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Hi everyone! :-) First of all, I'd just like to suggest something for when you're reading this story. If it is at all possible, and you would like to, I would suggest you download the song 'Angel' by Sarah McLachlan and have it playing in the background while reading this story. It is the song I listened to while writing it and it will give the story more impact. At least, I hope so.
Second of all, for those of who haven't seen my profile lately, my computer crashed after 'Learning to Love - Part 3' came out and I lost everything. Luckily though I was able to save my custom content. I lost all of my characters, houses etc, though, and didn't think I would be able to continue that story. But after some advice I think I may be able to, it will just take some time. In the meantime I will bring out another story or two and I will hopefully be able to continue 'Learning to Love' in the weeks or months to come. Lucky I didn't leave it at a cliffhanger, huh! ;-)
Anyway, please enjoy this story and if you have time, let me know what you thought about it!
Second of all, for those of who haven't seen my profile lately, my computer crashed after 'Learning to Love - Part 3' came out and I lost everything. Luckily though I was able to save my custom content. I lost all of my characters, houses etc, though, and didn't think I would be able to continue that story. But after some advice I think I may be able to, it will just take some time. In the meantime I will bring out another story or two and I will hopefully be able to continue 'Learning to Love' in the weeks or months to come. Lucky I didn't leave it at a cliffhanger, huh! ;-)
Anyway, please enjoy this story and if you have time, let me know what you thought about it! I shivered though there was no breeze in the room, nor was it cold. Wrapping my arms around myself, I closed my eyes and listened to the soft beating of my heart. The constant rhythm acted as a lullaby, coaxing me to sleep. I lay on my bed, letting my mind transport me back in time.... I can't remember a time before Eliza was in my life, the day we met had always been a fond memory of mine. We had both been six and were at our first day of school. I came across her in the toilets, crying and alone. From that moment on I knew she would be my friend. I comforted her during lunch that day and from then our future was sealed.
Eliza was, and always had been, much shyer than me but when we were together she came right out of her shell. She laughed and danced, her long blonde hair a halo around her head. Oh, her laugh. It was the most beautiful sound in the world. When Eliza and I were together, there was never a dull moment. And considering we were inseparable, there was always a spark of excitement in the air. Our parents called us the 'Dynamic Duo'.
Many of our adventures led us into mischief and got us into trouble, though it was usually my fault. Being the instigator, I always felt such a thrill getting up to something we shouldn't be. Eliza, on the other hand, had always been such a good person and never intentionally wanted to get into trouble. This didn't stop her enjoying our adventures, though. We always had fun together wherever we went. Entering our adolescent years, our friendship entered a new dimension. Our lives suddenly got more complicated as our bodies started to change, our emotions ran high and boys became a favourite topic. These years brought us closer, made our bond that much stronger.
The joys we shared were intensified, the tears that fell were halved, and there was always someone to pick us up when we were down because we had each other. Eliza was the best friend I could have ever had. Eliza was sixteen when she got her first serious boyfriend. His name was Mitchell and whenever his name was mentioned, her beautiful blue eyes would sparkle and her smile would light up. They looked perfect together, turning heads wherever they were. Eliza with her flowing blonde hair and million dollar smile; Mitchell with his suave guy appearance and good looks.
I was so happy for Eliza. We would often sit and chat, giggling at times, about the power of love. We had no idea what love was really about, of course, but at the time it really felt as if we did. While Eliza was sharing her first kiss and many others with Mitchell, I was only too happy to remain single and kiss boys as I pleased. You see, we differed in many aspects of our life but it only brought us closer. We respected each other, respected each others choices, but more so I admired Eliza.
I admired her for her kindness, her ability to see the good in anyone or any situation, her beauty, her grace. Eliza was the kind of person everyone aspired to be, but couldn't be. She didn't try to be like she was, it just came naturally. I felt honored to be her friend every passing day. A broken heart is never easy to mend but the first time it feels as if the world will fall apart.I had hoped Mitchell wouldn't hurt Eliza, wouldn't cause her heart to ache like it did. But it was inevitable. Her delicate body trembled with each sob as I wrapped her in my arms. What I would have done to take away her sadness at that moment. The days and weeks after that day were barely spent apart. I did all I could to take her mind off Mitchell. And for the most part it worked. We had sleepovers and would talk about our dreams for the future; we would play games; and we would relax by the pool. Mitchell was soon a distant memory and the glint I knew all too well was back in Eliza's eyes. Our formal night. A night to remember, a night we had looked forward to for so long. Eliza looked like a princess, glowing in her plum purple gown. She really was the belle of the ball.
