ScienceFictionEssayPS

My Science Fiction Story: Duplicate

Cancer. It's such a horrible thing. It's full of hatred. It is 2035 and we still don't have a cure. You would think with the new technology and government rules, we would finally have a way to end cancer. We don't; everyone still has to live and suffer with this horrible, disgusting disease. And my sister has to live with it.

My sister is very skinny, because of the cancer. She has straight blonde hair and vibrant green eyes, just like mine. Her skin is pale and cold as ice. I never see her much anyways; she is always in her room or the hospital.

So many things have changed in Earth; new government, new technology, new everything. We have so many new inventions and machines; you would think all we care about is new things. But that's the thing, it's true, that's all we care about. All we want is something new, a new game, a new shirt, a new house, a new job; the list could go on. No one ever cares about what they have now. We have so many new machines. The inventions made go from duplicating food, which was supposed to help stop hunger, but then people used it for their selfish needs to levitating cars. I don't know the purpose for this invention, but it is kind of cool. All we are waiting for is an invention for cloning. We also have a new government. It's the same, really, but we have different rules. Most of these rule changes is the reason for having half of these inventions. One of the new rules we have is that we are allowed to use certain chemicals that make two of something. That is probably one of the worst rules they could have ever made. Now everyone is making machines to duplicate items. It's not classified as cloning because everyone here says cloning is only used to describe the duplication of one person to make two. Another rule we have is to allow a certain type of air pressure that, "defies gravity." Literally it is just a certain measure of air pressure that makes the car float off the ground for maybe thirty minutes. Right now they are working on making it stay off the ground for however long you want.

Life is so different now. People are doing crazy things. Not with machines and things, but with actual life. People are signing up to be test monkeys for horrible inventions. Doing this causes horrible diseases and viruses. One of the most common one is cancer. I don't even know how my sister's day was because she is too sick to talk. It really frustrates me when people would actually take the chance to have that happen to them. If only everyone would know how hard it is when you get to the worst stage in cancer. They don't though, and that's why they risk their life for a little extra money.

I'm walking home from second job at the bakery on a regular Thursday evening. I have to work two jobs because we need extra money to pay for Gemma's medical bills. It's okay with me though, I'd do anything to help my younger sister. She's like my best friend. Even though she is younger than me, she gives great advice. I always go to her when I have a problem. She is my first consultant. I'm almost home when I get a call from my mom. "Yes?" I say when I press answer call. "Get home fast!" she cries out, "I...I...Just come home please!" I start running at the sound of my mother's cry. "Okay mom, I'm on my way," I say in an assuring voice. "Stay on the phone with me." My mom is a very fragile person. Ever since Gemma's cancer was proven true, she's changed. She is over emotional, doesn't sleep at night, and she is always by Gemma's side. "What happened, mom, are you okay?" I spoke into the phone. "NO! Stay with me please!" she screamed to someone that was not me. "Harry, come home!" "I'm coming, just don't hang up." She obviously didn't hear me because with that, she hung up. I started to run faster, until I was at my door. I busted open the unlocked door. I stood at the door way trying to find where my mom was. She was crying loudly from the back of the house. I followed her voice. She was in Gemma's room, standing next to her side. Crying, screaming, and begging Gemma to open her eyes. And that’s when it hit me. I couldn't move, talk, or even think, for that matter. All I could do was stare straight ahead at my pale, non-moving sister. Lying on her bed like she has been for the past four years. "This isn't true," I said to myself, "My sister is not dead."

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I woke up to the sound of sirens. Did I fall asleep? I shot up and immediately, a pounding came to my head. My lips were dry and chapped and my throat felt all swollen like I was screaming. Confused as to why there are EMT's at my house, I walked over to my crying mother. I sat by her side, finally remembering the events that occurred last night. My sister is dead. My sister is not breathing; she will never open her eyes again. The only good thing about this whole situation is that she is no longer suffering in the pain that comes along with cancer. I helplessly watched the EMT's carry out my limp sister with a blanket over face. I couldn't bear to watch her go. I couldn't move, so I just sat there, hugging my shaking mother. I was looking off into the distance; I couldn't even look at her. I don't know why, but for some reason, I was started getting mad at her. Why? Why would she die on me like this? She can't do this. She can't just leave me like this. I need her; I need her to be here with me. She needs to give me advice, I can't go to my mom, she can't help me the way that Gemma did. And now she's gone, she is gone forever; she will never be able to see this world again. I will never be able to see her again. That was it - poof - she's gone, never to be seen again. No, she must just be really sick, she is not dead. I can't let myself think like that. But deep down inside, I know she's dead. I don't want to believe it, but it is true. I need to believe it, though; I need to be strong for my mom. She is probably dying on the inside, she is really fragile, and Gemma is the youngest; was the youngest. And after my dad left us, she latched onto Gemma. Gemma was here little teddy bear, whenever she needed to have a girl chat about work, or my dad, or anything in particular; Gemma was the one. Gemma was always the go-to-girl. She is very understanding, she has a kind heart, she listens, and she is everything you would ever need. And now, she is gone.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My mom starts screaming when the ambulance pulls away. She runs outside, or tries to run, but she ends up in tears on the sidewalk. I walk outside and sling her limp arm over my broad shoulder and walk her inside. She fights me at first, but after a while she gave up and let me walk her inside. She immediately collapsed on the floor in a heap of tears. Sighing, I picked her up and laid her down on her bed. I walked back into the living room and burst into tears. I couldn't help it, I told myself I would be strong, but I needed to let out this pain. What am I supposed to do? She was my best friend. Now I have no one. I never made any friends at school because I only give my time to Gemma. Now what? I need rest, that's what I should do right now. I cried out all of my tears, my throat hurt from screaming, my head ached from all of my thoughts. I just need sleep. I got a glass of water, washed my face, and threw myself into bed. I tried to stop my thoughts, but I couldn't stop thinking about her. After what felt like forever, I finally feel into a restless slumber.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I woke up hours later to the sound of my mother's crying and screaming. I tried to block out the sound, but she just wouldn't stop. I got a glass of water and a wet rag and walked into her room. Expecting to see her awake, I was proven wrong when I saw her asleep in her bed. Nightmares, how could I not think about those? I gently rocked her to wake her up and told her to drink the water. I put the rag on the back of her neck and told her to breathe. She started to calm down, so to keep her quiet I asked her about her dream. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"She told me she was expecting to die," she started off, "she said she hated the suffering." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"It's okay, you know what happened, she was always happy. She loved her life." I say reassuringly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I want her back," my mom said with a shaky voice, "I need her here with me." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I handed her the water and she chugged it down. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm going to go to the bakery and ask for extra shifts so we can pay for a funeral. I'll pick up some breakfast." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, just don't over work yourself, honey." my mom said softly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I kissed her on the cheek and walked out of her room. I picked up my jacket and put my shoes on. I walk out of my house and feel the cool November wind hit my face. I pull my jacket on tighter and walk faster. I reach the bakery and slip through the doors. The familiar smell of bread and muffins hit my face like a brick wall. I walk over to the counter and lay my head down. Miss. Wendy, one of the waitresses, came over and rubbed my back. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Are you okay?" Miss. Wendy asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Not really," I said sighing, "My, um, Gemma passed away. She died from cancer." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh my! Yes, I knew she had cancer, but I didn't know she passed! Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry! If you are here to take some days off, that is perfectly fine." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Actually," I said standing up somewhat, "I came here to ask for more shifts because we need to pay for Gemma's funeral." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, of course, start anytime you'd like. It's a slow day today, just saying," she said with a slight smile that barely covered her sadness over Gemma. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm going to start tomorrow. I'm not able to work now." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Of course, see you soon," Miss. Wendy said with a turn back into the kitchen. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I stood up all the way and walked out into the freezing air. The coldness immediately hit my cheeks, turning them to a slight shade of pink. I didn't know where I was going, but I started to walk the opposite way of my house. I just needed to clear my mind. I started walking towards the school I will be attending tomorrow. My family moved down from England just a few months ago to get better treatment for Gemma. I haven't been to school yet because we needed to save money from the move. Back in England, we spent a lot of money on cancer treatment that didn't do anything. She stayed the exact same. We then found a very nice doctor and hospital down in America and started saving money. Once we got enough, we moved to America. We still needed money to pay the doctor visits, pay off debt from the new house, and to pay off my school tuition. I got my first job in America at a clothing store and my mom got a job as a teacher at an elementary school. We still didn't make enough money, so I got the job at the bakery. I took as many shifts as I could at my two jobs and my mom was working on becoming vice principals and getting a raise. And now, here we are; I paid off my tuition, the house is paid off, and Gemma's doctor bills are, unfortunately, no longer being worried about.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I got to the entrance of my school and looked through the gate. I watched some teachers leave the building and walk towards their cars. Others were walking around the campus, trying to get work done. A tall, female teacher locked eyes with me and immediately started to walk my way. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"The school is closed," she said with a glare. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I was just looking," I said with a tight smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm sorry, but you're not allowed to be, 'just looking'," she spat back. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I am not in the mood for a grouchy, underpaid teacher. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I just moved here three months ago," I started off, "I am attending this school tomorrow and I wanted to check it out." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Why are you applying just now?" she said with a hint of annoyance. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">That's it. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Maybe because my family didn't have enough money for this rich, preppy school because we were too busy paying for my, now dead, sister's cancer medical bills!" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Her eyes grew to the size of tennis balls as her face turned the color of her white designer bag. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know, wow, I'm so sorry," She mumbled. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, whatever," I said with an eye roll. I turned around and stomped off. Some people are just plain out rude. You never know what is going on in their life. I hate that school already. I know that it was just one teacher, but I am not in a good mood, and she just made it worse. Well, I can't wait until school tomorrow.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I woke up with my alarm blaring in my ear. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Ughhh," I moaned loudly, "I am not going to this horrible school." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I got up anyways and made my way to my closet. I tried to find a nice outfit to wear on my first day of school, but gave up and pulled out a tee-shirt with my favorite band on it and a pair of slightly faded jeans. I slid on my favorite shoes and walked to the kitchen. Unsurprisingly, I saw my mom making me a first-day-of-school-breakfast like she usually does and a camera on the counter. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Good morning high schooler!" she said with big smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mom, I'm a junior. I've already been to high school," I said while grabbing a plate to put my food on. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I know, but you're going to a new school. In a new country, it's different." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"That's a way to put it," I said starting to dig into my food. My mom noticed my attitude and the whole mood in the room instantly changed. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What's wrong? Are you not excited?" She asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Not really. I was planning on asking Gemma for advice about school and what to do, even though it would be her first day too, but she would know what to do. I can't, though, because she's not here and yesterday a teacher yelled at me for looking through the gates of the school and now I don't want to go," I finished with a big huff. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I know, Harry," she said with a sad look on her face. Oh no, I don't want her to be all sad again, "I miss her, too," she continued. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm sorry, mom, I didn't want to ruin your happy mood." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Its fine, now eat your breakfast and get ready for your first day of school," she said a little less excitedly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Even though I wasn't in the mood to eat, I ate all of my breakfast. I grabbed my bag, said goodbye to my mom, and started to walk out of the house. I have to walk to school because it's close by and it would be a waste of gas money. When I got to the all too familiar gate, I froze because that's when it hit me. I'm actually going to my very first high school in America. I'm no longer the popular kid in England; I'm a nobody with a cool accent in a lame American school. With a moan, I walked towards the administration office. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hi, how may I help you?" the desk lady said with a smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm Harry, I'm a transfer student. I'm here to get my schedule and sign in." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, yes, of course, Harry Chodes, how could I forget?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She dug through a ton of drawers and looked through piles of paper until she found the right file. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Ah, here it is. Chodes, Harry; this is your file. It has your schedule, handbook, paperwork, and anything else you would need. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask," She said as she hurriedly turned back to her computer." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okie dockey," I said with a slight smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I quickly walked out of the office and into the jungle of high school. The first bell rang and a swarm of students flooded the hallways. I was getting pushed and shoved into the walls while people yelled at me for being in the way. Great way to start off the day, shoved into walls. I barely got to my first class alive. I slowly walked to the teacher's desk and introduced myself, already annoyed with having to do this. I took a seat in the back of the room. I wasn't paying attention the entire class; I was just sulking at the fact that I had to be here. The whole day was the same as the previous minute until something at least remotely interesting happened. During my seventh period class, someone talked to me. First student from the whole day that I was there, to talk to me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hi, are you new?" the overly happy girl asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, I am. Can't you tell? I have to introduce myself before every class," I said in an annoyed tone, I don't know why, maybe because I hate this school. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, yeah, sorry," she said in a quieter tone while she turned around slightly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Sorry," I said fast so she wouldn't turn around all the way, "I didn't mean to say it that way. This school didn't really make a good first impression to me." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Its fine," she said in the same sad tone, "I completely understand, I just came back from a long break a couple weeks ago and everyone and everything is completely different." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Why did you take a long break in the middle of the year?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Why did you apply to this school in the middle of the year?" she snapped back almost instantly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Because I moved to here from England," I said slowly. That was some mood swing. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, I just took a break, that's it. Nothing interesting," she said quickly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay then." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">And with that, she turned around and the late bell rang, which started class. The whole class I kept wondering what was wrong with the question that made her get so angry. Did someone die in her family and she had to take some time off? No, I don't think she would be out for as long as she made it seem. Did she get really sick? She would've had to be really sick if she would be out that long. I wonder if I should ask her how long she was out. I was about to ask her before I second guessed because I was afraid it would be an offensive question like before. The class ended and again, I didn't pay attention at all. I started heading the way of my eighth period when I noticed someone familiar in front of me. With my luck, it was moody girl. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hey," I said when I caught up to her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, hi," she said creating a weird feeling of tension. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Are you going to Geometry?" I asked her trying to avoid the awkward tension in the air. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, with Mr. Jackson." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"And so am I," I said with the friendliest smile I could make. I should at least try and make friends here considering I'm going to be stuck here for the rest of the year. Plus, I need someone to tell me about the school and get familiar with it. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh great. Two classes in a row with you," she groaned. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What is your problem? All I did was ask why you were out of school." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, and that's the problem, I don't want to be reminded of why I wasn't here." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You could have started out with that," I said with an eye roll. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She ignored me the rest of the way to the classroom. I sat down first when we got to class; so of course, she sat as far away from me as possible. I didn't care though, she was acting weird and over dramatic. I hate over dramatic people.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The day finally ended and I went straight to my car. I was never much of a good student, so I don't really care about homework or whatever. Also, today was my first day and I didn't learn anything so I wouldn't be able to do the homework. I was almost at my car when I heard my name being called. Surprisingly, the voice calling my name was moody girl; I should probably learn her name considering she knows mine. Wait, how does she know my name? <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Um, yes?" I called back in a confused tone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I needed to ask you something," she stated as if she didn’t hate me minutes earlier. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Before that, what is your name and how do you know mine?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You're the new kid, from England, everyone knows you." Fair enough. "It's Tessa, by the way. My name is Tessa." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Tessa a small rounded face. She had long wavy brown hair and brown eyes. Her skin was white and smooth and she was very slim for her height. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Cool. And that question?" I asked nervously. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, right! I was wondering if you would like to start over. I mean you are new the school and no one is friendly at all here and I did come off on a bad foot, so I was wondering if, maybe, you would like to be friends, maybe." Wow, that was completely unexpected. Just, wow. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Uh, sure. Why not?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Great! And since we both have the same class two periods in a row, it should be nice." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, definitely. Let's 'start over'," I mocked. I was trying to be mean about this, but no one has ever offered to be my friend before. I'm not the friendly, people-person type. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Right," she said in a less excited tone. "Well, I should probably get going. See you tomorrow." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She walked away and soon I was all alone with my car again. This time it was different though, this time I had a friend.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I drove straight home; almost a little sad when I got there. I love my mom, but I know that she is going to be asking me all about my day and roaming around the house like a lost puppy. I walked inside and immediately bombarded by my mother. She asked me all the questions you would think a mother would ask you about your day. I gave her the same answer to them all, 'It was good.' I went to my room and sat on my bed, not knowing what to do. After debating on what I should do, I decided to go to the bakery. I got dressed and kissed my mom goodbye before I left. I walked down to the bakery, smelling the freshly baked bread already. I walked in and was greeting by Miss. Wendy and Mrs. Dolly.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry! Long time no see!" Mrs. Dolly exclaimed as she pulled me in for a hug. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Good afternoon, Mrs. Dolly. Glad to be back." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wendy told me all about Gemma, I'm so sorry for your lost. She was such a great kid." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, I really miss her, but I'm getting through it." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"How's your mom? She must be devastated." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"She's, uh, getting there." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We talked for a little bit more before I got the sudden feel of realization. We usually have different costumers come eat here, but we always have the same two people that come here at exactly 3:45. A working man named George, and a young girl in high school. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Tessa! You're here; I was afraid you weren't going to show up today," Miss. Wendy yelled excitedly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hello," Tessa said quietly as she met her eyes with mine. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Um, hi Tessa," I said casually. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hello?" she said sounding more like a question. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She sat down at her original booth and I went to go take her order. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hi, how may I help you?" I stated the usual line. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What are you doing here?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I work here, what are you doing here?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I always eat here after school, I didn't even recognize you today," she said more to herself then me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'll just get you the usual," I said trying to stop the awkward conversation. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, sure." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I walked back to the kitchen and went to get her the usual pumpkin spice bread and lemonade. I took it back to her table and handed it to her. I didn't really know what to do after that because everyone was served and the dishes were all cleaned. I guess I was thinking for a little too long because she spoke up. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Um, do you want to sit?" she asked nervously. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, sure. I have nothing else to do." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I slide into the booth across from her and folded my hands in my lap. I really wanted to get to know her, considering she is my new friends. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So, where were you born?" I asked, trying to start a conversation. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I was born here, in America. I'm guessing you were born in England." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You guessed right." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She laughed an awkward laugh. This is going to be a lot harder than I thought. I didn't know what to talk about; I'm not much of a conversation starter. I'm better at keeping the conversation going, but someone has to start it. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So," she said as if reading my mind, "why did you come to America?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"My sister. We came here for better medical treatment, I guess it lasted for a while, but not long enough." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure my attitude was just the cherry on top." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"It's fine. I knew it was coming, I just didn't want it to come." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It was silent for a moment. I was debating with myself if I should ask her about why she wasn't here for a while. I wasn't going to say anything, but before I knew it, I asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Why were you not here for a while?" I asked and immediately regretted it from the look on her face. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I, uh, okay. I should probably tell you, sense you would understand the most out of everyone," she started off, which made me worried. "I, actually, have cancer," she said slowly. I don't really remember anything after that because I completely lost it. I completely forgot the fact that other people could have cancer. No one should have to live this way. No one should have to suffer like Gemma. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, wow. Uh, wow," I mumbled. I couldn't say anything; I didn't know what to say. I have so many questions, but I don't know how to ask them. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"It's not that bad, yet at least. The doctor said that I can go to school and hang out with my friends and stuff, but I had to quit swimming." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You used to swim?" I asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, and I was really good at it. I wanted to be a professional, but I had to stop." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What type of cancer do you have?" I asked when I finally got the courage to. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"It's in my lungs; I'm getting a breathing machine next week." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow, you need a breathing machine? It's that bad?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, I get fluid in my lungs sometimes and it makes it hard to breathe. I've gotten many surgeries to try and fix it, but nothing worked. Now I'm getting my portable breathing machine," she said with a slight smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm so sorry to hear about that," I said with sad look in my eye. "I kind of know how you feel considering my sister had it. You will get through this. You just have to keep saying that to yourself, don't ever stop saying that because then your body will give up." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Thank you, I'm trying. Don't worry though! It's not that bad right now, all I need is the breathing machine." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We kept talking for a while until we realized what time it was. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh my! It's 10:00! I have to go home I have homework!" she said randomly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, right, homework." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'll see you tomorrow at school. Thanks for talking to me. I don't usually have anyone to talk to me." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No problem, it was fun. A lot better than working, that's for sure" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">She laughed a small laugh and got her back and walked out after she said good bye to everyone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So," Miss. Wendy cooed, "you got yourself a little girlfriend, don't you, Harry." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What? No, she's not my girlfriend. I just met her today." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You seemed to be talking to her for a long time today," she said with a smirk. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, we were talking about..." I paused. What was I supposed to say? I can't say we were talking about her cancer, I don't know if she wants anyone to know. "We were talking about Gemma." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Right, I'm sure. Now go home. It's late, say hi to your mom for me." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Sure thing. Bye now." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I said bye to everyone and started off home. With the cold wind hitting my cheeks and fact that I actually had a friend on my mind.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Weeks and weeks went by. Nothing interesting happened. I went to school, went home, waited fifteen minutes, went to the bakery at exactly 3:45, did work for twenty minutes, and then talked to Tessa until 10:00. It started to become a routine. I would wait impatiently at my house and would work hurriedly at work until I finally could sit at the booth all the way in the back corner, by the window, with the birdbath outside. We became really close. We could talk about anything for hours and hours. Sometimes, we would lose track of time and talk until 10:30 or 11:00 and Miss. Wendy would have to drag us out. Every once in a while I would walk her home just to finish our conversation. We were like the best of friends. I couldn't wait until seventh and eighth period so I could see her. We would walk to the parking lot together and then meet back up at 4:00 at the bakery when I got off. We never have awkward silences and she always starts the conversation (I told her that I'm not a very good conversation starter). We will sometimes even video chat and do homework when we get back home. She doesn't live far from my house, only in the next neighborhood. She was the only thing I looked forward to at that horrible school.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One day, I got home from school and headed towards my room like usual. My mom stopped me in front of my room. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hey, I have to talk to you," she said in a weird peppy tone. Something's wrong, she only uses this tone when something is wrong. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What's wrong, your tone of voice means something is wrong." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"It has to do with Tessa, your friend." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I know who Tessa is mom, what happened?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"This is hard to tell you, but...” <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mom! What's wrong?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Tessa is...in the hospital. She had a lot of fluid in her lungs last night. She couldn't breathe. They took her to the emergency room because she wouldn't stop coughing." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What..?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">'I'm sorry, sweetie. I got the call from her mother today right before you came home. I don't know how she is doing, but I'm sure you can go and visit her." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What hospital is she at?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"The one down the street, St. John's Hospital." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I didn't say anything back because I was already at the door. I couldn't think straight, all I was thinking was, 'why Tessa? Why are you doing this to me right after Gemma?' She already got her breathing machine, she was doing just fine, and she wasn't in crazy bad health; besides the fact that she had cancer. She has to be fine, please, that's all I ask for.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I got to the hospital and rushed through the doors, the desk lady stopped me before I could get to the hallway. She was talking to me, but I couldn't hear what she was saying. It was only until she sat me down on a chair that I realized I won't be able to see Tessa for a while. I'm not family or anything, so I can't see her. I always hated that rule. I don't understand it, if you are begging to see someone in the hospital; you should be able to see them. It doesn't matter if you are family or not; you should still see them. I waited in the waiting room for hours. I got to the hospital at 3:30 and I left at 9:00. They told me I wasn't going to be allowed to see her today because she wasn't in good condition. I walked home and immediately went to my room; thankfully with no questions from my mom. I fell onto my bed and stared at the ceiling. I was extremely tired; I didn't get to sleep at the hospital because I was too nervous. I was thinking about Tessa when I fell asleep.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I've been in and out of hospital for months. After school and work I go straight to the hospital and see Tessa for as long as I can. She hasn't even been awake. They out her to sleep because if she wakes up she wouldn't be able to do anything with the heavy breathing mask on. They just took the mask off last week, but she still hasn't woken up. By the second week I started to get worried. What if she never wakes up? She needs to wake up, she is all I have. I

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I went to the hospital again on a Wednesday afternoon. I walked into the hospital and greeted the desk lady, but instead of her opening the doors, she made me sit down. I asked her what happened, and she just stared at me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What happened?" I asked the desk lady. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Tessa is being treated right now," she replied like she has been saying it all day. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Is she awake?" I asked with hope. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, she woke up this morning. They are treating her to see if she is okay. She was asleep for longer than expected." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Is she okay?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I don't know, you can see her in a little bit." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I waited in the waiting room for an hour or two. The doctors finally came out and told me I could see her, but be careful because she is very weak right now. I ran to her room and walked in quietly and slowly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hi," I said awkwardly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mm," she hummed with closed eyes. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So I have a feeling you can't talk right now or see, but that's okay; it's me, Harry." She tried to open her eyes and say something, but I gently pushed her back down. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, lay down, you really need to rest. I've been here for months waiting for you to wake up; I hope I was the first one here." I talked to for hours of just about what has happened. Whenever I said something that was funny, she would give me a slight smile and a soft noise came from her nose. She slowly fell asleep so I let her. She finally drifted off to a deep sleep and I listened to her breathing rise and fall. I stayed there for a little while longer until something went wrong. Her heart machine started to beep faster than usual and she was breathing slower than usual. I got worried so I ran out of the room and screamed for help. Immediately, doctors and nurses rushed past me and into the room. One doctor muttered a 'thanks kid' and told me to wait outside. I waited. I waited for many more hours. It was the latest I ever stayed at the hospital. It was really dark outside now and my mom kept calling me and telling me to come home, but I kept saying I will when I can. After four hours of waiting in the lobby and doctor came out with his gloves in his hand. He had and tired and sad look on his face. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hey kid, what are you still doing here?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I was here for Tessa, is she alright?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"About that, she isn't all right. We tried as hard as we could to keep her, but the fluid in her lungs was too much, we couldn't drain it in time." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"'Keep her'? What do you mean 'keep her'? She is still alive right?" He was silent for a moment. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Right?" I said in a stronger tone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No. I'm terribly sorry, but she has passed away." He said glumly. I couldn't say anything back. I couldn't even see or hear. I probably couldn't stand either because I felt someone put me into a chair. Everyone was talking to me, but I couldn't comprehend what they were saying. I just shut my eyes and tried to wake up from this horrible nightmare.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I woke up in my bed sweating like crazy. That was some dream that I had. My mom came in and sat by my bed. She kept asking me if I was okay and I told her I was fine. She asked me if I wanted anything and I refused. She sighed and left the room. Confused to why she was acting that way, I walked out to the kitchen and sat down next to her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So you did want something." she said and looked at me with big eyes. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, I was wondering why you are acting so weird this morning." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm just trying to comfort you, Harry." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Why though?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm guessing it hasn't sunken in yet." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"What are you talking about?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, last night, in the hospital, Tessa." And that's when I remembered. Tessa died. She wasn't here with us anymore. She is gone, forever. I will never see her again.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After a week or two, her funeral came. It was in her favorite childhood spot; the opening in the woods behind her house. I wore my black suit and put a rose in the pocket. I told my mom over and over that I didn't want to go, but she insisted it would be better for me if I went. I didn't want to go because I knew I would miss her even more. I've been trying to forget her, and everyday I've been thinking less and less of her. If I go, I know I will start to miss her again and then I'm back at phase one.