My Little Alien

Peridot got out of the hospital a couple of days later, and the only time that her parents actually came and visited was to pick her up. Amethyst isn't able to drive so she has to have Sapphire drive her back and forth from school, at the moment they were a little ways from Peridot's house. They were waiting for her, so they could take her to school because she stopped taking the bus.

Peridot ran out of the house and down the street to the car. They honked, with a smile on Peridot's face she got in the back with Amethyst. Peridot moved the crutch that was in the middle to scoot closer to Amethyst and give her a kiss. “Hey, you can do that anywhere else instead of my car.” Sapphire glared at them through the mirror before giving them a smile. “It's really good to have you back, Peri. Don't give us a scare like that, love.” She started the car up and drove away to the school.

Rose did try everything to get help for Peridot. With all the evidence on her body, the police still wouldn't do anything. And even if they did, the process was long and hard. She called everybody she knew and tried to get Peri out of the home. She was getting weak though, she knew she was at her limits. Rose didn't have very much time left on the planet earth, and everybody knew it.

“Welcome back, Peridot.” Matt, Steven, and Pearl was standing in the school's parking lot as Sapphire pulled in. Matt and Steven looked dead tired, as they were the ones who had to take care of their mom. Greg as much as he loved Rose, he was way too busy with the car wash to do much. Pearl, looks like she was trying to cover up the fact that she was crying.

“Thank you, it feels great to be back, to be honest.” She said shyly, going around the car she helped Amethyst out, Matt grabbed the crutch and hand handed it to Amethyst.

“Mom, isn't doing so well.” Steven said as the group walked into the school. “She can barely move anymore. And she refuses to do any treatment or take any medicine for the pain.” Steven had tears in his eyes now, as Pearl pulled him into a hug and rubbed his back.

They were in the hallway of the school, kids moved past them to get breakfast, meet up with friends before school, or to get to classes early. Pearl whispered sweet things in his ear, to try and calm him down. “It's hard, I know. We all have to go through with this, Steven. Even if it breaks us up, we have to accept the fact that Rose doesn't want any treatment. She wants to go the way she is now.” Pearl was starting to cry again. She loved Rose very much, more than she should, to be honest. It hurts her as much as it hurt the others to know that she was going to leave them.

Steven held on to Pearl like she was his life support. He didn't want to lose his mom. She was the most sweetest kindest person that was battling a horrible battle that no one should go through. He pulled away and wiped his tears with his shirt. “Are you okay little buddy?” Asked Matt rubbing his little brother's back. Steven nodded and grabbed his hand squeezing it. “We'll make it through, Steven. Mom will make it through. She's a strong willed woman. She'll fight to the very end.”

It was hard for them to think that their mom, savior, teacher, their everything was going to be gone in just a blink of an eye. Even Peridot was starting to get depressed and holding her tears back at the thought of Rose dying. She didn't know her very well, but Rose was so passionate, and filled with so much love for everybody. She wanted to help Peridot out so bad. It made Peridot, actually feel love.

Then the bell went off for first period. Nobody wanted to go, but they all did. Matt and Pearl walked with Steven to his class, before going to theirs. They shared their first class together. Peridot kissed Amethyst, before departing to the band room. It was just Ruby, Sapphire and Amethyst left as they walked to their classes. Sapphire and Ruby hugged each other before Sapphire went to her class. Ruby and Amethyst shared their first class together.

“Things are going to go to hell the moment, Rose will be gone.” Ruby mumbled as she kept the door open to the classroom to let Amethyst through. “I mean, once she is gone, what would anyone do without her advice? Without her guidance?”

Amethyst didn't have an answer as she sat down at her desk in the back of the classroom. She didn't want to think about Rose dying. Rose made her feel like she was something. Rose made her feel like it was okay to be herself. She was her counselor, her savior when things got rough. She was the one who got her out of her parents' house, and emancipated so they couldn't get her back. Leaning her crutch against the back wall, she slumped down in her seat next to Ruby. “I really don't know, Ruby. It's so hard to think about all this.”

