One Million Words

"When you're fully awake, put on some jeans and running shoes. I just have to go show you the sunset." Annabelle said and got up to leave.

"Don't leave, just sit with me for a while." Skylar almost pleaded.

"I'll close my eyes when you change." Annabelle joked.

"Like you've never seen it before." Skylar joked back.

"No, never. I even shower fully dressed." Annabelle said with mock shock.

"So you do laundry while you shower, smart water saving technique." Skylar said with a laugh.

Annabelle burst out laughing, tears spilling from her eyes and her muscles cramping with the shudders running through her body. "Oh my God, you are so funny." Annabelle said fighting the last of the laughter.

"Wow, now my stomach hurts." Skylar said, lying back on the bed, clutching her stomach.

"Okay, get dressed, before we die laughing." Annabelle said wiping her tears.

"Yes ma'am." Skylar said rummaging through her bag.

She pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and stripped down to her underwear. Annabelle couldn't help but stare, Skylar had the most beautiful body that she had ever seen. Her six pack abs were defined and led to the perfect v of her hips, her legs were toned and she could see the muscles flexing beneath them. Annabelle looked at Skylar's arms and wondered what it would be like to be held by those arms in a passionate embrace. She felt a wetness growing between her thighs as she watched Skylar pull her clothes on.

"Let's roll." Skylar said and put a cowboy hat on for a final measure.

"You are such a dork." Annabelle said laughing.

"That's why you're friends with me." Skylar said walking out of the room with a click of her tongue.

Annabelle followed her and then took to the lead to show Skylar where the horses were, "Have you ever saddled a horse?"

"Yeah, Arry and I used to go for lessons." Skylar said, she started saddling up the horse, smiling at Annabelle who simply stared in amazement.

"You simply keep surprising me." Annabelle said and saddled up her own horse.

"I'm not just a rich, city kid, you know." Skylar said with her usual crooked grin.

"I am starting to see that." Annabelle said, her knees feeling weak at seeing that smile.

They mounted the horses and Annabelle led the way to the hill from where they would be watching the sunset. She thought it to be perfect, on the first time they hung out they watched the sunrise, now on their first weekend together they could see the cycle complete as they secured their friendship. Skylar loved the serenity and peace of the farm, looking over the fields and feeling the sun beat down on her skin.

They rode up the hill and came to a halt. After tying the horses down Annabelle spread a blanket on the floor and removed cold water and ice tea from her backpack. Skylar settled next to her and they stared across the farm, taking Skylar's breath away.

"It's beautiful here." Skylar whispered.

"Yeah." Annabelle whispered back.

The sun was still above the surrounding hills, Skylar and Annabelle grabbed a bottle of water each, taking a few sips in complete silence. Annabelle lay back, supporting herself on her arms, looking very uncomfortable to Skylar.

"Come sit here." Skylar patted between her legs, "it will be more comfortable."

"Thanks." Annabelle said with a slight blush and moved between Skylar's legs, placing her head on Skylar's shoulder.

Skylar wrapped her arms around Annabelle as complete silence fell between them and they watched the sun begin its descent behind the hills. The sky turned pink and orange, creating a beautiful spectrum of colors in the sky.

"Wow. That was magical." Skylar said as the last rays disappeared.

"Yeah, I used to do this a lot when I still lived here. Just rode out here in search of serenity." Annabelle confessed, dreading the fact that she had to get up and lose the safety of Skylar's embrace.

"I wish I could have grown up on a farm." Skylar said honestly.

"It does have a magical quality to it." Annabelle agreed.

"What was it like? Growing up on a farm?" Skylar asked.

"Hard work, you have to help out a lot and there isn't always a lot of time for socializing and because we're so far out of town I hardly ever had friends over. I guess I used the weekends as time for introspection." Annabelle said and moved to get up.

"The city isn't much easier." Skylar said as she followed Annabelle to the horses.

They mounted the horses and began their journey back home. The farm was magical and Skylar loved the sounds of nature, crickets chirping and owls howling. She would have loved to simply sleep under the stars and enjoy the beauty around her fully. Lights were burning in the house when they approached the barn. They removed the saddles and led the horses to some water and hay. They walked to house, hand in hand still mesmerized by the scene they had just witnessed.

