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Waking up and feeling the pleasant feeling of the early spring fill his lungs, Aaron woke up and stretched his legs. As he opened his eyes, he slowly lumbered to his calendar to check what date it was. As his eyes scanned through the calendar page for March, he noticed the date for the 4th. However, there was a red circle around it’s box with the words, “Happy Birthday” written within.
“Hmmm, can’t believe I nearly forgot about all of that.” Aaron shook his head as he muttered those words. During the grief stricken past two months, Aaron had nearly forgotten about his birthday. In light of what was going on with him, he used to wish he had simply forgotten it,but his time with Twilight Sparkle last Saturday had caused him to recant that decision. As he finished washing up in the shower, Aaron walked over to the sink, brushing his teeth. Rinsing his mouth with mouthwash, he looked up at the mirror and took a somewhat curious glance at his bald reflection.
“Wow, I look like a villain from one of those old spy movies.” Aaron mentally remarked. “If only I had a goatee though. Heh, ‘Peace through power.’” As he continued to observe himself in the mirror, Aaron inspected his face and saw an all too familiar sight: bloodshot eyes. As he continued to look at his reflection, Aaron grimaced at how his eyes were progressively becoming more bloodshot as his time grew closer to zero.
“Ugh! I’ll never get used to seeing that.” He thought to himself as he put on his favorite,Stone Temple Pilots shirt. Walking into the living room with his jacket and backpack in hand, he saw his father looking at the morning paper, a daily ritual for him. Right away, Aaron knew his father heard him enter and saw a tear drip down his cheek. He knew his father was still upset at his condition and the hopelessness of the situation. However, after last week’s one-on-one with his girlfriend, Aaron understood he has to stay strong for others, even when they weren’t able to be strong for him. Stealing himself for a moment to regain his composure, Aaron mentally recited his motto he developed since that day:
“Good morning.” His mother, Helene, said as she approached him, giving him a smooch on the forehead. “How are you this morning?”
“Doing great, Ma.” Arron replied. As he devoured his breakfast like he hadn’t eaten a thing in days, he saw his mother staring down on the counter, sighing and gasping with sadness. Since it was his special day, it was especially hard on her, having to deal with the reality that today was the last day she would ever get to celebrate itn. In that moment, as if he let his emotions free for the briefest moment, he walked over to her and gave her a big hug. Sushing as he leaned his head into hers, he whispered into her ear:
“Mom, it’s alright. I know things are hopeless but I’m glad to have you as my mother. I’ll love you no matter what, even though I’ll die soon. I am and always will be your son.”
With both their tears welling up, Helene turned around and embraced her son proper. Unbeknownst to them, his father, Alan, had been observing the scene the whole time. Feeling the familiar sting in his heart,He walked over and joined the pair, draping his arms over his wife and eldest child. His eyes began to well up with tears as the hug persisted. He knew his son was not long for this world but he was determined to make what time he had left matter for the both of them.
“Thanks… dad.” Aaron muttered.
“I love you too, son.” Alan said, fixing his glasses and breaking the hug. Wiping a tear from his eyes, he put a hand on his son’s shoulder and exhaled. “I know you think we’re disheartened about your situation and I’d be lying if I said we aren’t. But, we’ll try our best to stay strong for you, as you try for us.” Aaron couldn’t help but shed a single tear at his father’s declaration. His spirits lifted even higher and a weight lifted off of him, he now knew his family will brave the ordeal with him.
“Son?”
“Yeah dad?”
“Would you mind taking your brother to school today?”
“Sure, I don’t mind.” Giving a quick whistle, Aaron called to his brother Darrel. “Yo, L.B., I’m takin’ ya to school! Hurry up and we’ll swing by Sugarcube Corner!”
“Okay, give me a few!” Darrel shouted back. Nodding in agreement, Aaron turned to his dad with his backpack in hand.
“Tell him I’ll be waiting for him in my car.” Aaron said to his dad before walking out to his car, boarding it and fiddling with the radio. After a few moments of tuning, a song came on that caught his attention.