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The funeral was very nice. It was silent in the beginning, and then the speaker started his speech. The parents talked, family and friends talked, and I even managed to spit out a few words before I choked up and had to sit back down. People sung and some went to visit her open casket. I wanted to see her so badly, but I didn't allow myself. I hated the funeral. It made me depressed and I missed her more. It reminded me of Gemma's funeral and that wasn't good to think of. As I was thinking of both of them while silently crying, I thought to myself, 'I must get Tessa back. If I can't have Gemma, then I must have Tessa.' And with that thought in my head, I did.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So many ideas went through my head of getting Tessa back. I thought of everything from robots to finding a twin. I was listening to the radio one day when I heard the best idea. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"And now, the news for 101.8 channel! Scientist just discovered a new way of technology. With the help of new gadgets and government rules, we can now clone! That's right, you heard it here folks, and we can now duplicate human beings. First tested on animals..." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I didn't hear the rest because I shut off my radio. I couldn't believe it, we can duplicate people. I looked it up on my computer and realized it is real. They showed a video on the duplication of an animal and then showed it on the duplication on a dead baby. They took the newborn and cloned its body and then it used a method of mind mapping to clone the braid and personalities. It is real cloning. You actually get the same person back, no gaps. I called up the science department and asked to speak to the science cloning head director.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">We talked for a while and she told me everything about the cloning. It takes years to finish and is a very expensive and long journey. I told her that I was okay with that and I can even pay to replace anything she needed for the process. She thought about it for a minute then asked for my name. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry Chodes." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry Chodes! I used to know your father. We worked together for some time. Of course, I will do the cloning for you, your father and I were very close, best friends. Give me your contact information and we will be in touch soon." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I gave her my cell phone number and the house phone and she said she would contact me soon. I hung up and felt sick to my stomach with excitement. I might actually get Tessa back.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I finally got a call back a few weeks later. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hello, is this Harry Chodes?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, is this doctor..?" I trailed off, not remembering her name. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, yes, I never told you my name," that's why. "I'm Doctor Riley." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Doctor Riley, so nice to hear from you." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"As of you Mr. Chodes. Now, can I please speak to your parents? I would like to start the cloning, but I first need new supplies for the mind mapping and body duplication. You said you can handle that?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Right, of course. I'll hand over the phone." My mother can definitely handle the money thing. Now that my grandparents actually talk to us, they've been ignoring us because of my father before Gemma died; they can give us money for the cloning. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Hello, this is Mrs. Chodes," my mother spoke into the phone softly. I mentioned the cloning to her earlier in the week, but I don't think she actually thought I was serious about it. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mrs. Chodes! How nice to hear your voice again!" Doctor Riley spoke excitedly. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm sorry, who is this?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm Doctor Riley; I was very close with your husband." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh, right! How could I forget you? Now, what is the problem?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Your son would like to clone a human being. He said you could cover the finances. After we get that sorted out, we can start the process." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Finances?" My mother looked at me with stern angry eyes. I gave the trust-me-on-this-one look and she agreed to the plan. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Great! I'll send you the address to you soon, the price of everything so far will be $4,672." My mother almost chocked at her words. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"So far? There will be more payments?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, of course. That is just for restocking supplies. Is that going to be a problem?" I stared at her with the eyes of a beggar. She sighed and turned back to the phone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, that won't be a problem." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Alright, see you soon!" My mom hung up the phone and turned to me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"How in the world am I going to get that money?" My mom yelled at me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Grandma and Grandpa, mom. Trust me, I really want her back and I would do anything for that to come true." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Your grandparents are not going to give us almost five thousand dollars for this. They will think we are crazy." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Please, mom. Just help me with this." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Fine," she sighed in defeat, "I'll ask your grandparents, but if they say no, this stops." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, thank you so much, mom." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You're welcome, sweetie. Anything for that sweet young girl." I gave her a huge hug and went to my room to research cloning malfunctions.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After a couple of weeks, my grandparents finally gave us the right amount of money. I called Dr. Riley and told her we have the money for the supplies. She told me that she will collect the money herself at Tessa's house. We have to go to her house to get DNA samples. So far, they found an old toothbrush, a tissue in the trashcan, and her used hairbrush in the cabinet. Dr. Riley said that should be enough because that is a lot of DNA, but just in case she brought a worn T-shirt. I walked down to Tessa's house and gave the doctor the money. She thanked me and we both left. I went back home and didn't know what to do. Dr. Riley said she would call me every once in a while to update me on the cloning process, but the first call might be in a couple of months. I know the process will take years to finish, but I already am excited for her to come back; if the cloning works. Everything stayed the same; I went to school, came home, went to work, and came back home and waited for a phone call. I had my phone on loud and with me every second of the day. Even if it rang during the middle of class, I would answer and see how Tessa's doing. After a few months, I got the call. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, great news. The cloning is going great, right on schedule." Dr. Riley spoke immediately. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"That is such great news. What has happened so far?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, I'm almost done cloning her body, about three quarters there. Then I have to start the mind mapping. I started the first phase of the mind mapping before I started cloning because I know that phase takes the longest." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, take as long as you need. Which reminds me, how long do you think is left?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Maybe about six months, sit tight buddy." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm trying."

