C4 Marry Him

Marigrethe P.O.V

[Flashback]

We're both crying in silence, and we've both shed tears. Her skin was pale. Her eyelids were almost dark, and she had lost her hair, which I used to admire for its natural beauty when it was broken down and fixed. However, in its natural state, it is extremely thin and falling out. Her normally cheerful demeanor had been consumed. Her red lips had already dried out and turned white. Her skin was as white as a sheet of paper.

Now as we hold each other's palms, the only thing I feel for her is cold, I can also feel the trembling of its hand. We’re just still kept quiet for a while.

We both seem to feel the same way before we can speak.

She was still able to smile in front of me even though we both knew that there was only a little time left for her. Not even a word came out of our mouths. Her eyes spoke as if she were looking at the eyes indicating that 'I'm okay.

I was hurt, but as much as she was able to smile. I still tried to smile too even though it was weak. Inside.

“Mari…”

“Hush…Shaina, how are you? Do you need anything, huh?” I tried to keep my voice alive even though I was weak inside.

She just shook her head and gave me a small smile.

I shook my head constantly because I already knew but didn't want to admit it. Because it causes me pain. She desired to give up. She does not want to be healed, despite the fact that she is gravely ill. She wants to sleep. So here I am... facing her. I was speechless and losing words because I didn't know what to say.

"Mari..." she called me again even though I was just facing and staring at her.

Memorizing every detail of her lovely face, feeling her temperature despite the fact that her hands were cold and shaky. I keep it in mind, listening to its weak pulse even as she speaks. I'm not sure... I'm terrified. I'm terrified. Perhaps she will vanish tomorrow. I don't think I can take it any longer. I can't... I can't afford to lose her! I can't afford to lose my best friend. I never imagined it would come to this and that I would lose a loved one.

"Shaina .." my voice was hoarse too. I sniffed slightly to suppress the impending intense emotion.

She weakly chuckled. It seems to have a happy memory based on her expression.

"Mari, do you remember when I got married?"

My lips slowly formed a smile in response to her question, and an achingly beautiful scenario from the days she got married flashed through my mind.

I gave a nod. "Without a doubt. That was your wedding, your most important and happy day, and who could forget it?" We both laughed at the same time, despite the fact that our tears were dripping like a faucet.

We were laughing for a brief moment. I felt a smidgeon of relief. I set aside the truth first and assumed that my friend in front of me was reminiscing about our past.

Nobody else recalls only happy memories. Not thinking about the problem, especially the small moment that may... may come to the point of parting, farewell—no! That is not how I want to think. I'm at a loss for words. No, it does not.

"I-I mean, don't you always choose to be maid of honor for our friends who are getting married? And weren't you the maid of honor I chose back then? That is because I want you to get married next. I want you to be as satisfied as I am. I also want us to have a happy life together..." She sighed deeply. Her gaze was fixed on me for a few seconds, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, and she continued to smile.

A heartfelt smile. I used to be accustomed to her ferocious demeanor, but when she smiled, it was as if she sensed something. One who was calm and sincere, and who easily softened my heart.

“…with our dearest in life,” it said next to the amputation earlier.

“Yeah, I know that, but maybe it’s not my right time,” I said.

“You remember that, huh?” as she looked at me, teased.

"Of course! Funny to think when I remember. Instead of you throwing the flower after your wedding and let anyone of us catch it, I didn’t expect you to come for me, and you even handed the flower. While the others are excited to get them. " we both laughed at the same time.

“Yes, that was so epic! I didn’t even give them a chance!” she replied and laughed.

When Shaina and I talked today, I still felt unnoticed. I miss our bonding and her upbeat personality.

Although she was stubborn and under the influence at times, I just let her go for the craziness she had done before, even though she's a brat and she is the type of person who, even though she has such a habit attitude stagy, I still see her adorable side, which is the type you will want to spoil her when it comes to things that make her happy. She's also entertaining to be around.

While we were talking about it, the two of us just laughed. She gradually changed after she married and Klark became her husband.

I am a witness to their affection. I used to wish I had such a husband. Working hard, caring for others, and loving. Even those who are overburdened with work make time for their wives.

When I was really with them, it felt like I was watching a beautiful theater with two stars in love.

“Marga, do you know what I'm saying? I haven't seen you dating another man for several years. You should tie the knot! You've been single for quite some time! The bell has already started ringing for you! It's time to make yourself happy, ” she mumbled.

I slightly shook my head and chuckled.

"Don't be concerned, Shaina. Not right now, but perhaps someday. I'm not in a hurry, and I know he'll come into my life on his own terms. I'm also getting married. I guarantee it." As we laughed, I reassured her.

But I'm not sure when that will be. But I'm going to keep my word to my best friend.

She caressed my face, tears streaming down her cheeks. I could hear the heaviness of its sigh. In response to her outburst, my lips parted.

“Hey...”

"It is, indeed. That should have been completed a long time ago. And I'm sorry. I hope you forgive me,” she apologized as if she had done something wrong.

"Hey... what's the matter with you crying? And why are you apologizing so much?" I quickly rejoined her to comfort her, gently stroking her hair.

“J-Just because.. uhm, nothing. Thank you so much for everything you do, Mari.”

“It's all right, small thing! Don't weep like that. Don't worry, I'll take care of your request. I'm going to date in order to get married soon,” I chuckled as her lips formed to smile.

Her lips twitched as she looked up as if a thought had formed in her head before she spoke again.

“But... t-that, Mari, must also be fulfilled... If you also f-fulfill my r-request..."

"What exactly is it? Would you mind telling me, hmm?" As I waited for her response, I inquired.

She appears perplexed because she is obviously hesitant to speak but still smiles.

"Uh," she said, averting her gaze and closing her eyes.

"What exactly is it, Shaina?"

"What do you think of Klark?" she inquired once in a blue moon.

I took a big gulp. "Huh? W-What exactly do you mean?"

Because Klark entered the conversation, I was perplexed.

"Do you find him uhm.. a-attractive?"

“What?" I was taken aback by her question, not knowing what words to say.

While Shaina is waiting for my answer. I don’t know why she’s asking me this.

"Why did you suddenly ask me that?" I asked, curious.

Her forehead was furrowed but there was a hidden smile on her lips.

"Why? Is it hard to answer that? It's just a simple yes or no. Answer immediately, my dear."

I shrugged and cleared my throat. "Well,.y-yes..v-very he's appealing." He's in a good place in life, a good husband... you're aware that many women are obsessed with him. But you're the luckiest because, aside from you, he's handsome and loving, and he only loves you!" I tried to laugh, even though it was phony because I couldn't figure out why I was suddenly stuttering.

"I know he loves me.' she smiled weakly.

'Mari, don't tell me until now—no way!'

"Marigrethe, you know what I mean... you and Klark are the only people I trust. And because Rius and Zeus already love you, you are the only one who can look after them. I just want to ask for one. Promise me, Marga .. "she squeezed my hand tightly at the same time her eyes could see the plea.

"Y-yes, of course, I promise; I will always visit your child at your home and take care of them as well-"

"It's not what you think, Mari," she interrupted what I was saying while clinging tightly as if she didn't know how or what to say.

Even though I'm perplexed, I'm also nervous.

"Then w-what is it?" I fainted in response to my hushed question.

"I'd like you to marry him."

I frowned. "Who?"

"Marry, K-Klark," she stammered, biting her lower lip and averting her gaze.