The class went by quickly like the clock just sped up the moment Amethyst sat down. Getting up out of her chair, she was tired from the lecture her Honors History teacher gave them. Ruby handed her, her crutch and they waited for everybody else to get out of the class before heading over to the door. Ms. Alexandrite held the door open for them. “Amethyst, I know you are close to Ms. Quartz-Universe, could you give her my wishes to get better?” Her voice was scratchy as she spoke. Amethyst looked up and nodded.

“I will Ms. Alexandrite. I'll tell her after school.” She smiled up at her, and hopped out of the classroom. Ruby followed saying goodbye to the teacher. Amethyst's smile soon faded when she was out of her eye view. She sighed. “She isn't getting better is she?” She asked Ruby as they walked to their lockers. It was a slow pace as she was still trying to get the hang of the crutches.

“I don't think she is, Amethyst.” Ruby sighed as she unlocked her locker. “It's been a month since she told us. A month, and look how weak she looks already. She can barely even talk anymore. Alone walk by herself.” Amethyst opened her locker and grabbed her Math binder. She was holding back the tears that were trying to spill once again. “Well, I'll see you later, Amethyst.” Ruby waved goodbye to her, and ran to her next class.

“I heard what happened, and I want to apologize for what Jasper has been doing to you and Peridot. It isn't right. I also am glad you and Peridot are okay. Especially Peridot. I heard what happened and I am glad it didn't work. This school would be kind of boring without her face around. Anyway, I got you two gifts. I was thinking because you had 3rd period with her that you can give her this for me.” Lapis handed Amethyst a green bag with aliens on it, with green tissue inside to cover up the present. Then, she handed her another bag, which was purple and had donuts on it. “I also got one for Ms. Quartz-Universe, I heard she doesn't have very much longer.” The bag Lapis was holding was a bright pink with red roses all over it. “Seeing as your only good hand is full already. I'll stick this in your locker for after school. If that's okay?”

Amethyst smiled softly and nodded. “Yeah, just don't touch anything, and you'll be fine.” She gave her, her locker number and Lapis gave her a hug. “Thank you, Lapis. You seem like a pretty chill person. You should come hang out with us, we are glad to have you any time.”

“That sounds good. Thank you, Amethyst. Well I'll see you around.” Lapis waved goodbye as Amethyst started to walk again. She was a little late to her class, but the teacher understood. Getting help by another student, she sat down in the middle of the class and her crutch on the back wall. She couldn't pay attention to her class, her mind was drifting to all sorts of places. Life without Rose, life after high school. What would have been if Peridot actually ended her life a couple of days ago?

Like last time the class seemed to go by like it was nothing. The same kid who helped her in the beginning, helped her again by giving her the crutch back. “Thanks,” she whispered as she grabbed the two bags and headed out of the classroom after everybody was gone. She met up with Peridot on the way to third period class and handed her the bag.

“What's this?” She asked curious, lifting up the tissue paper.

“Ah, that was from Lapis. She said she is glad you are still around.” Amethyst said as they walked too third period. “So, what is it?”

Peridot's eyes went wide and had stars in them as she pulled out a Legend of Zelda shirt. It was a little to big, but bigger the better she said. She then pulled out a play station 4 version of Fallout 4. There was a note attached, but she didn't start reading until they were in their seats in 3rd period.

Hey Peridot, I know we haven't been on good terms this year, with Jasper and all. However, my little brother had this in his game collection. He didn't want it, and I thought you might like it. I heard from Steven, that you had a PlayStation 4 at your house. So, I hope you like the gifts. I'm sorry if the shirt doesn't fit or is too big, it was a guess. XD Anyway, hope you start feeling better. - LL

Peridot read the note out loud to Amethyst, she giggled. “What a nice girl, eh?” She said. Peri nodded and stuck her stuff back into the bag. Amethyst put her stuff on the counter, opening the bag. She pulled out a doughnut shaped pillow, and she giggled. “I can't say if she was telling me something or not, but I actually like this a lot.” She then pulled out a card, which slipped out a gift card for Stew Pizza. She opened the card to read the note inside.

Hey Amethyst, Heard about that fall you had. Thought you might need a pillow to rest your arm or leg on. And got you a gift card to your favorite pizza place. I know how much you like food. Anyway, be careful next time. - LL

Peridot giggled along with Amethyst. “That's kind of fucked up, if you tell me.” Peridot said before Amethyst nodded in agreement. “At least she thought about what you liked, anyway.”