Our night was filled with laughter, dancing and so much fun. We didn't have dates, we just went with each other, and in the end that was the way it needed to be. Who else would we want to share such an important event with besides our best friend? After school was finished, Eliza went away to university to study medicine. This was her dream career, a career which would allow her to help people....save lives. That's all sweet Eliza wanted to do, help people. She never realised that eventually, she would be the one who needed help.
While she was away, I began my career in the hospitality industry. I felt lonely not seeing her everyday but we talked every night over the phone. Her voice brightened my day, the same way it did to so many others who were blessed to have come across Eliza in their lives. During Eliza's semester breaks, she would always come back home. We would spend as much time as we could together, catching up, before she had to go back. We were growing up quickly and, as young adults, we had the world at our feet. In our twenty first year, while Eliza was once again back for her holidays, I told her I would be moving into an apartment with my then boyfriend, Carl. She was overjoyed for me and gave me one of her brightest smiles. Her enthusiasm encouraged my own and I was once again left thinking, what had I ever done to deserve such a great friend? I will forever remember the phone call in which Eliza told me she was sure she had met 'The One'. She had always been a romantic and often dreamt of marrying that special someone when he came along.
His name was Jack, a fellow medical student, and he had captured Eliza's heart. Her voice gushed with love as she spoke about him and I could just imagine her long, elegant fingers twisting her hair as she often did when she was excited. I wanted to meet this Jack, the man who had swept my dear friend off her feet, very much. Meeting Jack some months later, a smile swept across my face. This was the man who had become so important to Eliza, the man who she told me she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I approved 100%. He was perfect for her. At Christmas time the year after, I got a very special phone call. Jack had just proposed. Nothing could wipe the smile off my face. Eliza's dreams were all coming true and it couldn't have happened to a better person. Before Eliza's wedding, we decided to have a girl's only holiday. We had always wondered how great it would be to travel to the east part of the world, so that's where we went.
It was one of the best times of my life to date. Two weeks of the most beautiful weather, discovering an incredible new culture and in the company of my best friend. It was just like back when we were at school but much, much better. We were having fun exploring the freedom that came with adulthood. I will treasure those memories for the length of my lifetime. Eliza's big day was soon upon us and everyone watched as she and Jack were pronounced man and wife. There was not a dry eye amongst the guests. Eliza was living out her fairytale.
She looked exquisite that day, so beautiful it hurt. And her smile said a thousand words, she was the happiest she had ever been. Falling pregnant two years later completed the puzzle for Eliza. Nothing could have made her life more perfect. This child, I knew, would be blessed to have Eliza as its mother. There could be no one else more suited to this role than her. She had an endless supply of love, kindness, generosity and patience. The ingredients needed to raise a child.
No one knew, though, the loss this unborn baby would suffer at such an early age. The day I became a godmother to beautiful, little Anastasia, was the happiest day of my life. Not to mention Eliza's. The tears streamed down her face as her baby girl was placed in her arms, her faithful husband by her side. She couldn't believe this olive skinned baby with big blue eyes was really hers.
Oh, how she loved her little family. The family she was taken from much too early. Eliza was not only the great mother I knew she would be, she exceeded that expectation. She devoted everything to her daughter, did whatever was needed of her and didn't think twice.
That was why she didn't notice it at first. The tiredness, the headaches, the dizziness. She thought it was to be expected, becoming a first time mum. After months of experiencing these symptoms without concern, Jack and I finally persuaded Eliza to go see a doctor. Being a doctor herself, we thought she'd be able to know something was wrong, but she seemed oblivious to it.
Maybe...just maybe, if we'd persuaded her to go sooner, she'd still be with us now. Oh Eliza, how I miss you so. Jack, Eliza's parents and I were all gathered in Jack and Eliza's living room when she broke the news. The incredible sadness and shock settled over all of us, no one able to say a word. Jack, poor Jack, put his head in his hand, not able to look at anyone. Marilyn, Eliza's mum, rushed to her side as she saw a tear slide down her daughter's cheek and put her arms around her. Her father, Mark, walked over to the window, trying to comprehend the situation. I just sat there, unable to move, to feel, as my body went numb. A brain tumor? How could this be happening? Questions, so many questions, swam through my mind. Despite Eliza's life threatening diagnosis, I tried to keep my hopes up. She can't be taken from us, I thought, not Eliza. She had never hurt anybody, done anything wrong. Why was this happening to her?
