more me here anymore. There's no more me anywhere. Silence and sadness swallowed me whole while pumping my blood and thoughts into another body. I don't know who I am. I don't know where I am. I just know I'm not here. I'm not there. I'm not anywhere. I love you. I'm sorry."

11:45 PM: DIANNE. YOU'RE SCARING ME. Stop whatever you're doing.

6 missed calls.

11:49 PM: Dianne please please please answer me.

12 missed calls.

11:58 PM: I'm coming to your house. Please please don't do anything. Please.

18 missed calls.

I didn't believe you. You showed up at my house with tennis team girls. You had one of them get my number from a mutual friend.

You came rushing into my house and sat on my bed across from me and asked what was wrong. I couldn't say anything. I couldn't say a goddamn thing. I used my cellphone to tell you that no voice is there. I kept telling you to go back because they're waiting. You refused. You told me to tell you to what's going on in my head, but I couldn't. I only pointed at my journal.

I couldn't keep up being mute. I grabbed a notebook and a pen.

Me: Just read anywhere I don't care. You'll see when you read it.

I feel bad they're waiting for you outside.

You said let them wait. You said you wouldn't leave me. Not til you know I was ok.

Me: I don't know what else to say after that.I can tell you to go back, but you won't.They might be there a long time if you don't go and they won't like me and it'll be my fault and I don't want to burden you even more than I already have.

You told me they could leave if they wanted to. You told me you couldn't because you were scared. You were scared you were gonna lose me.

Me: You won't lose me.

"How am I not losing you? You can't even talk to me."

I couldn't talk because the voice that would come out didn't feel like mine. The voice that would come out felt like nails being clawed against my windpipe, clasping it shut, telling me to shut the fuck up because I had no room to talk. I was worthless and a piece of shit. Why should I have to talk.

Me: I'm losing words.

Help me.

I don't know what else to do.

I don't know what else to say.

I'm shaking.

I can't see my tears are in the way.

All I hear is my heart in my head and all I feel is heavy.

I don't know what to do with myself right now. I don't want to keep them waiting you can go.

They left because you told them to. You told me you wouldn't leave me. That you would stay the whole night if you had to, just to make sure I was okay.

Me: Your parents will hate me.

You wrote "I love you." And told me who cares what they thought? You just asked me what was going on in my head. You begged me to talk. You grabbed both of my hands and begged me. I forced with what strength I had, my own voice out in a whisper.

Me: "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

and I bent over and cried on top of your hands. I kept apologizing for being the way I am. For being sad. For being annoying. For ruining your night. For making you come here like this. For everything. I spilled all my tears onto the back of your hands.

Then I stopped and started writing again.

I wrote as it appeared. I let my hands move mindlessly.

Me: This is hard to talk about.

My parents created a void in me growing up.

They were never there.

Even now.

They're still not there.

L made it worse.

But that's my fault.

"That's not your fault."

N and L have the same personality.

I can't look at her without being reminded of him.

"Then don't be friends with her. Don't talk to her."

Marching band.

Papa's mad at me.

He never gets mad.

But he's mad at me.

Mama hates me.

She said so herself.

I bet papa hates me too.

I'm such a disappointment.

At that instant, you grabbed the notebook from my hand, and crossed out the words disappointment and filled it in with the words;

"Joy to have in life."

You figured talking to me wasn't working. Writing would be the only way.

You: Stop saying you're nothing. You are EVERYTHING to me. you don't need papa or mama. You can depend on me. I promise you. I LOVE YOU.


Me: But I'm hurting you.

I can't forgive myself for that.

You: NO. YOU ARE NOT HURTING ME. Dianne, I PROMISE, I will always be here for you. You NEVER hurt me EVER. I swear on my life you are one of my most important people in my life. You can never get me upset. No matter what state you're in, I'll be here. You can't blame yourself for feeling like this I PROMISE. I love you and ALWAYS will. No matter what's going on in your head. You and I will always be BEST FRIENDS. I don't care what my other friends think or what my parents think. You shouldn't either. Just know, Dianne Dancel, I love you forever.