“Yeah I know.” She put the stuff back in her bag and set it next to her, when the teacher cleared her throat and started to talk. It was just a lecture and Amethyst was started to fall asleep when her phone buzzed in her pocket. Getting it out she checked it under the table and her world stopped.

Amethyst … mom … she passed away … 30 minutes ago … I need you to get out of class. I texted the others and they are meeting in the parking lot. See you then. Bring Peri as well. - Steven

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stood up. “Peridot, get my crutch we are going.” Her head snapped up, tears falling to the table.

Dr. Maheswaran stopped talking and looked at Amethyst and Peridot. “What are you two doing? Get back into your seats.” She snapped. Then, her face lightened up as she saw Amethyst crying. “What's wrong?”

“Um, I need to be excused … Ms. Quartz-Universe … she passed away 30 minutes ago.” She choked out her words as she hugged Peridot crying. “I'm sorry, I have to go.” She grabbed her crutch from Peridot and grabbed her bag. She walked out of the room quickly. Peridot followed.

Peridot was silent as Amethyst went to her locker, and grabbed the bag for Rose. Closing it they walked again in silence to the parking lot. Sure enough, the gang was all there, Steven was on the ground in a ball crying his eyes out. Matt was next to him rubbing his back, he was crying as well. Sapphire was in Ruby's arms both trying to comfort each other, but not working so well. And Pearl, she was a total mess. They looked up as they approached. Pearl ran over to Amethyst and hugged her tightly. She could feel the tears sink through her sweater and through her shirt to her skin.

“D-Did she go peacefully?” Amethyst choked out.

“They said she died in her sleep. Greg found her at home, when he went to check up on her.” Pearl said back, her eyes were puffy as tears ran down her face. Amethyst nodded. She pulled away from Pearl.

“So what now?”

“We are going to go back to your house. Greg will meet us there. Tell us what will be going down.” Pearl responded and wiped her tears away. “Come on, Matt, Steven. I'll drive.” Pearl walked over to the two boys and helped Steven up. He was in bad shape. They all were.

“I'll drive, Sapphy. Sit in the front seat. Everything will be okay.” Ruby said as she guided her to the car, and opened the passenger seat door. She helped her in, before shutting the door and going around to the driver's side. Peridot and Amethyst were already in the car. Amethyst was trying hard not to scream and cry. She couldn't believe that Rose was gone.

~ ~ ~ ~

A week has passed since Rose's death, it was the day of the funeral. The group hadn't been to school since, and they knew their grades were dropping. However, none of them cared. Not even Peridot, the nerd. Amethyst was lying in bed in her black tuxedo that she rented for this occasion. She didn't want to get out of bed. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying. She didn't want to get up and drive to the church, to see all the sad eyes stare at her as she stood next to the open casket. She didn't want to see his cold lifeless body, she didn't want to see the non smiling face of her pretty much best friend.

She didn't budge when there was a knock at her door, and Sapphire opened it. “Peridot is here. She is riding with us to go to the church. Are you ready?” She asked and Amethyst got up. She didn't want to, but she did it for Rose. Getting the wrinkles out of her suit, she walked out to the living room. The rest of the gang was there. They were all staring at her, all of their eyes showed emotions so much pain. Peridot's bags were under eyes once again, and she was holding her arm. She wasn't looking to good herself. Walking over to her, Amethyst hugged her. She had no more tears to cry so they just stood there.

“Dad, wants us to come now.” Matt said, the room was quiet, all thinking the same thing. It was time to say their finial good-byes to, Rose. Walking out of the house, they piled into two cars, and drove to the church. Where they met Greg, he hugged them all as they walked into the church.

Amethyst walked up to the casket where Greg stood looking down at Rose's lifeless body, even after death, she was most gorgeous woman that Amethyst had ever met. She put a hand on her cheek. Her body was cold. Closing her eyes, she removed her hand and went to sit next to Peridot in the front row, the others were there as well. She wrapped an arm Peridot's small frame.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. We are here today to show our love and support for Rose's very precious family. Not only have we sensed our own personal feelings of loss over her passing, but our hearts have been drawn toward them, and will continue to be with them. We are here today to seek and to receive comfort. We would be less than honest if we said that our hearts have not ached over this situation. We are not too proud to acknowledge that we have come here today trusting that God would minister to our hearts, and give us strength as we continue in our walk with Him. The measure of a life is not in its duration, but in its donation! She did many great things before her life ended and we thank Rose for that.”