"So how was the sunset?" Hannes asked with a huge grin.

"Amazing, no words to describe it." Skylar said, dreamily.

"I forgot how much I miss it." Annabelle added.

"It makes you feel calm." Hannes relaxed back into his armchair.

"It does, yes." Skylar agreed.

"Dinner is ready." Elsie announced coming from the kitchen.

"Thanks, mom." Annabelle said and moved toward the dining room.

When they entered the dining room the table had already been laid out, a true South African stew with steak, potatoes and mixed vegetables, rice and pumpkin. Skylar felt her mouth water as she tried to remember the last time she had a meal like this and even more the last time she had shared a dinner with her family.

"This looks delicious." Skylar said honestly, taking her seat at the table.

"Let's say grace." Elsie announced after taking her seat.

Everyone took hands and closed their eyes, Skylar had never been a believer because of everything that she had been put through, but as a sign of respect she bowed her head.

"Our Heavenly Father, we thank you for this food and ask that you bless us and this meal, amen." Hannes said and opened his eyes.

Everyone dished up and dug in, while eating everyone shared tales about their lives and stories that they had heard. After the meal Skylar offered to do the dishes. As Annabelle dried off, she looked at Skylar and smiled, then saw that her nose had started bleeding again.

"Sky, your nose." Annabelle said and pushed a paper towel against Skylar's nose.

"Shit, thanks." Skylar mumbled.

"Come here and sit down." Annabelle led the way and rubbed Skylar's back.

"You should go the doctor." Annabelle said with concern in her voice.

"Nah, I'll be fine." Skylar said in a muffled voice.

"Please Sky, for me?" Annabelle pleaded.

"Maybe when we go back." Skylar said.

"Fine." Annabelle agreed.

Annabelle felt seriously concerned about Skylar, but she couldn't push Skylar into talking. They finished cleaning the kitchen and Skylar thanked the Blignaut's for their hospitality and headed to the room. She was tired and her kidneys hurt, she just knew it was back again but decided to hide it. It made her realize once again that she could not fall for Annabelle or allow her to get too close, yet she also knew it was too late. She was going to end up hurting Annabelle, no matter how hard she tried not to.

"You look a little pale." Annabelle said once they were in the room.

"My kidneys just hurt a bit from the horse riding." Skylar smiled sheepishly.

"I can maybe help with that, you just need to keep them warm. I think a massage won't do any harm." Annabelle said, pushing Skylar to the bed.

"You don't have to." Skylar said with laughter in her voice.

"Shut up and take off your shirt." Annabelle ordered, Skylar looked at her with a devilish grin at the order.

Without further argument to a battle she would lose, she pulled her shirt over her head in one easy swift movement. Annabelle was left speechless for the second time that day when Skylar removed her shirt, still wondering why Skylar seemed to have these profound effects on her. She pulled herself out of her thoughts and saw that Skylar had already lay down on her stomach. She grabbed a bottle of lotion and poured some into her hands, warming it up before applying it to her friend's skin.

Skylar closed her eyes and marveled at the soft touch of her friend, her hands seemed like velvet on her skin as they glided across her back, sparking formerly unknown sensations in her as she felt herself desire the touch, needing it.

"You're burning up, are you getting sick?" Annabelle asked worriedly.

"No, I just have a normally high temperature." Skylar responded in a sleepy voice. once you were used to lying about a certain part of your life, the rest came naturally.

Annabelle knew Skylar was hiding something, but she didn't know how she would get her friend to open up and tell her what it was. 'In time,' she thought to herself and saw that Skylar was almost asleep.

"Put on some comfortable clothes before you pass out on me." Annabelle said and lifted her hands, immediately missing the soft skin beneath her fingers.

"Hmmm." Skylar moaned and lifted herself from the bed.

Both women changed, trying their best not to admire the other's body too openly, settling in the bed when they were done. Annabelle moved in closer and rested her head on Skylar's shoulder, the same she had the night they spent together waiting for the sun to rise. Skylar fell asleep immediately while Annabelle lay there and wondered what had caused Skylar to shut the world out so much. She fell asleep with the same thoughts still swimming through her mind.

****

Skylar woke when she felt the sun coming through the curtains, Annabelle was asleep, locked tightly in Skylar's embrace and she stared down at the sleeping woman. One thing Skylar had never denied was that Annabelle was beautiful and she felt her heart reach out to the brunette. 'I can't fall for her, she doesn't deserve the pain that comes with being with me,' Skylar thought, yet the heart wanted what it wanted and would not be denied.

"Morning." Annabelle said in a sleepy voice and a huge grin.

"Hey there." Skylar smiled in return.

"You feeling any better today?" Annabelle asked. 'Why do I want to kiss her?' she thought.

"Loads. Good and ready for whatever you have planned, Anna Banana." Skylar said, only half honestly.

"Perfect, because my brothers and sister are coming today." Annabelle said and moved to get up, reluctantly.

"I can't wait." Skylar answered honestly.

They showered and dressed, headed downstairs and a large breakfast was awaiting them.

"Wow, I am going to have to hit the gym really hard when we get back." Skylar commented and took her seat.

"You burn all of the calories with the activities on the farm." Annabelle reassured her.

"We'll see." Skylar said and thanked Elsie for the.food she had prepared.

After they ate, the rest of Annabelle's family arrived, "Sky, this is Vincent, Ricky and Melony." Annabelle announced.

"Nice to meet you." Skylar said shaking each person's hand.

After Annabelle's family packed away their stuff, they all dressed in their swimwear and headed to the dam in Skylar's Jeep. The siblings chatted up a storm on the way, asking Skylar questions and making jokes. For once Skylar felt like a part of the group, not just someone who was going to pay for their drinks. They stopped at the dam and removed kayaks from the roof, packed out their food and drinks and pulled of their shirts so they could run into the water.

"Last one in the water is a rotten egg and has to serve the food." Vincent shouted and everyone started running into the water.

Elsie and Hannes laughed at the statement, knowing that they were going to serve lunch either way.

"Melony, you are now dubbed our humble servant for the day." Ricky said laughing, water dripping from his hair.

"Whatever, I wouldn't serve you even if you paid me." Melony retorted.

A splash session started and everyone joined in, their laughter echoing in the distance as it soon turned into a competition to see who could dunk someone else the most times. After about an hour of the silly games they dragged the kayaks into the water. Skylar stood on one and attempted to balance, her muscles twitching beneath her skin as they worked to keep her upright. Without warning Annabelle caused a small wave that rocked the kayak and sent Skylar tumbling into the water. Everyone burst into fits of laughter and Skylar spat the water that went into her mouth.

They spent the entire day having fun in the dam and sharing a large picnic. The Blignaut's could see the way that Skylar and Annabelle looked at each other, but didn't say anything. They knew that the girls would figure this out between themselves. The sun started setting when they made their way home, Hannes and his sons started making a fire putside, while the women prepared dishes inside.

They had a braai and made small talk well into the night. Skylar got along with every one of Annabelle's family members and it amazed them both that things went so well.

Early the next morning Skylar received a call from her brother, he told her that her doctor had called and asked that she came in to see him immediately. She didn't understand why he wanted to see her in such a hurry as she hadn't told him that her symptoms were back. Aaron said that he had said it was simply for tests that Skylar needed. She told Aaron that they would drive back early the next day and that she was having a great time.

They spent the following dat setting up tents near the dam for their planned camping trip, making sure that they had everything they would need. Annabelle and Melony was unpacking their things while Skylar joined the two brothers in gathering wood for a fire.

"Anna, can I ask you something?" Melony asked cautiosly.

"Yeah." Annabelle said, searching for the hoody that she had gotten from Skylar.

"Are you in love with Sky?"Melony rushed the words before she lost her nerve.

"What?" Annabelle asked in shock.

"We all see the way you two look at each other and we can feel the chemistry between you. Even mom said she can see how you two feel about each other, but you're not ready to admit to each other. She said that she can see that you are truly happy for once." Melony said honestly.

"We're just friends." Annabelle as an attempted counter argument.

"Whatever you say." Melony said and climbed out of the tent.

Annabelle sat in the tent mulling over her sister's words. She couldn't deny that she felt something more for Skylar than simple friendship. Skylar never gave any hint that she might feel the same, so Annabelle was just going to ignore these feelings and be a good friend.

They spent the day swimming and tanning, running around and kayaking. That night they gathered around the fire and told ghost stories until they were all tired and decided to turn in. Melony had said she wanted to sleep alone so her and Skylar swapped tents, which left Annabelle and Skylar to share a tent. It was very quiet between them that night, both consumed in their separate thoughts until sleep finally overtook them.

****

The next morning they drove to farmhouse to pack everything and Skylar profusely thanked the family for their kindness. Theu invited her back again anytime she wanted to come out. After they said their farewells they started the long drive home, filling the miles with their usual chatter.

Annabelle spent the night at Skylar's house. Watching movies and sharing the rest of their weekend with Aaron and Jordan. The following day was back to classes.

Skylar went to the doctor who did a few scans and drew blood, telling her that he would phone her with the results. Skylar talked to Aaron that day about her symptoms coming back and her fear of dragging Annabelle through this with her.

The week passed quickly and on Friday Skylar got the call she dreaded. She went back to the doctor's office accompanied by Aaron, who didn't want his sister to go through this alone. Skylar left with tears running down her cheeks. She knew that now she had to let go of Annabelle. She couldn't decide hat hurt more, the news she had just gotten or the thought of letting Annabelle go.

Skylar spent one last afternoon with Annabelle. She had surprised her friend with a new car so that Annabelle wouldn't have to struggle to get around anymore. They had great fun that afternoon and Annabelle couldn't help but notice that Skylar was different and she felt as though this was goodbye.

Annabelle was happy and tried to phone Skylar that night to thank her again, but Skylar didn't answer or respond to any of her texts. Annabelle kept phoning and texting but still got no response. Confused, she spent her night crying herself to sleep. She saw Skylar on campus and when Skylar saw her she hurried off into the opposite direction. Annabelle realized just how much she felt for Skylar and couldn't seem to let go. What had she done to push Skylar away?

She now knew that she was head over heels in love with Skylar and she had spent the last week crying her eyes out, trying to figure where she went wrong. Skylar simply stopped responding to her messages and didn't answer when she called, even on campus Skylar avoided like she had the plague.

Annabelle stopped in front of the big mansion where she had first met Skylar. She scraped together her courage and got out of the car, walking to the door. She knocked loudly and waited patiently. The door swung open and an older version of Skylar was standing at the door.

"Can I help you?" the woman asked.

"I'm here to see Skylar." Annabelle said in a shaky voice.

"She is in no condition for guests right now. I suggest you come back." the woman said rudely.

"Who's there?" Annabelle heard Aaron ask as he approached.

"It's someone to see Skylar and I already told her to leave." the woman said when Aaronn came to stand next to her.

"Annabelle, come in. Just give me a second to deal with my mother quickly and I will take you to her." Aaron said.

"Skylar is not well!" before she could finish Aaron interupted her.

"Mother, you have no say as to who can see her and who not. You've just arrived, how do you know who she wants to see? I am the one who took care of her. Just because you are now here because your conscience is eating at you doesn't give you the right to say who may and may not see her! Annabelle is her best friend." Aaron said and led Annabelle up the stairs.

He slowly opened the door and Annabelle saw a pale Skylar lying on the bed, looking like a ghost. Aaron smiled weakly and walked inside. The closer Annabelle got the more her heart broke. Skylar had blue rings under her eyes and she looked so weak and fragile.

"Sky, someone is here to see you." Aaron said and watched Skylar open her eyes.

Skylar's eyes filled with shock and fear when she saw Annabelle, this was the last thing she wanted. Why couldn't Annabelle just let her go? Skylar was only going to bring her more pain.

"Hey, Sky." Annabelle smiled and walked to the bed, while Aaron left the room.

"What are you doing here?" Skylar asked sitting up.

"You haven't returned my calls or spoken to me and I needed to know that you were okay and why." Annabelle said and broke down in tears.

"Don't cry, please." Skylar begged and pulled Annabelle onto the bed, wrapping her arms around the crying woman.

"Then why, Sky? Why did you just check out of our friendship?" Annabelle asked between sobs.

"Because I wanted to save you the pain of being in my life right now, Annabelle, I never wanted you to see me like this. I am dying. They have exhausted all of their options and told me I have a year left, at most." Skylar said fighting back her own tears.

"What you mean?" Annabelle asked, pulling back so she could look into Skylar's eyes.