One night, to lay down my cross.

"So, tell me, Cindy, are your parents the only people waiting on you to come home after the party, or is there someone special?"
Fishing, she thought, and laughed. "Yes, there is definitely someone, or something waiting for me. My teddy and my bed."
He handed her one of the glasses, offered her a snack and said: "Lucky teddy. I think I will be a good boy and give you a lift home on the way back to my apartment. Just to make sure that you get home to teddy safely, and in one piece."
She took a sip from her glass. "My father is picking me up after the party, but if you really are concerned about my welfare, you can always give me a call later to find out if I'm o.k."
He let out another rumble, gave her his cellular phone and asked her to enter her telephone number onto his phone.
"I've been watching you for quite some time, you know. I'm a lawyer and work in one of the buildings opposite your firm. Just my luck to meet you here tonight."
At that very moment her father phoned to tell her he's on his way to pick her up. Wayne took her by the arm, led her through the crowd to the front door, and assured her he would inform Angelique about her departure. She asked him to walk her to the car so she could introduce him to her father, Mr. Graham West. The three of them talked for a while until her father started the car, which was an indication that he was in a hurry to get home. On their way home her father started a conversation about late night parties, the loud music he hates, the danger of alcohol abuse, drugs, and the bad behaviour of some young people. She wasn't really listening. Her mind wandered off to the handsome brother of her best friend, wondering if he would call.

They arrived home, she said good night to her parents, and went to her bedroom. When her cell phone rang, her heart leapt and she had to hold on to the bedpost, for her legs suddenly felt very weak. She answered the phone with a soft: "Hallo."
It was Wayne, sounding very cheerful. "Hallo to you too. If you go and stand by the window you will be able to see me sitting outside, in my car. I wanted to make sure you arrive home safely, and wanted to see where you live."
She opened the curtains and saw him sitting in his car out in the street, waving at her. She giggled and waved back at him. "You are crazy, you know. But thanks. I hope you have a good night's sleep." She said, and heard the laughter in his voice when he said good night, and rang off. After a relaxing bath, Cindy went to bed and fell asleep, still thinking of Wayne.

She was an accountant and didn't need any distractions to hamper her performance. It was one week since she met Wayne and could not stop thinking of him, causing her to lose concentration. To make matters worse, she had this nagging pain in her stomach for days now. Her parents didn't know about her having problems with her health. If they ever found out, they would insist on taking her to their family doctor, which wasn't necessary at all. Her phone rang and she answered, expecting it to be one of their clients. Much to her surprise it was Wayne, who called to invite her to lunch. At first she did not want to accept, but she longed to see him.

They had lunch in a small seafood restaurant. "So, pretty girl, do you like the food?" He asked.
"Delicious, thanks. You gave me quite a surprise when you invited me to lunch. Did you decide to take pity on me, or were you bored?"
He smiled at her, put his one hand on hers and replied: "Not at all. I want to know you better. In fact, I want to know everything about you."
"Good. But we both have to get back to work, so, maybe next time. If there is going to be a next time?"
He lifted an eyebrow. "I have been eating microwave dishes since I moved into my own apartment and would love a good, healthy, home cooked meal. Please ask your mother to invite me to dinner tomorrow night."
She laughed: "I don't have to ask her permission. There are always enough food, so all our friends are more than welcome at our dinner table. You just be there at seven, and you will get your plate of food, good conversation and maybe a slice of cake and a cup of coffee after the meal."
He released her hand, leaned back in his chair, smacked his lips and said: "I think I should ask your parents to adopt me. My mother hates cooking and my sister doesnt want to cook for me. She says I should find myself a good wife to cook, clean, darn my socks and raise my children." He looked at his watch, pushed back his chair and told her he had to be back at work in fifteen minutes.
She thanked him for the meal, and asked him to walk her back to the office. As she opened the door to the building where she worked, he held her back, kissed her on the lips, and whispered: "Thanks for your company, Cindy," turned and walked to where his car was parked.
She stood in the doorway watching him leave, face flushed, heart racing. It was hard getting into the swing of things back at work. Wayne was on her mind all the time, and that kiss! It was so gentle, soft, and it made her feel special. He held her against him as if she was made of porcelain. Her head was in the clouds for the rest of the day and she was glad when it was time to go home.

