Survival In The Black

The lights were bright against my eyes as I opened them up. They stung against the glare and they felt heavy and hollow. That feeling you get when you are in a deep sleep for far too long. I felt a dull ache in my head. Not the sharp pains of migraines that have afflicted me for the past month. A dull and almost acceptable ache that told me that I was alive. I could hear voices. Dull and mumbled voices that I could swear say my name. And the press of a hand against mine. Actually, two hands… on both my hands. Someone was on either side of me. I blinked against the light and I mumbled something. Must have been something about that light because it went away and I could see faces. My eyes focused and I turned to my left to see the worried and white expression of my cousin. “Baio-mei… Talk to me.” His whispers where husky from worry and I could tell he barely slept from the circles under his eyes. “You look like go-se, Baio-ge.” I muttered and he laughed, squeezing my hand and kissi...

The ball was the most beautiful affair. Everyone was done up in such fine dresses. The dress Bridge got me seemed to pale in comparison. But it was wonderful to watch all my friends and family dance and celebrate the night. Td and I danced a bit. And then he moved on to other untaken ladies in the room. I sat and watched and drank a martini or two and then some Green River water. Xav contacted me via cortex and said it was time. I went out and told him just one more hour. He smiled a knowing smile and patted my cheek. “Baio-mei. Take as long as you need tonight. Just let me know when to come get you. Mind if I crash at your little pad while you have your fun?” Besides my father, he has been the only other male I loved so much I knew I would die if he left. Boyfriends come and go, family is forever. I went back and watched the pretty people dance, knowing that they were happy and content at that moment. I watched Immi dance and Td dance and for the first time in a very long time...

Time is short and sometimes too short to waste on just petty foolish things.  This ball has become both a bane and an event to remember. And neither one is a good thing.  Im sure that whoever thought of it had the best of fun in mind, but all it has done is cause heartache for a few of the patrons.  Im worried about Immi. I tried and tried to keep her happy. I tried and tried to keep her from falling into the routine of bitterness that seems to follow everyone. And I failed.  So there is one last thing to do.  I wont be going to the ball. Instead, I will go to my cousin's ship for the surgery. Before anyone can respond or figure it out. I contacted Logan and planned for an early morning pick up. The surgery should start within the hour thereafter.  One full day... one full day of life. All I have is that day to tell everyone I love that I may not wake up tomorrow.