"Later this day, when all the words have been spoken, when all the songs have been sung, we will stand at the graveside and commit the body of our friend, to the keeping of this earth, we will commit her soul into the loving hands of the God ... bringing an end to the final chapter of her earthly life. However, it will not be the end of her story because the memory of her life and the influence of her life remains. Thank you." The minister stepped down, and sobs filled the room, Amethyst wiped away her own tears that were spilling over. This was getting to much for her, she still couldn't believe that she is gone. All the years that they have spent together, they felt like a million years ago.

Greg, Steven and Matt went up there next when the Minister stood off to the side. They all put a rose on her body, and kissed her cheek. Steven held on tightly to Matt, as the tears were visible coming down on their faces. Their eyes seemed to bore into the crowds, Amethyst felt their pain like it was her own. Which kind of was. "Today, the most difficult day in my family's life, we gather to say farewell to our wife, mother, guardian and friend. To those of you here and elsewhere who know Rose you already are aware of the type of person she was and these words you will hear are already in your memory. My ex-wife has been often described as a gentle soul. She was pure of heart and had great sensitivity for the world around her. She had a way with people that made them feel comfortable around her, and infected others to gravitate toward her. Rose exuded kindness and pulled generosity and altruism out from everyone she touched. She was everyone's best friend.” Greg said and stepped away from the altar, he couldn't go on anymore, he started to break down and cry.

Matt stepped forward as Steven went and comfort their dad. “To say mom was polite is an understatement. Since I've been born, she showed respect and caring for all around her. Even through the horrible experiences she had when her cancer first showed so many years ago. However, she never once failed to thank a nurse, aid, transport worker or anyone else as they gave her a meal, assisted her or performed another painful procedure. She helped so many people when she was alive. She helped kids of all ages, get out of abusive families, saved them from trafficking on the streets. Some of those kids she saved our here today, to grieve their pain among us. To everyone, I ask that you hold your new baby close to you, squeeze the hand of your loved one and gently kiss your children on their cheek, never let the mundane obligations of life distract you from the cherished gift of family.” He stepped back to wipe his tears away and let Steven speak. Steven was shaking as the tears fell from his eyes.

“M-my name is Steven, I am, Rose's son. I want to some few worlds. They say, "hang on to every moment - before you know it will be gone." Unfortunately, they are right. Life and all that goes with it is over before you know it. To my mom, I bid farewell. For the brief time that you honored me with your presence you taught me more about life than everything I ever experienced. None of us knew how much time we will be on this earth, but I do know that when my time comes I can only hope that I become half the person you had already become. So long, my mom. Know now that the wind is finally at your back - rest now in your hammock in the sun."

There were sad claps as the boys finished, a few others went up there and spoke before it was time to bury Rose six feet down. It was hard for all of them, as they followed the hearse to the grave site. It was hard to watch as they poured the dirt over the casket. It was even hard when they all went back to her place, to gather and say their griefs to the family of the lost. Amethyst didn't say much those hours, she sat on the couch with Peridot holding her, as she held on to Amethyst. Peridot knew how much Rose meant to Amethyst, and it hit her hard. She hated seeing her like this. And she hated how much little time she had with Rose to get to know her better. Her heart hurt as she thought about all of this.

She called up her parents, telling them she wouldn't make it home tonight. She hung up on them when they started to yell, she knew she would get possibly a beating when she came back, but it was worth it to stay with her girlfriend. To comfort her, in the time she needed it. She was there for her, like she was there when she needs it. That's what matters. When the gathering was over, she hitched a ride back with Sapphire and Ruby, with Amethyst. It was quite. And it was killing her.

Amethyst went straight to her room with no words spoken, leaving Peridot in the living room. “Give her some time, Peri. In an hour, she'll come out of her room. In the meantime you can watch TV.” Sapphire said quietly as she walked back to her room with Ruby. Peridot sat on the couch with her hands in her lap. Hopefully Amethyst would come out of her room.