When she arrived home from work, she told her family about Wayne's visit the following evening. She asked Paul and Jo, her youngest siblings to behave themselves. Elize, two years older that Cindy, remarked that Wayne must be a very special friend, for she has never before asked her siblings to behave when they expected visitors. She could not deny it and said: "Yes. He is a very special friend. And Elize, hands off, please."
The younger ones started teasing her. She joined in the fun, but grew tired after a while. She excused herself, and got ready for bed. At six the following morning she was awakened by a call from Wayne, asking her if they still had a date. She told him her family was looking forward to meeting him and instructed him not to eat anything during the day, because her mother is preparing a big meal especially for their guest.
"I'm honoured." He said. "I hope my queen will sit next to me at the table." She knew he was referring to her, and her heart skipped a beat. They talked for a little while until she reminded him they still had to go to work. Nothing could change her good mood that day. She was looking forward to Wayne's visit and made a mental note of what was in her wardrobe. Elize bought her a blue chiffon dress as a birthday present, which she only wore once. She wanted to knock Wayne off his feet and the blue dress would do the trick.

Wayne arrived at ten minutes to seven, smartly dressed in a black pants and leather jacket. He kissed her on the cheek, and said: "I thought you look beautiful in daylight, but tonight, you look smashing."
"You don't look too bad either. I think there are a few girls with broken dreams and broken hearts out there."
The rest of the family joined them in the living room, and she introduced Wayne to her mother and siblings. Her father invited him to have a drink before the meal, but he declined, saying that he does not like the taste of alcohol, which was very pleasing to Cindy's parents. Mrs. West excused herself and disappeared into the kitchen, whilst everybody else made themselves comfortable in the living room. Jo, a spunky teenager, started the conversation by asking Wayne if he could take her for a drive in his car one day. He said her yes, but only if she would bake him a chocolate cake.
"Oh, please! She cannot bake a cake if her life depends on it!" Her brother exclaimed.
Realizing that Paul was about to tease his sister, Elize said: "Oh, my dear brother, she will learn how to bake a cake as soon as you learn how to change a flat tyre."
That put him nicely in his place and he decided it would be safer to talk about sport, which was Mr. West's favourite subject. Soon everyone was talking sport until Mrs. West entered the living room.
"Food is ready" she said.
Young Paul Jumped out of his chair and hastily made his way through to the dining room.
Mr. West laughed and addressed Wayne: "Excuse the young filly, Wayne. He is always hungry."
When everyone was seated, Mr. West bowed his head to say grace, followed by a very quick "Amen" by Paul.
"Help yourselves, children. Wayne, don't be shy. Eat as much as you like" Mrs. West said and everyone tucked in. It was a meal fit for a king. After dinner Wayne complimented Mrs. West on the food, and she told him he is welcome at their house and their dinner table anytime.

For the next couple of weeks Wayne became a regular guest at their home. Cindy lived in a dream world. She was falling in love with this charming man. She was a regular visitor at the Storm's house and they accepted her new status as their son's girlfriend, in fact, they were delighted that he chose a girl they all knew and loved. He has never invited her to his apartment, though, and she was curious to see what it looked like, and she asked him if they could go to his apartment one evening. He was very reluctant to take her there and she could not understand why. At first she thought he was hiding something from her, or seeing someone else, but he spent most of his weekends at her home. She banished the thought from her mind, but still wanted to know. Instead of wondering she decided to ask him why they could not spend time at his place.
"Cindy, if I take you to my apartment, I will not be responsible for what might happen."
She understood and accepted his explanation.

As time went by they grew closer, and she appreciated the fact that her parents and siblings regarded Wayne as a member of the family. He was especially fond of Elize. The two of them seemed to get along very well, but she was not jealous at all. In fact, she loved listening to and watching the man she loved, especially his hands. Every so often she would look at his hands and imagined those long fingers touching, caressing her body. Her eyes would travel to his lips and she could almost feel her tongue gliding into the warmth of his mouth. She wanted so much to push her fingers through his thick, black hair. Never before has she felt like this. The urge to be with him was weird, almost unthinkable, but it was real. She realized that she loved him deeply, unconditionally. Soon he would declare his love to her and they could plan a future together. Oh, to have him with her every day for the rest of her life. Her husband, the father of her children. Cindy wished her sister Elize could find someone who could make her happy, someone like Wayne, to share her interests. The two were so close, almost like brother and sister. Whenever Elize had to attend a function, she often asked Wayne to accompany her. Cindy had no problem with that, as long as her sister understood who he was dating.