Aaron sighed as the song played. As soon as the vocals hit, it spoke volumes of his situation. Back when he was a kid he enjoyed it when his dad played it during one of their fishing trips but now… it stung him like salt on a fresh wound.
“It’s alright L.B.” Aaron whispered while shedding a tear. “I know you’re hurting over this. Just stay strong and I’ll be strong.” After a few minutes of collecting himself, Darrel took deep a breath and patted his brother on the back. “Now, let’s go get some donuts.”
Aaron parked his car in the student parking lot,the morning sun’s light breaking through the clouds, sending soothing waves of warmth to his body as his cells waged war among themselves. As Aaron reflected on his situation, he was interrupted by his brother calling to him.
“Hey Aaron,” Darrel started.
“What’s on your mind, L.B.?” Aaron replied
“I just don’t understand why this is happening. I mean you’re my brother and I’m about to lose you. None of this is fair!”
As he looked to a visibly distraught Darrel, he shut his eyes and sighed. Despite doing his best to console his parents and his little brother, the one that looked up to him, still felt heavy hearted at the thought of losing his best friend. Putting a hand on his shoulder, Aaron sighed once more.
“I know Darrel, I know. That’s the thing I’ve come to understand about life. It doesn’t care about whether or not one has been good. Anything can happen at anytime and it could either be good or bad. Nothing in life is fair and we have to accept that .”
“Why can’t it be?! You’re my big brother! I love you and I don’t want to lose you!”
“And I don’t want to leave you and ma and pa alone either.” As Darrel began to cry once more, Aaron embraced him once more, mustering all his strength to not cry as well. “I don’t like this situation any more than you do and I’d love nothing more than to fix it. However, after I spoke with Twilight last week, I realized something.”
*Sniff* “What’s that?”
“Life is like a card game. You’re either dealt a good hand or a bad hand. I was dealt a bad hand and felt distraught, but I had to stay strong for you and our parents. It also taught me that time is short and we have to make most of it while we can. It’s helped me appreciate all the time I’ve spent with you all. So, I want my last memories to be happy ones with you, mom, dad, and my friends, cause you all mean the world to me.”
With Aaron’s spiel, Darrel began to calm down, better understanding his brother’s perspective. Returning the hug, Darrel calmed down from his sadness.
“Okay, big bro, I’ll be strong for you.” Feeling contented, Darrel broke from the hug with lifted spirits.
“Thank you, L.B.” Aaron muttered as he got out of his car. “Come on, we got ourselves a day’s worth of learning to do.” With a chuckle, Darrel climbed out of the car and followed his brother into the school with his backpack in tow.
Aaron scanned through his locker, decorated with pictures of his fondest memories: a camping trip with his family, an airsoft match with Flash Sentry, and his second date with Twilight Sparkle. Thoughts about her beauty and the good time at the renaissance fair they went to that day raced through his mind. They enjoyed taking a ride on a horse together and watching the jousting tournament with excitement and glee. Glancing further at the photo, he noticed a necklace, a small golden medallion with Twilight’s birthstone. Aaron remembered when he bought that for her, seeing her eyes open wide at the surprise gift and the tightest hug he ever gotten from her.
“Gonna miss her when I’m gone.” Aaron sighed as he loaded his binder and journal into his bag. As he was about to back away from his locker, his nose caught a familiar scent from behind, like lavender and blueberries. Turning around, his eyes met Twilight Sparkle’s, complete with a loving smile.
“Twi.” Aaron said as he embraced her with a peck on her lips. “So good to see you.”
“I’m glad too.” Twilight replied, enjoying the embrace. Breaking from the hug, Twilight dusted off her shirt. “How are things going for you, Aaron?”
“Going about as well as can be expected I had to console my family earlier this morning. My little brother is taking things the hardest.”
“I understand, I can’t even imagine how hard it would be one to lose an older sibling.” Her mind flashing to her own older sibiling and how painful it’d be to lose him.
