A Friend Like You

Stephanie’s eyes grew tired as she gazed out the window of the train, watching the trees pass by. She was sat nestled close to her mothers side on the uncomfortable hard seat. Though her eyes were weary from the long trip, Stephanies excitement grew bolder. Stephanie hadn’t seen her best friend Amanda for so long. It seemed as though time had gone so slowly in her absence. The playground at school seemed to be quieter and no one else enjoyed sharing the cheese flavoured crackers her mum put in her lunchbox every school day, as much as Amanda did. A raspy voice echoed from the speakers above her, startling Stephanie awake.

“Next stop West Morten Station” the mans voice chimed.

Stephanie glanced up at her mother expectantly. A kind smile met her gaze as her mother nodded. Stephanie smiled back and started to fidget with eagerness. In her little hands her slightly sticky fingers from this mornings peanut butter toast; gripped a little black notebook, no bigger than a small purse. She held onto it so tightly as the train came to a halt. Stephanie’s mother led her towards the big glass train doors as they swung open. The hot summer breeze swished in through the doors and flushed over Stephanie’s cheeks. The sun was bright as they both stepped onto the station platform. Her mother nudged her towards an exit. Nearby, Stephanie could see a group of men in suits walking towards the same exit she was. Stephanie couldn’t contain herself. She had been waiting for this day to come for weeks. To see Amanda again was all she could talk about and think about and now the day had finally come.

Stephanie and her mother walked a few metres and onto an overpass to cross the rail tracks. Ahead of them a building came into view creating a shadow of shade to walk in. Stephanie had never seen such a tall building; it seemed to be made of glass. Stephanie held the little black book closer remembering the instruction her mother gave her to not let it go.

After a short while they reached the tall buildings doors which opened automatically. Stephanie was grateful for the cool air that swept over her. Stephanie’s mother guided her towards the elevator and pressed the up arrow that lit up a shiny bright blue. When the doors opened they both entered, Stephanie watched on as her mother pressed the number six. The little flutters of excitment began to build again in Stephanie’s chest and stomach. She had planned what she was going to say to Amanda for the last few days and she couldn’t wait to give her a big hug.

The elevator came to a stop and the big doors opened with a slight squeak. Stephanie followed her mother down a blue painted corridor with a shiny white floor. Stephanie’s eyes pinned to the reflections of light as they walked; rehearsing her greeting over in her mind. They neared a desk and Stephanie’s mother approached it to talk to a lady dressed in green. Stephanie couldn’t hear what her mother was saying but after a short time her mother turned and smiled to her.

“room twenty-three her mothers soothing voice chimed.

Stephanie beamed. Her eyes scanning down the hallway and seeing the number she was looking for. Stephanie couldn’t stop her feet as she practically skipped down the hallway towards where she knew Amanda would be. Glancing back she saw her mother following behind but smiling encouragingly to allow Stephanie to proceed on her own. Clutching the little black book still in her hands. Stephanie turned the corner to enter room twenty-three.

Stephanie grinned as she was greeted with the face of her best friend Amanda sitting in her bed. Amanda looked different now with her hair all gone and tubes at her nose but Stephanie couldn’t be happier at sight of seeing Amanda.

Approaching her friends bedside Stephanie giggled with glee. Amanda smiled back and waved.

“You came!” Amanda called out in a singsong voice.

“Ive been waiting for weeks!” she again called out.

“I’ve missed you so much” Stephanie replied. Reaching one hand out to touch Amanda’s arm. Amanda giggled and waved to someone behind Stephanie.

Stephanie turned to see her mother and Amanda’s mum standing in the doorway watching them both.

“Stephanie, why don’t you give Amanda the special gift we have for her?”

Amanda’s brows raised as she stared back at Stephanie. A smile tugging at her lips. Amanda had always liked surprises and presents. Stephanie held out her hands to Amanda. Unveiling the little black book to her. Amanda carefully reached out and took the black book from Stephanie. Amanda looked confused until she opened the cover of the little black book seeing a list of peoples names and big numbers written down next to them.

“I had a fundraiser at our school and in the community and we raised twenty thousand dollars for you and your family” Stephanie quietly said. The silence was broken by a tiny sob heard from behind her. Amanda glanced up and saw her mum crying against Stephanie’s mums shoulder.

Amanda reached out and pulled Stephanie close, squeezing her into a tight hug. The Cancer treatment Amanda needed was expensive and her parents were struggling to find the money. Stephanie would do anything for her best friend.

“I brought you something else!” Stephanie exclaimed, reaching into the pocket of her dress.

“our favourite cheese crackers” Amanda laughed as Stephanie pulled them out and put one in her hand. Both girls smiled at each other before taking a bite of a cracker each. Stephanie was so thankful she had a best friend like Amanda.

And Amanda was so thankful for Stephanie.

THE END.