It came to a surprise when Wayne invited her to his apartment for dinner one Friday evening.
"It's already seven thirty, Wayne. Did you prepare a meal for two?" She asked.
He chuckled: "No, silly. We just have to warm up the food."
She accepted his invitation and when they arrived at his place, she looked around in amazement. The first thought that came to her mind was: "Excellent decor. Very masculine"
He replied: "Well, I would like to think I am."
She realized that she said it out loud, and laughed "You too. Very masculine."
He took her hand, led her to one of the sofas, poured two drinks and joined her.
"I'm starving. What are we having for dinner?" she asked.
"Microwave food." He said a smile, got up and went into the kitchen. "Come on, you. Let me show you how to prepare my kind of food."
She laughed and followed him into the kitchen. "My dear, I am a lady of the old school and do not believe your kind of food is very healthy." She teased.
"Well, if I'm lucky, in a year or two I will probably be married to a woman who is a very good cook."
Her face lit up. Of course he is talking about her. In no time the food was ready. After dinner Wayne told her to leave the dishes.
"No work tonight. Come, we have to talk." He said and led the way back into the living room. This was it, she thought. He loves me. She could hardly contain her excitement.

Wayne took a seat on the sofa and said: "Come and sit next to me, Cindy." She sat down beside him and looked up into his smiling face.
He took her hands into his, looked into her eyes and softly said: "Cindy, we have known each other for a few months now, and I suspect that you are falling in love with me."
She opened her mouth to speak, but he silenced her by putting his index finger on her lips, and continued: "No. Don't say anything now. Just listen for a while. I met a girl four years ago and fell in love with her. She was my life. She was very pretty but not very bright. I didn't mind at all, because she had a good heart, and when you really care for someone, you look past their shortcomings. Unfortunately, she loved being loved, not only by me, but by a few other men too. Long story short, she was unfaithful. I guess I was not the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. I was devastated and swore to myself that I would never give my heart to a woman ever again."
He got up from the sofa, walked to the window, stared out into the darkness. Then he turned around, faced her and said: "Until I met you. I learnt that there are still honest women out there. You and Elize. Two of the most attractive, respected ladies I know. Cindy, there is no easy way to say this. I like you very much, but I have fallen in love with Elize. I am sorry."
At first it did not register. "Excuse me. Did you just tell me you are in love with my sister?"
He nodded, confirming what she thought she heard. Shocked, dazed, she closed her eyes. This was only a dream. A nightmare. It was not supposed to happen this way. He loves her.
She whispered: "No. It's not true."
He came closer, went down on his knees in front of her, took her face in his hands and said: "I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt you, but I have to be true to myself, and honest with you."
Then it hit her. Elize was his soul mate, the one person who shared his visions. It was there, the spark, the bond between the two of them. She should have seen this coming, but she was too blinded by her love for him. She looked at him and it was as if an icy hand gripped her heart. Her throat constricted and she could hardly breathe. She pushed him away and tried to stand up, but her legs folded, and she had to sit down again.
"Please take me home" she croaked.
Her mind went blank. Like a robot she followed him out of his apartment, got into his car and stared out in front of her, not seeing, hearing or feeling anything. Neither of them said a word, for there was nothing left to say. He unlocked the door for her when they arrived at her house, and without a word, she closed the door. There was nobody in the living room. She went up to her bedroom, locked the door, curled up on her bed and stared at the wall, still in shock.