“Yeah.” Aaron somberly agreed. “I just hate the thought of him having to endure all of this.” Beginning to feel heavy hearted, he gave Twilight another hug. “I just hope he’ll focus on the good memories we had. At least when I’m gone, he’ll have my car. But, heh, he’ll have to get his driver’s license first.”
“It’d be a shame for something like that to be left unused.”
“Yeah, at least it’ll help him in the long run.” Hearing the sound of the bell ringing, Aaron had to cut his time with Twilight short as his literature class was about to begin. “Anyways Twi, I’ll see you and Applejack at lunch.”
“Okay, see you then.” As they both parted ways, Aaron reflected on how sweet she was, lamenting on leaving her brokenhearted. Steeling himself, he walked into his english class where his teacher, Ms. Cheerilee, greeted him.
“Good morning, Mr. Hart.” Cheerilee greeted. “How are you today?”
“Been better since the last couple of weeks.” Aaron shot back. “Still in pain though.” Cheerilee, like most of the CHS staff that were involved with him, knew of his condition. But, they swore not to reveal anything about it at the request of his and his parents wishes. Though they did a good job hiding it, they knew that they couldn’t keep it a secret forever, whether it be by accident or Aaron’s own doing.
“Aw, don’t worry about it. Just keep your chin up and try not to let anything negative rule your mind.” Cheerilee said as Aaron sat down at his desk. “You’ll be in a good mood when you hear of today’s lesson plan.”
“What’s on the lesson plan?”
“Today, we’ll be discussing the book, Dune.”
“Oh hey, I’ve been actually wanting to read that one.”
“Well, now you’ll have your chance. But, fair warning, it’s a rather long novel.”
“Eh, I’m used to reading big stories like that.” The students began pouring into the classroom, taking their assigned desks for the class. The assignment was pretty standard, read the book and write a report by the end of the semester. As far as assignments went, it seemed pretty enjoyable.
However, as the class continued Aaron began to feel all too familiar pains throughout his body. While the pain wasn’t substantial, it made concentrating difficult and it wouldn’t be long before he needed to go to the nurses office to take his daily medication. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the medicine also tasted pretty terrible too.
The air in the lunchroom was alive and rife with conversation as the students chatted with their friends. As Aaron moved around the lunchroom, his eyes caught the attention of a particular table among the sea of students. His eyes zero in on the table at which Twilight was sitting with her friends, Applejack and Rarity.
“Well, howdy there, Aaron!” Applejack called to him. “Come on over ‘ere!”
“Hello, girls.” Aaron said as he sat down with them. “No doubt that Twilight told you what’s going on with me.” Both Applejack and Rarity somberly bowed their heads as they sighed.
“She did and I can’t even begin to express my sympathy for your plight” Rarity said. “I can only imagine how hard it must be for you.”
“Well, ever since last week, I’ve started to come to terms with the whole thing.” Aaron replied as he pulled a lunch bag out of his pack.
“Well now, it takes a lot to be strong in a bind like that.” Applejack added in.
“I try to but we all have to cry at some point.” As Aaron was about to bring his lunch out, his lunch bag was abruptly snatched from his hands with an all too familiar chuckle. It was Canvas Brushstroke, former head of the gaming club and one of Canterlot High’s more well known bullies. Ever since he got into an argument with an art club member that escalated to blows, he was handed a week’s suspension and his banishment from said club. When he got back, he’d gotten into a pattern of intimidating and extorting any student he could, taking a fair amount of enjoyment out of the act. And he never missed an opportunity for a new target.
As such, it was no surprise when Canvas threw the lunch bag into a nearby garbage can like it was a basketball.
“Bitch.” Canvas said as he slapped Aaron on the back of his head and walked away. While it didn’t particularly hurt, Aaron wanted nothing more than to return the favor, only to be reminded of how much his body ached the more stress it was under. Closing his eyes and and taking a few deep breaths, Aaron regained his composure.
“You alright?” Twilight asked with an air of concern.
“Yeah, I’m good.” Aaron grumbled.
“Don’t worry,” Rarity said as she reached into her purse for some money. “I’ll go buy you someth-” Her gesture was interrupted by Aaron holding up a finger.
“It’s alright.” Aaron said as he pulled out another lunchbag. “I came prepared.” Ever since Canvas started picking on him last year, Aaron had made it a point to bring two packed lunches, just encase he pulled this stunt, which had almost become routine for him..
“Since when did you start this?” Applejack asked.
“Beginning of last year.” Aaron said as he took a bite of his sandwich. “Been an asshole for a while and decided to make me his preferred punching bag.”
“I still can’t believe he started that fight, much less turn into a such a jerk.” Twilight replied. As Aaron ate the last of his sandwich, he felt a buzzing in his pocket. Pulling out his phone, he saw that it was an alarm which read: “Pill time!”
“What was that?” Rarity asked as Aaron packed up.
“Time for me to take my pain meds.” Aaron replied with a sigh, giving Twilight a hug. “I’ll see you girls later. Take care.”
Aaron walked along the halls towards Nurse Redheart’s office. He felt the pain beginning to eat away at him as he grew closer to his destination and he found himself welcoming the bitter taste of his medication.. After two minutes of walking, he reached his destination and greeted by the school nurse.
“Hello Aaron, how has your day been?” Redheart asked as she rummaged through her medicine cabinet.
“Some ups and downs but it’s been good for the most part.” Aaron answered back as he sat down on a couch next to a bed. “Though I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to this.”
“I know,” Redheart said as she handed Aaron a red capsule pill. “But at least it’ll help you stave off the pain. I’ll give you some sweet tea to help wash it down.” Nodding in agreement, Aaron plugged his nose, looked up and swallowed the pill. The taste and the texture made him gag a bit as he worked the medicine down his throat. With one big gulp, the deed was done.
“Ugh, god, I really hate that.” Aaron said as he shivered. Pulling out a can of sweet tea from her fridge, Redheart handed the drink off to Aaron, who guzzled it down with gusto. “But at least it works quickly.”
“That it does.” Nurse Redheart said as she sat down next to Aaron, putting a hand on his shoulder. “In your condition, you’ll need as much as possible to make yourself comfortable until… well…”
“Don’t feel the need to sugarcoat it, Nurse.” Aaron interrupted. “I know I don’t have much time left and I already made my peace with that fact. Thanks for your concern though.”
As Aaron relaxed as the medication dulled his pain, he heard the door open and saw Principal Celestia walk in.
“Hello, Aaron.” Celestia waved with a smile.
“Oh, heya Principal Celestia.” Aaron greeted as he shook her hand. “How have things been for you?” Celestia’s calm expression changed to stressed, likely meaning it’d been a busy morning.
“Mrs. Harshwhinny handed me a stack of paperwork I had to do.” Celestia answered with an exhausted sigh. “Took me a few hours straight to finish. How was your lunch?”
“Canvas thought it funny to play basketball with my food and slap the back of my head. I was sorely tempted to get up and slug him but I was in a good mood today.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t act on that impulse. It’s always better to be the bigger man and not give into anger.”
“Even then, I’m dangerously close to my wits end with him. So anyways, what brings you here?”
“I actually came to take you somewhere.”
“For what?” Aaron asked, standing up. “Am I in trouble?” Celestia moved toward him and put a hand on his shoulder.
“No, but you’ll see why once we get there.” Celestia escorted Aaron out the door, waving Nurse Redheart goodbye as they walked down the halls. They walked around for a minute, making pleasant conversation about whatever was on their minds and even sharing a good laugh or two. Ever since his condition was brought to her attention, Celestia always had an ear out for him when he needed it, making sure he kept his morale and performance in his classes stable. Aaron really appreciated the lengths she went to help him, even keeping his status a secret. He feared what would happen if word of his impending fate reached the student body at large.
Eventually, they reached their destination: a meeting room with no lights on. Unlocking the door, Celestia gestures Aaron inside. Stepping inside, he flipped the lightswitch on, unprepared for what waited.
“Surprise! Happy Birthday, Aaron!”