Me: I love you too. So much. And I'm sorry if I'm sad and clingy.

You: DONT BE SORRY FOR YOUR FEELINGS.

Me: fine.

I'm sorry I'm clingy and annoying and that I'm 16 and you're taking care of me like this.

Listen,

Even though I always say I'm sorry.

I want you to know that even more than that I want to say

Thank you

I just don't have the strength to say it yet.

But that's what I really want to say

Thank you.

You: STOP saying that you're clingy or annoying. When I say I'm there for you, I mean it. When I say I'd rather have you happy than myself happy, I mean it. When I say I love you, I MEAN IT. Don't think of our age difference I care for you. I love all of you. Even the bad mind... Well I don't love it there but if it's in you, I love it. (secretly hate that thing though) I want to take all the bad things and put it away and replace it with good/happy things.

Me: read the last 3 posts.

I pulled up this blog onto my phone and made you read. They were all about you. I could see you had tears in your eyes. Your parents pulled into the driveway, and you told them hold on.

As you finished reading, and we were about to go outside, you stopped me and told me to close the door again. You hugged me. You held me. For a long time. You held me tight, and made sure I was still there in your arms. That I wasn't disappearing. That I wasn't gone. You told me I'd be strong. You told me you loved me. You kissed me on the forehead.

I love you so much.

We went out to your parents.I walked up to the passenger seat window, and I told them with a smile, "I'm so sorry about that." And your parents only looked at me and said, "Don't be sorry about that. It's okay. We're here for you. We love you."

Bewildered at the response, I had no idea how to respond.

Me: Oh my gosh, don't say that. /laugh. You're gonna make me cry

And surely enough the tears started to spill over the brims of my eyes again. Mama had grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheeks.

Her: You are still young and pretty and tiny. Just whatever you think, always think about your future and how you're gonna have a good life.

And held my hand. Papa held my other hand.

Him: Just don't think about the bad things. Think about yourself. Think about your future and what you're gonna be. Listen pumpkin, we love you. Our house, everything we have, its yours too.

Her: I like you so much Dianne. Please don't do anything.

And she kissed me more on the cheeks.

Him: Listen, you do anything, I'm gonna kick your ass. If I find out you do anything stupid. Just watch, I'm gonna kick you.

I laughed.

Her: Stop crying now. It's better when you smile. You're so pretty. You're tiny. You're a good person remember that.

Me: I'm done crying now.

You: She got her braces off too!

Her: Yes, and she's you're so cute too.

Him: It looks good.


Her: You wanna come home with us?

Me: I can't.

Her: Well if I can take you home with us I can. Just know that.


She was holding both my hands now.

Her: Listen to me Dianne. Remember You're pretty, you're small, you can do anything you want. Just don't do anything or my husband will kick your ass. And you know my husband. Promise me you're not gonna do anything.

And she gripped my hands tightly.

Me: I promise.

I smiled and gripped with what strength I had.

Her: That doesn't feel like a promise

Him: Pinky promise!

I squeezed harder.

Her: Dianne we love you. Anything. Any problem you have we're here for you ok.

Me: Ok

I said with a smile.

You stood and waited during the whole conversation, and before you got in the car. You hugged me again, and told me you loved me. Your parents told me they loved me too.

I started walking back towards the house, you started driving down the road. Mama yelled

"YOU'RE PRETTY!"

That made me smile.

Surely enough, it was already 1:18AM by the time you left. You had been with me for an hour. And that has been the most important hour to me in all of my life.

Surely enough, you are something much more to me than anyone I have ever met. More than my family, more than past loves, more than life itself. You saved me. You keep saving me. You bring me a calm I've never felt before. I love you so much.

Surely enough, this was the summer I jumped into the fire.