She did not hear the knock at the door, nor did she hear her mother enter her room.
"Cindy." Her mother asked softly. "Are you alright? You didn't come into our bedroom to say good night."
She turned, stared at her mother, got off the bed, and walked straight into her mother's arms. "He does not love me, mum. He is in love with Elize, with my sister." Then she broke down. Tears streamed down her face and she started to shake uncontrollably. Her mother held her tightly.
"Cindy! Oh, my poor child. I'm so sorry!" she said and pushed the sobbing girl onto the bed, sat beside her, still holding her. No mother ever want to see her child so heartbroken, but there was nothing she could do. Her daughter was hurting so much. The irony is that Cindy had to step back for her sister to find happiness. She had no Idea how to handle the situation, and felt extremely guilty, for she noticed the way Wayne and Elize were looking at each other. She should have said something earlier, but did not want to make any of her daughters unhappy. This could tear their family apart.
"Cindy," she whispered, "I think I should make some tea and get you something to calm down. Get into bed. I'll be back in a few minutes."
She returned with a sleeping tablet and a cup of tea, took care of her daughter, stayed with her heartbroken child till she was asleep. Mrs. West left the room, still unsure of how to handle the situation.

Cindy woke up the next morning feeling dazed and disorientated. She sat up in bed, trying to gather her thoughts. Maybe she is coming down with the flu, she thought, or perhaps she had too much to eat the previous night. If only she could remember what she had for supper. She could not even remember what day it was. She got out of bed, walked over to the window and opened the curtains. It was a sunny day, perfect for a picnic. Wayne loved picnics. Wayne. Thinking of him made her sad this morning, but she didn't know why. A movement in the garden attracted her attention and she wondered who it was. She turned away from the window and her eyes fell on the clothes draped over the chair next to her bed. That was the clothes she wore last night. Wayne invited her over for.......Wayne.......Elize. Slowly reality sinks in. The man she loved more than anything in the world rejected her. He was in love with her sister. She sagged down to the floor, hugged her knees and cried bitterly, tears streaming down her face. Her mother entered her room. Seeing her daughter in such pain, broke her heart. She went down onto the floor, sat next to the weeping girl, and held her. That is all she could do for the moment.

After tossing and turning during the night, Mrs. West finally figured out a way to help both of her daughters.
"Cindy, sweetheart, I have given this a lot of thought. I think Elize should stay with your grandparents for a while. Just for a month or two."
Cindy shook her head. "No mum. I don't want to see or speak to anyone. Let me go to grandma and grandpa's."
Her mother did not foresee this. She pleaded with her daughter to reconsider, but could not change Cindy's mind. Just before noon, that dame day, Cindy arrived at her grandparent's house. Mrs. West phoned them earlier and told them about the unhappy event. Her grandparents suggested that she stayed in the guestroom at the far end of the five-bedroom house. What the girl needed was privacy, and time to heal.

That evening, after supper, Cindy asked to be excused, and went straight to bed. She didn't want to think or remember. But it was difficult not to. The memories came flooding back. Memories of her and Wayne. He told her she was his special girl, but he lied to her. Why did she ever fall in love with him? "Oh Lord!" She prayed out loud, "I love him more than anything or anyone in this world. I'm hurting so much. Please make the pain go away. Please show me how to forget." Then she broke down and cried. Heart wrenching sobs shook her body. She cried until she could no more. She felt empty, drained. Where her heart was supposed to be, was just an open, raw, bleeding wound.

For days the unhappy girl wandered about the house and through the garden, not noticing the flowers that was in full bloom, not hearing the birds sing, not feeling the warmth of the sun. The happy, laughing, singing girl was gone. There was nothing to be happy about anyway. Like a robot she performed her duties at work and only spoke when necessary. Her colleagues, who heard what happened, were sympathetic, but they did not know how she really felt. She was thankful for her grandparent's support and the regular phone calls she received from her family back home, and even managed a few short conversations with Elize and Wayne's sister, Angelique.
Wayne's name was never mentioned and she never asked about him either, and when her mother asked her how she felt about Elize, she answered: "Mum, where love is concerned, you don't have a choice, so how can I blame Elize for what happened? We are both victims of love. I lost a dream of love, and she won the love of the person I wanted to share my dreams with. Now I have to go on. Maybe, one day, someone who knows rejection will find me and we will share the hurt and pain, comfort each other and create our own dreams."
But deep down she knew it would never happen. No one could ever take Wayne's place in her heart.