Stunned with surprise, he saw Twilight Sparkle, along with her friends Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash waiting for him. The room was decorated with the signature handiwork that Pinkie was known for. Along with the decor, there was boxes wrapped in gift wrap and a cake with eighteen candles. From the sight, Aaron knew what it was: Celestia and his friends had thrown him a surprise birthday party.
“W-WWW-Wh-Wh-” Aaron stamered, speechless at the sight. His eyes began to tear up, not of sadness, but of joy, happiness unbound.
“Well, do you like it?” Pinkie cheerfully asked.
“H-H-How did you all do this?” Aaron muttered.
“Well, after Twilight briefed us on your illness,” Rainbow Dash started. “Pinks and Twilight here shot around the idea of a surprise party.”
“And while we were discussing it, Principal Celestia happened to listen in on us and offered to help organize this.” Fluttershy spoke up.
“Since this is your last birthday, darling,” Rarity said, putting a hand on Aaron’s shoulder. “We wanted to make this one the best.”
Aaron began to stir from his initial shock, tears welling up more so than ever. His expression changed to that of a joyful smile. In his mind, he felt they didn’t need to do that but his heart thought otherwise. He appreciated what they’ve done for him. Quickly, he lunged at Twilight, wrapping her in a hug and burying his face in her neck.
*Sniff* “Thank you, all of you.” Aaron muttered as Twilight wrapped her arms around him. “I can’t begin to describe how happy I am right now.”
“We’re glad you’re happy, Aaron.” Twilight said as Aaron lifted his head up, making eye contact. Wiping the tears from his face, he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek, making her blush.
“Though you didn’t have to, I’m grateful.”
“Well now,” Celestia started. “Shall we start with presents?”
“Ah reckon that sounds good.” Applejack agreed as Aaron took a seat. Applejack picked up a medium sized box and handed it to him. “‘Ere, this is from me.” Aaron tore the wrapping up and opened the box, revealing a blue denim jacket with rollable sleeves and plenty of pockets.
“Thanks Applejack.” Aaron said as he put it on. “Comfy and stylish, I like it.”
“Ahm glad you do, look mighty slick.”
Fluttershy approached Aaron and handed him her gift. It looked to be a small set of papers and a picture of a somewhat small dog in a kennel. He was confused by what it meant.
“What is this, Fluttershy?”
“Oh, since I work at the animal shelter, I pulled a few strings to get a dog ready for you to adopt.” Aaron smiled as he looked on at the picture of the basset hound, looking all happy with its tail all waggly. “Stop by my work after school and I’ll help you get things in order. I’m sure this little guy will be happy with a good family.”
“That he will,”Aaron said as he put the paperwork in a folder and in his bag. “Thank you, Flutters.” It was then Rainbow Dash’s turn to hand him her gift.
“I hope you find this the most awesomest gift ever, ya knucklehead!” Aaron tore through the packaging and unveiled a pair of pilot shades and fingerless leather gloves. “Trust me, you’ll look about… 20% cooler with that getup.”
“Well, I have no doubt about it.” Aaron said as he put the sunglasses on. “Thanks Dash.”
“Oh Ooh! My turn, My turn!” Pinkie Pie sang as she skipped to Aaron with her gift, a cube shaped package. Shaking it a bit, he suspected it to be a humorous gift. As he unwrapped it, his suspicions were confirmed. It was a collection movies by Mel Brooks and a rather huge gummy bear, all welcomed by the classic ‘springy snakes in a can’ joke. Aaron couldn’t hold back laughter as Pinkie’s comedic charm did its work.
“I’ve actually been wanting to get this for a while.” Aaron said with a chuckle. “I've always been a fan of Mel Brooks.”
“I figured since you liked Blazing Saddles. That’s why I got it for you.”
“Thank you very much, Pinks.”
“No problemo, amigo!” She replied as she sat down. “You’re up, Rarity!”
