Always and Forever Read Online Free PDF Page A

battle another years down the line. No one really knows why, but it does happen.”
    “She's only sixteen!”
    “I know, son. I know.” More sobs followed by quiet reassurances from Dr. Patel.
    “They could be wrong, though. Right?” Kal asked, hopefully. “I mean, Dr. Lambert could've made a mistake. The tests were mixed up, and this was all just a mistake. Right?”
    Dr. Patel heaved out a mournful sigh. No parent wanted to give his child this kind of terrible news, and he was no exception. “It's a possibility. Hospitals and labs can and do make mistakes,” he acquiesced. “But it's not likely.”
    “There's got to be something we can do, Dad,” Kal sobbed brokenly. “Some treatment. Something. Anything. We have to help her. We can't just sit around and wait for her to die. I won't do that. Not again.”
    “I've already called Dr. Bernstein. He's the best neurologist around. He'll be meeting with Dr. Shreve today, and both doctors will see Mia and her parents on Monday. I've already set it up, but that's about all I can do for her. I wish it was more, son. I really do.”
    “Thanks, Dad.” He sucked in a ragged breath, sniffled.
    “You have to be strong for her now, more than ever, Kal. Mia will have a lot on her plate with all this. She can't stay strong if you crumble. You need to prepare yourself for the worst now. That way you'll be there for her when she needs support, and she will need it, son. She will need you to be there for her. No matter what.”
    I couldn't take any more of this. Kal was still sniffling quietly, but his pleas to his father for help on my behalf had ended. I charged forward, hoping to interrupt before my friend could open his mouth again and rip my heart to shreds. A brisk knock and I cleared my throat.
    “Dr. Patel?” I asked through the door. “Is Kal in there with you? Mrs. Patel wanted me to tell him breakfast was ready.” Was it me, or did my voice sound just as cracked and broken as Kal's had?
    A muted shuffling, and then the door opened. Dr. Patel smiled that slight quirk of the lips I'd always been certain he used on patients after they'd come out of surgery. The overly-sweet one that fairly screamed, You're going to be just fine . My own mouth tilted up at the corners in response. Neither of our smiles reached our eyes, and both of us saw it.
    “It's good to see you again, Mia,” he told me. “Now, don't distract my son too much. He needs to eat his breakfast, and then you both need to get to school. On time.”
    I ducked my head in a quick nod. “Yes, sir.”
    I marched into the room, forcing a confidence that I did not feel into my every step. Kal—his eyes red-rimmed and puffy—watched me silently, not moving from his perch on the couch in the middle of the room.
    “Your sister has just informed me that our ‘little’ shopping trip tomorrow is now an all-day extravaganza that includes three different malls.” My face twisted up into a scowl.
    He choked out a surprised laugh, shook his head, and patted the cushion beside him. When I was settled in place, his arm slid around me, and I dropped my head onto his shoulder. “You knew that would happen when you made the plans,” he said softly in my ear.
    “Come with us,” I begged. “Save me from having a complete nervous breakdown that spending all day with a gaggle of twelve-year-old girls is bound to incite.”
    “Um…must I remind you that you were once a twelve-year-old girl?”
    “I was never so shrill,” I pointed out.
    “Maybe not,” he agreed. “But you were a giggler.” His hands slid down to my sides, his fingers scratching playfully. Of course, I started giggling. “And you still are, I might add.”
    I slammed my elbow into his ribs, which had him howling. With laughter.
    “Okay, okay. I give up.” He groaned. “I'll go shopping with you girls tomorrow.”
    I squealed excitedly and threw my arms around him. “Thanks, Kallie! You're the best,” I breathed against his neck. Before