Coming home from work one evening, her grandmother called her into the kitchen.
"Love, what are your plans for the future? Are you planning to go back home, or would you like to stay here with your grandfather and me? You are most welcome, you know. We love having you here."
She took her grandmother's hand in hers and said: "Nana, I would like to have a place of my own. I think it's time I leave the nest."
The old lady must have expected this, for she merely nodded. Two weeks later Cindy moved into her own apartment. She loved the peace and quiet, and kept mostly to herself. For the past few weeks she was not feeling well at all. There was this nagging pain in her stomach, she had no appetite and lost a few kilos. In fact, for the past year or two she always felt bloated after a meal and suffered from heartburn quite often, but never bothered to consult a doctor. The pain became unbearable and the painkillers she took did not ease the pain at all. She made an appointment to see Doctor Price, their family doctor, who told her to come and see him at five that same day. Her employer gave her a few hours off so she could go home and change.

At fifteen minutes to five Cindy walked into the surgery. Doctor price met her at the reception desk and greeted her warmly.
"Well, hallo, little one. Haven't seen you for years. Come through to the examination room and tell me what's bothering you." He led the way, talking non-stop, not even giving her a chance to respond. "Are your parents alright? Are you married yet and tell me, how are your brother and lovely sister doing? Have a seat, child, and talk to me."
She smiled and said: "Good day to you, doctor Price. Everybody is fine, I am not married yet and only want you to give me something for this pain in my stomach. I went through a rough time the past few months and I'm under a lot of stress, that's all."
The doctor got up from his chair: "No, my dear. I think we should give you a thorough examination. Now take off those trendy clothes and get into that ugly frock at the foot of the bed."
She laughed: "Alright then. I will obey the doctors orders." She made herself as comfortable as possible on the narrow bed and called out to the doctor.
"I'm done, doctor Price. You may enter."
He indeed gave her a thorough examination. "My dear," he said after he was done, "Get dressed, come through to my office and lets talk some more." He stepped out of the small room and went onto his office, where she joined him a few minutes later.
She sat down opposite him. "What's wrong with me, doctor?"
He looked at her and replied: " Sweetheart, I am not hundred percent sure what the problem is, but I can tell you there is definitely something going on in that tummy of yours. I have made an appointment for you to undergo further tests on Monday. I will call you as soon as the results are available, and I don't want you to worry. Could be an ulcer, but we have to make sure. I'll prescribe something for the pain."
He handed her the prescription, Cindy thanked him, they said good night, and she left the surgery feeling much better. She trusted doctor Price and knew she was in good hands.

Her phone rang a few minutes after she arrived at her apartment. It was her mother.
"Hallo baby. How about lunch with the family on Sunday?"
She accepted the invitation. Her family always looked forward to her fortnightly visits and she loved spending time with them. After that horrible night she never laid eyes on Wayne again. Elize paid her a visit a week after she moved into her apartment, they talked, cried and patched things up. Angelique also came to see her, but they both knew that it was better not seeing each other too often, for it would only open old wounds, or rather cause an open wound to bleed.

On Wednesday morning, doctor price called Cindy and asked her to come and see him as soon as possible. His tone of voice told her there was something wrong. She told the manager she is taking the day off, got into her car and drove to Doctor Price's surgery. She had to wait half an hour to see him, and when he eventually appeared, he looked a bit worried.
"Come, dear child, follow me. I phoned your parents earlier and they will be here soon." He said, leading the way to his office. He told her to sit down, but he remained standing, turned his back on her and stared out through the window.
"So, tell me. How are you today?" He inquired.
"Doctor, you tell me. How am I supposed to feel?"
He turned around and looked at her. "Child, there is no easy way to say this. The tests revealed that you have cancer of the stomach."
The blood drained from her face. She sat, staring at the doctor. This must be a joke. He's only trying to scare her. But all she saw on his face was pity and sadness. Doctor Price would never joke about something like this. She uttered the words.
"Cancer."
He nodded: "Yes. I'm so sorry." He took a few steps closer to her. She looked up into the old gentleman's face, searching for a sign of hope, instead she saw tears in his eyes.
She had to know. "It can be treated, can it? I will be fine, will I?"
Then the final shock came: "No, it can't. The cancer has spread to far."
The death sentence. "But I don't feel sick, doctor. The tests must be wrong. I want to live, doctor! I have to live!"
Her parents entered the office. Cindy got up out of the chair and ran into her father's arms, crying.
"Daddy, tell me this is not true. This cross is too heavy. I won't be able to carry it!"
Holding her tight, all he said was: "My baby...my precious child." There was nothing he could do but cry with her. Her mother stood in the centre of the room, watching helplessly. She told herself she was not going to cry, but this was too much for her. She went to he husband and daughter, put her arms around them and together the three of them wept.