“Thank you, darling.” Rarity replied as she handed Aaron a gift bag. “Now Aaron, due to your... baldness, we figured that this one would mean the most to you.” Upon her words, Aaron dug his hand through the bag and felt a hairy mass. Grasping it, he pulled it out and saw it was a grass-green colored wig in a long and flowing style, different than his natural orange hair. Aaron was in awe at his gift.
“How were you able to pull this off?” Aaron asked in shock.
“Well, Twilight told me about how you wore that stuffy snow cap to hide your… condition and how uncomfortable it could be. So, she suggested the idea of a wig so that you won’t feel out of place.” Aaron continued to look on at his gift with joy, unable to formulate any words. “Go ahead, put it on.” He reached for his snowcap and gripped it, taking a deep breath.
“I hope you all won’t find this awkward.” They both nodded no, giving him the go ahead. “Well, here goes nothing.” He pulled the hat off his head, revealing his bald head. Twilight and her friends were still surprised at such a sight, even after she broke the news to them. Putting his new wig on, adjusting it so it sat neatly on his head. Rarity handed him a mirror and he looked into it.
“My god… It’s… amazing!” Aaron gasped as he went gaga over his full head of hair, the first he had since a month ago. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”
“Simmer down there, pardner.” Applejack interjected. “No need to get overly excited.”
“I know but I’m so glad I won’t keep sticking out like a sore thumb any more! Thank you, Rarity!” Aaron screamed with glee as he gave Rarity a hug in gratitude.
“Mind letting me go, dear? You’re crushing me!” Rarity advised as Aaron let her go with an embarrassed look on his face. “But, I’m glad you like it.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t need to say anything else to show it.” Twilight Sparkle remarked as she walked up to her boyfriend. “Now, it’s time he got my gift… at least part one of it.”
“Part one?” Aaron asked as Twilight handed him a box, slightly bigger than a human hand. Opening it, he was presented with a palm-sized gold disc with a chain attached.
“A pocket watch.” Aaron muttered as he opened it. Inside, it was a standard pocket watch setup but with a familiar picture inside. He found his grin growing as he remembered the t photo from their third date at the bowling alley. He remembers Twilight beating him by a point with her jumping up and down cheering. Though he lost, the fact that they both had fun was all that mattered. Taking a look at the backside of the watch, he saw something written in cursive.
“Semper Amici, what does that mean?”
“It means ‘Forever Friends’ in latin, Aaron.”
The teen actually felt more tears ready to leak from his eyes, but held them back as he held the watch close to his chest. “I’m touched, I truly am.”
“Well now, I guess it’s time for part two of your gift.”
“What would that be?” Twilight then turned her gaze to her friends and Celestia with an expression that spelled ‘May I?’ to which they nodded with approval. With that, she then took off her glasses and sat on Aaron’s lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. He knew full well what was coming next as Twilight’s lips touched his in a passionate kiss. He held her close as they let their love for each other take over. The kiss lasted for a minute before they broke it to catch some breath.
“I can’t overstate how much I love you, Twi.” Aaron said as he rubbed Twilight’s back. “You’ve always been there for me even when things are what they are now.”
“And to think we hooked up over a study session.” Twilight laughed. “Still, I enjoyed the good times we had and I hope to have more with what time we have left.”
“Likewise.” Twilight got of his lap and took her seat next to him as they all began shooting the breeze. For the next twenty minutes, they sat around sharing stories, both funny and interesting. Laughs were exchanged and the air was kept alive with the sounds of conversation.
“Alright, I think it’s time for cake.” Celestia declared as she pulled out a lighter and lit all eighteen candles. She moved the cake in front of Aaron as everyone gathered around him for the traditional birthday chorus.
“Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Aaron, Happy birthday to you!”
“Be sure sure to make a wish before you blow out the candles!” Pinkie chimed as Aaron looked on at the eighteen individually dancing flames. If it were any other birthday, he would’ve thought of something for himself, like a stroke of good luck or anything material. However, due to his situation, there was only one thing that was on his mind, one thing he truly desired. Before he let loose an exhale, Aaron mentally stated his wish.
“I wish… I wish for everyone I love… to be happy.”