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Six months felt more like six years. I was eating myself alive with wonders and assumptions of the cloning. The worst thought that I had is that she won't remember me or hate me when she wakes up. I started to think that it wasn't going to work. I carried on with my life, I made friends at school, and I got more shifts at the bakery. I even lay back on visiting Tessa; I spent more time with my mom and with my new friends.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Early in January, I got the call from Dr. Riley while I was at the supermarket. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Doctor," I said in a somewhat confused tone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, the cloning worked! She's alive! She is sleeping right now, but she is breathing and moving. We are going to exercise her muscles every day until she wakes up, we will call you immediately when she does." I was too shocked to say anything. I dropped my items on the floor and everyone stared at me. She's alive. I can't believe she's alive. I was silent for a moment before I responded. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow, she's alive," I barely chocked out, "Does she still have the cancer inside of her?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, I made sure to take that out. I have to get going now; I have to take tests on her to make sure everything is going okay. I will call you soon." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay thank you Doctor." I hung up and ran to my car. I can't believe Tessa is actually awake and moving. She is breathing like a normal human should. She is alive, with no cancer. I will be able to see her and talk to her. We will be able to do everything we did before, if she remembers me. No, Harry, don't think like that. She will remember you, you were best friends, and you were like siblings.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I drove home as fast as I could. When I got home and raced to my mom. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Mom! Guess what!" I screamed at her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Whoa, calm down, fast one. What is going on?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Tessa...is...alive..." I checked out in short breaths. I stopped talking to regain my breath, but my mom got the point. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow, she is actually alive?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, she is in the hospital right now. She isn't awake yet and they are running tests on her to make sure she is okay." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"That's great honey. Now that she is okay, you should get some sleep, you must be so tired after worrying about her." I tried to go to bed, but I couldn't. I stayed up most of the night feeling extremely guilty. I stopped visiting Tessa because I thought it wouldn't work. She died and is coming back to life. She is resurrecting, and I couldn't even visit her for a few hours every day. She is going to wake up extremely confused and I was supposed to be there to help her. I wasn't; I was selfish and stupid and gave up on her. The doctors never gave, why did I? I finally feel asleep when I promised myself I would visit her tomorrow. Even if I'm not allowed to be in her room, I'm still going to the hospital; it's been sometime since I've gone there.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I woke up early the next morning with butterflies in my stomach. I am going to see Tessa today, maybe. They probably won't let me in because they aren't done with testing or something. I wonder if she is awake. I wonder if she will remember anything. Will she tell me what the afterlife is like? Will she remember the afterlife? Will she remember me? All these questions fill my brain. I sit down on the chair next to my door. I always hated the placement of this chair, that's why I don't sit in it. It's too close to my door; I might get hit in the face if I sit here. Right now, though, I didn't care. I was just waiting for the sun to rise so I could see Tessa.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It finally hit 10:00 and I went downstairs when I could smell breakfast. I stuffed my mouth full with the food and had a small conversation with my mom before I left to go to the hospital. I made it to the hospital faster than usual. I was the only one in the lobby, surprisingly. Shouldn't Tessa's parents be here? Maybe they don't know. Doctor Riley probably didn't tell them she was awake because she didn't want them to get too excited. Maybe Dr. Riley only told me she was awake because I was the one who got her cloned. Just in time to answer those questions, Tessa's parents walked into the lobby from the hospital hallway. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, you are here," Mrs. Chandler said in a tired tone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, have you two been here long?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Very," Mr. Chandler said with a sigh, "since 7:00 a.m." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow that is very early. Is Tessa awake?" I asked in a hurried tone. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"In a matter of fact, she is. Would you like to see her?" I stared at her at first before answering her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I would like that very much." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Alright, Dr. Riley will be out soon." I sat in a chair and bounced my leg impatiently. Dr. Riley finally came out and when she saw me, she immediately rushed over. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, let's skip the chit-chat and bring you over to Tessa," she said as she pulled me by my arm. I yanked my arm away and had to run to catch up with her. She led me to her door and stopped right in front of it. I stared at the door before I took a shaky hand and twisted the knob. The room was different than the other one. It had light blue walls and white tiles. The small bed was in the center of the room and a couch by the wall. The TV was on and her food table was set to the side of her bed. I walked all the way into the room and shut the door. I stayed with my back to her for a couple of seconds before slowly turning around. I locked eyes with her and my breathing accelerated. We were silent for a few minutes before I made a slight shaky smile. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"T-Tessa?" I stuttered. She stared at me with disbelieving eyes. "It's me, Harry. Harry Chodes." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Who are you?" she said with a hint of confusion in her eyes. My heart sunk to my feet. I lost my breath for a second and my eyes turned to the size of tennis balls. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You really don't remember me?" I managed to say. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, maybe a little. You go to my school and we became really good friends because you are in some of my classes and we meet at the bakery every day after school; duh I remember you." At first I just stared at her. I started laughing. Hard laughing and I just kept laughing. I couldn't stop. Tears were coming out of my eyes. I wasn't laughing at Tessa and how she tricked me, it was more of relief laughter. After I finished laughing and calmed down a bit, I looked at her again. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"That was cruel, you shouldn't trick me like that," I said as I wiped away the tears from eyes. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I shouldn't be the one explaining, you have some things to explain to me; like, what is going on?" Yeah, I figured she would be confused; now here comes the part where I explain everything from the beginning. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, when you died, I died. I couldn't stand your death. I was a mess. I went to your funeral and realized I can't just let you go like that. I needed to get you back. I went through stupid unreasonable ideas until I heard about cloning on humans. That was it; I knew how to get you back. I talked to a scientist and she agreed to do the cloning. It took years to do; I was starting to doubt that it actually worked. You would be happy to know that I carried on with my life. I met knew friends and I worked at the bakery more. Finally I got a call from the scientist and she said that it worked, you were breathing and you are alive. They ran many tests and they turned out exactly as planned. Now, here you are, alive and breathing." I made sure to leave out the part where I stopped visiting her; I didn't want her to think I gave up on her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow, thank you, for doing all of that just for me. Do I still have cancer?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, of course not. They took the cancer out before they cloned you." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Oh that's great." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Now I have questions," I said as I sat on the end of her bed. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"And what would those be?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Do you remember anything? You know, from when you were dead?" <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yeah, I remember where I was and what it looked like and everything like that. It was very cool. I was with my family that died and some of my friends. It was like a room, almost like a bedroom. But the scenery was the opening I loved when I was a child. I could only see my family and friends, but I couldn't see anyone else. The weird thing was that I was twelve years old; the age I was the happiest." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Wow, that's so cool. Did you tell anyone else what it was like?" I asked praying she didn't. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, I told Dr. Riley." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Tessa! I trust Dr. Riley with the cloning, but you shouldn't trust her with what the afterlife is like. This could ruin all human races. If people know that they can die and come back to life, but still remember after life, they will all do this. You better hope she doesn't tell the press." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Its fine, Harry. She promised she wouldn't tell anyone anything. She just needed to know to finish her research." I nodded and looked out the window. It was already getting dark and I had school the next morning. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I'm going to go; I have school tomorrow. Do you know when you will be out of the hospital?" I asked. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, they said it might take some time though." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, I'm going to head off now." I gave her a big hug and started for the door. I was about to open the door when she called my name. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes?" I replied. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Thank you." I smiled at her and walked out of the room.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I went to visit Tessa every day in the hospital after school. After a couple of weeks, I had to go back to work. I would work until 4:00 and rush to the hospital and stay there until 10:00 to see her. Everyone at school will bombard me with questions about her. I would always refuse because she said she didn't want anyone to know yet. I would tell her all of the rumors that people say about her and she would laugh. That's what I loved. She didn't care that people would make up stupid lies about her. She thought they were hilarious. Some of the rumors were crazy, though. They were ones from she ran away and someone covering for her said she died to she was buried alive and she actually survived and now she is in the hospital because her brain is traumatized. We would spend all the time we could together. One day when I came to visit her, I couldn't even get to the door. There were paparazzi surrounding the whole building. Dr. Riley came out and took me to the back entrance. I stared at her with wide eyes waiting for her to explain. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I don't why they are here, Harry. I really don't know." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Yes, you do know. Why are they here?" I pressured. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Well, they know about Tessa; they want answers." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"How would they find out about her, we kept this as secret as can be." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"No, they don't care about that she is alive anymore. They want to know about the afterlife; they know she remembers." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"How would they know that? She only told you and me. I haven't breathed a word." Dr. Riley's face paled. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"I might have gotten carried away when I was telling my sister everything. She's a blabber mouth." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Dr. Riley, do you realize what you have done. They will never leave. She needs rest, not interviews." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Don't worry; I will take care of it."

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I walked to Tessa's room and opened the door. She was had the TV on, but she was staring out the window to look at the reporters. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You were right; I shouldn't have told Dr. Riley." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Its fine, Tessa. Just as long as you don't say a word to them. We don't want to ruin the human race and their knowledge." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Okay, I just wish they would go away. It is stressing me out." I walked over to the window and closed the blinds. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"The last thing you need is stress. Don't worry about them." She nodded and laid her head on her pillow. I walked over to her bed and lay down next to her. She closed her eyes and took a long breath of air. I kept asking myself questions that I wanted answers to. I pushed them aside because I don't want to dump a ton of questions on her right now. I just enjoyed the fact that I was lying next to her while she was breathing.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I had to go to the hospital earlier and earlier every day. The crowd of reporters didn't die down, it grew by the day. I even started to get asked questions. I would ignore them every time they asked, but they wouldn't stop asking. I got a key to the back entrance so I didn't have to make Dr. Riley open it. I would go straight to Tessa's room and talk to her and ask her how she was doing with the reporters. She would say that she has gotten a little used to them, but she still hated them.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As time moved on, reporters took the hint and Tessa got more and more stable. The day that she was supposed to be released, I got my surprise ready for her. She got signed out of hospital, I drove her home. It has been a full three years since she has been alive and we have gotten closer and closer each day. I started driving the way of my destination. We drove past her house and she looked at me. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Harry, I'm pretty sure you passed my house. I know it has been awhile, but I think I remember my house." <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"Just, calm down, Tessa." We drove for a little bit longer before I reached the opening she loves. I wanted this to be the first place she went after she got out of the hospital. She was about to say something, but I stopped her. <span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">"You're welcome, Tessa."



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