when lacey met harry

week thirteen

MONDAY

I woke up on Monday morning and made my way downstairs to my brother's kitchen. I hadn't unpacked anything, so all I had was my Yale sweater and a pair of leggings Kenny let me borrow.

I turned on the coffee machine and opened up the fridge, grabbing some bread, popping it in the toaster. I wasn't hungry, but I knew I needed something in my system to control the lingering nausea from chemo.

Chester was on his way, so I could catch him up on everything including my cancer. I was thankful when he moved his shifts around so we could talk. Chester walked in as my toast popped up, and I pulled it out and onto a plate.

"Hey Lace!" He smiled walking over and hugging me from behind.

"Hey Ches, want some toast with jam? That's all we have right now." I smiled small.

"That's fine." He said looking over my face, "Lace, have you slept?"

I couldn't help but laugh slightly at his bluntness, "I haven't actually. Not much at least."

I got out more bread and toasted two slices for Chester. Biting my lip softly.

"What's wrong Lacey?" Chester sat at the breakfast nook, concerned face.

"Everything." I breathed out, wiping away my tears, I sniffled and shook my head. I cleared my throat, spread some jam and butter on the first two slices and handed them to him as the other finished. I did the same to mine and poured two cups of coffee sitting next to him at the nook.

"Everything okay with you and Harry?" He asked and I instantly shook my head.

"No. He broke up with me. And I guess I understand. I just, it's all so fucked up Chester." I cried and explained everything to him. By the end we were both in tears and he was holding my hand tightly, "I don't know what to do."

He pulled me in and hugged me tightly, I felt the small tremble of his cry and he pulled me closer, "When do you find out about the cancer?"

"A month. Or something like that." I said pulling away and wiping my tears. I took a sip of my coffee, the warm feeling good against my throat.

"At least the semester is going to be over soon, Lacey."

"I'm so tired of people saying that. What if I don't get better Chester? What if I die never seeing him again. I can't help but feel like he chose the easy route."

"Lacey, you know that wasn't the easy route for him. Liza said Niall has been over there everyday since Friday. We knew something was up, we just weren't sure what."

I bit into my toast and chewed it softly, nodding. Deep down I knew it wasn't easy on him. Yet, I felt like if I hated him enough, it would make this easier.

"Do you know if his dad really went against your dad?"

"No, I'm not speaking to my parents at the moment, and neither is Mark. I don't think he did. I think something got lost in translation, but stupid Monica's father knew what he was doing." I shook my head angrily.

Chester nodded at me, analyzing my face.

"I don't even want to go to school, but I have to. Finals are coming up, and for once, because of chemo, I'm actually behind."

"Well I'm working doubles all this week, so come hang out with me. I'll let you stay until we lock up."

I nodded, "Thanks Chester."

"I love you Lacey, don't you leave me." He said, biting back tears and I leaned into him.

"Never, I love you too."