The tumor was the size of a golf ball in her brain, thus causing the symptoms she had been experiencing. The doctors couldn't operate and gave her three months to live unless a miracle happened. She was so brave, my Eliza. She never gave up hope, determined she could pull through for Jack and Anastasia. She underwent harsh chemotherapy to try and reduce the size of the tumor in hopes of survival. In the process, she lost all of her luscious golden hair that framed her gorgeous face. She grew more and more tired each day, dark shadows appearing under her eyes. Her face became paler, losing that glow she'd had as long as I'd known her. All of this, though, could not wipe that smile, that big, incredibly bright smile, off her face.
Oh, Eliza. I would've swapped positions with you in a heartbeat. You were a much better person than I could have ever been. You had twice as much to live for, a family who needs you. I need you. As the two month mark passed, Eliza spent much of her time at the hospital. She had very little energy, the dizziness and headaches increasing. She knew she didn't have much time left and wanted to spend as much time as she could with baby Anastasia. My heart went out to both of them, along with Jack. Eliza would not be able to watch her beloved daughter grow up, reach milestones, get married. Anastasia would grow up without the mother she deserved, the mother she would want as she grows up. And Jack would lose his wife, his soul mate, the mother of his child. The time we had known was coming arrived too soon. How could the happiest day of my life be followed so soon by the worst day of my life?
We were all by her bedside, Eliza's parents, Jack and I, when she drew her last, slow breaths. Tears stung my eyes and my body struggled to breathe as I realised her eyes would never open again. The grief hit me like nothing I've ever felt before, like nothing I hope to feel again. My heart, my mind felt crushed. This beautiful, full of life woman, was gone...just like that. My friend, my dearest friend, was gone. Her funeral was held five days later, on a Friday. For those five days I hadn't moved from my bed. I had thought about going to help out Jack and Anastasia, but I knew Eliza's parents would be there and I'd just get in the way.
I hoped and prayed countless times that this was all just a nightmare, but each time I opened my eyes, reality sunk in a little more. Eliza was gone.
Her funeral was beautiful, representing her short life, and everyone wore white as a sign of her innocence. My cheeks were stained with tears, just like everyone else there. Having said goodbye to Eliza, it's now time for me to learn to live without her, though I know she'll always be with me somehow. She was taken from us much too early, but obviously someone up there needed her more than we did. I am eternally grateful to have known her as long, and as well, as I did. The lifetime of memories we built together will stay close to my heart forever.
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35 Comment(s) posted so far
On Jul 25, 2009 SimStarStyle wrote:
Oh my god this was so sad, I love the way it was written it's different to alot of other stories I've read. If only these things were in stories and not real life too
5*
On Jul 25, 2009 fredbrenny wrote:
OMG...So sad...So beautyfully done! Great screenshots! 5.0 here!!! (sorry to hear your computer broke down and you lost your 'cast' )
On Jul 25, 2009 hsmroxy wrote:
OMG I cried when Eliza died. So sorry for her...She was such a good person ... I think I liked this story more than "A message from an angel", which was my favourite...You're the best writer!
On Jul 25, 2009 Mangio wrote:
*cries* great story, great screenshots.
On Jul 25, 2009 maxi king wrote:
On Jul 25, 2009 fabrizioammollo wrote:
This is so sad! But this is also a beautiful, touching story, full of overfloting emotions.
The cover picture is wonderful and the shots are great!
On Jul 25, 2009 sassy_kippy wrote:
Oh my gosh, this story was amazing, and it's very, very touching! It really makes you think. Your pcitures and style of writing were wonderful. You're a very talented writer--keep it up!!
On Jul 26, 2009 Tigerpitchergal wrote:
What an amazing story! I envy your writing skills! You should become an author or something! You sure do have the talent! I love every story that you make! Keep up your writing, your so good at it!
On Jul 26, 2009 madkitty13 wrote:
On Jul 26, 2009 spitzmagic wrote:
Sam, this is a heart warming story. I need my tissues. Very well written. I lost my mother to cancer she was my best friend. Thank you so much for this story.