The Wests insisted that their daughter come home so they could take care of her. For the first few days she stayed in her room and didn't want any visitors. A week later, her grandparents came for a visit. Seeing Cindy in such a state broke their hearts, and knew something had to be done. The girl needed counseling and if they were to be the ones to arrange it, so be it. Her grandmother contacted doctor Price, who referred them to a Mrs. James, a therapist, who offered to come and see Cindy at home. At first she did not want anything to do with the therapist, but after a few visits she realized she needed help, and the only person who could help her, was Mrs. James.

One morning Mrs. James invited Cindy along to visit a friend in hospital. The friend, a five-year- old girl, suffered from leukemia and only had a few months to live. Mrs. James took her to see a few other children who also suffered from cancer. Seeing those brave children laughing and playing brought tears to Cindy's eyes. Yes, she was crying like many times before, but this time her tears were for those little ones whose lives ended, before it even started. She felt so ashamed. Cindy became a regular visitor at the children's hospital and sometimes even forgot that she was terminally ill. Life made sense again because she had something to live for.

Christmas was just around the corner and Cindy asked the matron if she could arrange a party for the children. The matron gave her permission to use one of the empty wards and Cindy got her whole family involved in the preparation of the party. A few days before Christmas she got all the children together and asked each of them what they would like for Christmas, and like all children, they wanted toys. One of the little boys came up to her.
"Miss, what would you like for Christmas?"
She answered: "Anything you can afford, young man."
There was however one thing she wanted. Wayne. Yes, she was still in love with him and would give anything to be with him, but it was impossible. She felt a tug at her dress. It was the same boy, trying to get her attention.
"Miss, I don't have a lot of money, but I can buy you a flower. Just one, though. A special one you can keep forever. My mum always buy special flowers at the store. She says they don't need water. Would you like a special flower, miss?"
She bent down and ruffled the boy's hair. "Yes, sweetheart. I would love just one special flower to keep forever."
A voice inside her said: "One night. One special night to last a lifetime. That's what you need." Shocked, she turned away from the babbling children and started fiddling with the decorations in the ward. How can she have such thoughts? Wayne belonged to her sister now and she, Cindy, did not have much time left on this earth. She grew more tired every day and could feel her strength slipping away. One night. If she could have one night with him, why not? But how. He would never betray Elize. She saw them together the past few months and they were very much in love. What on earth is going on with her? Must be the drugs she's......drugs.
"Oh, Lord. Please help me. I'm going crazy." She softly whispered.

For days she could think of nothing else but being with the man she loved. He came to see Elize the previous evening and she could not help but notice that he was still the handsome man she met and fell in love with. Elize had to run an errand and Cindy had to keep Wayne company. She watched his every move. His hands, his long fingers, his sensual mouth. She felt warm all over and all she could think of is that he was with her, talking to her. She wanted more, wanted to know him intimately, wanted him to make love to her. Cindy treaded on dangerous ground, but she did not care. She has never met anyone like him ever in her life and wanted him. There wasn't much time left. She had access to some of the drugs at the hospital, and all she had to do was to take something that would have no bad effect on him, but would be effective. Now to set her plan in motion.
"Wayne, I haven't seen your new house yet. Would you mind if I come over tomorrow evening?"
He was pleased that she was interested in seeing his house. "Of course. You are most welcome. I'll come and pick you up."
She shook her head and replied: "No way. Its just two blocks away and I need the exercise, so I'll take a walk."
He laughed softly "Still the independent girl, hmm?"
They talked until Elize came into the living room, Cindy said goodnight and left the two alone.

Saturday evening. This was a night she was looking forward to. At least one of her dreams will come true. She chose a red dress, comfortable shoes and the flimsy, lacy, red underwear she bought especially for the occasion. Feeling refreshed after a long, relaxing bath, she got dressed and set off, happy and exited. Wayne was standing on the porch, waiting on her arrival, and very eager to show off his home to Cindy.
"Hi there, beautiful. Step into my parlor." He noticed she was looking tired, and helped her up the stairs. Let's go inside and get something to drink."
Too early? She thought. No. Now is as good a time as any. The sooner the better. Wayne showed her into the attractive living room, disappeared into what she assumed was the kitchen, and returned with two glasses and a bottle of fruit juice.
She got up from her chair and said: "Would you get me some ice, please. I love my juice diluted."
He took one of the glasses and went back into the kitchen. She got the drugs out of her bag, threw it into the remaining glass, poured the juice and stirred, making sure the powder was dissolved. Wayne returned with the ice and she handed him the juice, poured half a glass for herself and took a seat on the couch. She finished her juice, turned to Wayne, and said: "I don't feel very well. Do you think I could go and lie down for a few minutes?"
He showed her into one of the bedrooms and made sure she was comfortable.
"Fetch your juice and come sit with me, please." She pleaded.
Wayne went back into the living room, and returned with his glass, sat next to her on the bed, and finished his juice. A few seconds later he said: "I think there must be something wrong with the juice. I feel dizzy."
She took his arm and pulled him down onto the bed next to her. "Come. Lie down for a while."

It was quiet in the room. Then she said: "Wayne, I love you. I love you more than life itself." She got up onto one elbow, bent over and kissed him on the lips. "
He looked at her dazedly.
"Make love to me, Wayne. Give me this night to remember. Let me lay down my cross for one night, and when the time comes, I will go peacefully."
She started playing with the hair on his chest, brushed her fingertips over his nipples, over his stomach until she found his zipper. She undid the button of his trousers and slipped her hand inside. Her action caused a reaction. Never before has she experienced something so wonderful, breathtaking and unforgettable. His touch made her quiver inside, his kisses made her head spin. Still dazed from the drugs, not fully aware of his surroundings, Wayne did what any hot blooded man would do. Tenderly, as if he fully understood what she was asking of him, as if he knew this was a dying woman's wish, he touched her face, caressed her body. Quietly, yet passionately he showed her a piece of heaven. She closed her eyes and reveled in the feel of his tongue in her mouth, his skin against hers, his hands touching, caressing the most secret parts of her body. Then he was inside her, moving, stroking, deeper, faster, taking her higher and higher, giving her so much pleasure, she cried out in ecstasy.

Now she knew what it felt like to be with someone she deeply cared for, someone she loved so much that it hurts. He has drawn her to him and she fell in love with him. And tonight he was hers. Without a word, he invited her to have a glimpse of paradise. A short, stormy, mind-blowing, staggering, incredible, passionate encounter that could not last. All her life she dreamed of someone who could make her go weak by just looking at her, or touching her hand. She found him, just to loose him. She had to go back to her own little world, hiding the pain and the longing, for her sister's sake. He could never be hers. All she had was the bittersweet memories. She knew he would not even remember this night. It would be her secret, a secret she would take to her grave one day. It won't be long now. Maybe six months, maybe a year.
"Lord, please forgive me. I love him, and this night is all I have." She prayed silently. "Please grant my sister and this man, the love of my life, the happiness they deserve."

He was fast asleep, and she knew he would not remember what happened, but it did not matter. She gently touched his face, kissed him on the cheek.
"My prayer, my dearest Wayne, is that the Lord watch over you, always. This night will carry me through hard times, and light up the dark days that lie ahead. I will be forever grateful to you. Be happy, my love."
She put her clothes back on and left his apartment, feeling tired, but happy and fulfilled. She walked home, humming her favourite song, 'Endless love'. She never saw the truck coming, speeding towards her. She died instantly, with a song in her heart and a smile on her face.

He stood beside her grave, weeping. Only he knows about the stains on the carpet when he spilled his juice. It was the night she asked him to bring a sacrifice of love. The night she died. He remembered.

Butterfly.