Chapter 2:
I finally was able to come home today. I missed my warm bed, my friends, family, the smell of spring through my window, the fireworks on the Forth of July, and most of all, I miss my life.
It had been two weeks since I started chemotherapy for the first time. I came back home in perfect timing for my birthday. I guess God really does work in mysterious ways.
My 12th birthday is next Tuesday. I am so excited I see my friends. My parents arranged for Karma to come over tomorrow to celebrate me getting through chemo. It's been rough, I am so young, but I've been told I'm a fighter.
---------
When I woke up this morning, balloons surrounded my bed. The night before, I dreamt I was in my bed at home, watching movies, and crying about love stories, but when I woke up, I was still in my nightmare that I tried to escape. I still had cancer, and I still was stuck in the same bed. I was preparing myself for another tiring day of meds and chemo, but then I realized, today was the day I was being released! I sat up and just as I had, my mother rushed inside with gifts and my other family members came in too. The nurses came in as well and everyone sang to me. I had made it through my first two weeks of chemo. It hadn't occurred to me before now but, before I got cancer, I thought I was living, but now, I know I'm living. And I'm not gonna let it go to waste.
---------
As we pulled into our driveway, I couldn't help but get butterflies in my stomach. I thought I was nervous and anxious of seeing my family, but turns out, I just needed to through up because of my medicine the doctors gave me.
My mom opened the car door for me and helped me stand up. I was still a little weak from laying down in bed for two weeks straight. I was thankfully in my own clothes.
We walked up to the front door which had decorations on it, and as we went inside, I heard, "CONGRATULATIONS!". I suddenly felt overwhelmed by people hugging me and asking me questions.
I put on a big smile for everyone and tried acting happy, I was happy, but really tired. I appreciated the party, but I'd rather take a nap in my fluffy pajamas.
Later, my mom could tell I was still sleepy and announced the "special girl" was going to bed. Everyone hugged me and said they were glad I was back and when I walked inside my room, the best surprise was there!
"Welcome back Mia!" She ran up to me and have me a huge hug.
"Karma! Oh my god! I didn't think you could come!" I screamed.
It was amazing to see my best friend after all this time. Despite wanting to go to bed, after seeing her, I couldn't sleep. I was wide awake, my heart was racing, my spirits were up, and I was happy.
--------
My mom saw how happy I was to see Karma so she let her stay the night. We watched movies all night long and ate candy until our stomachs hurt. I hadn't had this much fun in forever, two weeks to be specific.
Later that night, my mom asked if we wanted to go out and get ice cream at Creamers Creamy Ice Cream shop. Just as we were about to leave the house to walk, Karma asked if I wanted a hat. I was confused because it was summer and it was warm out. It wasn't raining or snowing, so why did I need a hat?
"Yeah, Mia, you should go and get your winter hat or something." My mother agreed.
"Why? Mom, it's summer. It's warm out." I said.
My mom looked at me with sadness as if I didn't realize something, and I was right.
My mom gave up trying to convince me to get a hat and as we stepped outside, my head suddenly felt cold. But why?
I felt my head and I realized I was missing something...my hair.