On Jul 27, 2009 urm0m wrote:
Good start
On Jul 27, 2009 XxX_Venus_XxX wrote:
OMG so sad
On Jul 27, 2009 Antique~ wrote:
Wow, amazing. Great Job, That really was Touching, I can't believe i'm Crying D:
On Jul 28, 2009 SandraR wrote:
It is so sad.... I like it... good story
On Jul 29, 2009 SnowAngel2008 wrote:
This Story was so Sad and with the Song Angel playing in the BackGround really made the Story Sad. By the End of the Story I was in Tears. You Really Are an Amazing Writer and I can not wait to Read More of your Stories. It has been a Rough Couple of Weeks for me I have not ben Feeling well Lately So Sorry it took me so long to Post a Comment. I Check TSR Every Night Before I go to Sleep to see if you Posted Anything. I have Really Enjoyed reading your Stories and Alot of them Really Hit Home with Me. Take Care & God Bless.
On Jul 31, 2009 jadestar5425 wrote:
Very beautiful.
On Aug 1, 2009 KatieKing wrote:
such a great story, i almost had a sniffle....beautiful screenshots to illustrate
On Aug 1, 2009 evil_jigglypuff_21 wrote:
Wonderfully Put Story. Pictures and The Words Together, A Masterpiece. Grabbed At My Heart. You Should Get This Published. Really. Well done. ;.)
On Aug 2, 2009 Sweetie224player wrote:
dramatic her death...
On Aug 3, 2009 bubblebaby10 wrote:
i'm crying really! this story was mind blowing, well written!
my god nothing maqkes me cry!!! omg 5 stars frm mee
On Aug 4, 2009 Jillebeth wrote:
Lovely story, but so sad. I hope there is a part two with some happiness. Great job.
On Aug 5, 2009 Desu Baloney wrote:
That is so sad...I felt like crying, too! That was wonderfully written! You have a speechless talent for writing, and that is no lie. I really hope you will create more and more stories and put the same beautiful magic in them the way you did this one. If this whole stories section was a competition for the most well-written story, this would be placed in first prize. 5.0
On Aug 9, 2009 mhansell wrote:
Wow. I am speechless. I can't stop the tears from flowing. I lost my own mother to cancer 10 years ago so it hit close to my heart. You are a very talented story teller. Keep up the great work.
On Aug 25, 2009 xxCloexx wrote:
wow..that really touched me.. great story!! 5 stars for sure!
On Sep 9, 2009 charray wrote:
A sad but beautiful story
Nice job! Thanks for sharing it 
On Sep 20, 2009 Illandrya wrote:
That was just beautiful. I'm trying hard not to shed a tear here, it was so moving and so well written. Well done. I can't wait to read more of your stories.
On Sep 23, 2009 SuperStar94 wrote:
What a beautiful story! So sad, though. You wrote it really well, thank you
On Sep 24, 2009 Little Cloud wrote:
Ohmigod... you have no idea what it meant for me to read this
. Just last month, a close friend of mine passed away due to cancer. Just like Eliza, she was completely innocent. Thank you so much 
On Sep 29, 2009 staceface2009p wrote:
oh my god Sam, I literally cried! I'm a big crybaby when it comes to stuff like this.
good job though i loved it! Even though it made me cry!
On Oct 7, 2009 TUTULA wrote:
That was a sad and such a beautiful story! I really love it
On Oct 20, 2009 Jennifer_R wrote:
Wow, excellent story!
So so sad though but brilliantly written. I thought their friendship may have been to good to be true. 
On Nov 11, 2009 martoele wrote:
A very realistic story.
It brought the tears to my eyes.
On Nov 19, 2009 coraski11 wrote:
omg, i cried! that was a very depressing story, but it was a very AWESOME story!!
On May 13, 2010 dolphin.laughter wrote:
OMG, the song really did alot in reading the story. You wrote it beautifully. I never had anybody I know die, but I can imagine how hard it would be; my dad's old, and not doing so great.
How do you get Eliza's friend to cry though? I mean, when she's lying on the bed.
But you did a great job on this story. I find it easier to write sad stories, especially when I'm listening to music. Thumbs up for you Sam!
On Aug 31, 2010 babainbiba wrote: