This is a very dark story that won't leave my head. I think, after I write it, it will finally leave me alone. This is very dark, very sad, and very real. Involves suicide, depression, and other dark topics. You have been warned.

Names have been changed to keep things from being too real. For me. For my friends. For everyone.

I might do more of these, to each character. Who knows? Maybe it will help.

One Last Call

As I looked to the ground, at the dull linoleum tile, my head full of haze and sleepiness and my body heavy and numb, I pulled out my phone, pulled up Messager, and clicked on his name. I pushed the telephone button, and put it to my head, leaning against the toilet. It took a few seconds, but on the 5th ring, he picked up.

"Hello?"

"Hey Auric... I... I called you." Even as I said it, I wanted to cringe.

"That I see. What's up?"

"I... I have a few things to say. I have to say them now." I said, swallowing hard as I raced through what was left of my thoughts.

"O... Kay..." He was so confused. I am so sorry, my friend, of what I am about to do to your life.

"I just want to say that... that I love you, alright? You are one of my dearest friends, a beloved teacher, and a great role... role model." My words were dulled and stupid, but the feeling behind them, I hoped, was clear.

"Thank you hun." I could hear the gratification. He meant it. He did. Oh but at the same time, I had to make sure.

"No no... i mean it. I mean... you are an amazing man, Auric, and I know you will become more than anyone ever dreamed, even yourself. You will do so much good for the world, you will be a true hero to everyone. You are to me, anyway."

"Hun..." The tone shift. He knew something was up.

"And I know things have been rough. I know your plans have been ruined and curveballs have been thrown out of no where, but I know that in the end, your kingdom will reign. I just... You have to know that." My voice was shaky, faint. My time was ticking down fast.

"Is something going on?" Concerned as always.

"I... I know you will get through this, Auric. You will. You are so strong. So is Solstice and Devan. You all... You all are so strong."

"So are you, Andi. Whats going on? Why are you talking like this?"

"... I'm not strong, Auric. I tried to be. I was. I was for so long. I... I was tired of being strong. I... I..." My face was now tear streaked, the fat drops racing down my cheeks as I tried to keep my voice even and clear.

"Talk to me." I could hear a bit of panic in his voice now, which shocked me, at least the still conscious part of me. He was always so in control. Nothing seemed to faze him. Which was a lie. I have seen him fazed. But that was so long ago it seemed.

"... Just... Just when your wedding day comes... Leave a seat open for me, won't you?" My only request. That stupid request.

"What the hell does that mean???" His voice raised in pitch so much!

"I... I bet Solstice will be a beautiful bride... Devan will do such a good job on officiating it... Its so pretty..." My mind is going, as my body begins to feel even heavier.

"Andi speak to me right now. What the hell happened? Did you do something?" I could hear him, I could hear how his voice was begging for me to say 'nah just tired' or 'its just thoughts' but I couldn't. I wanted to say it.

"... I'm so sorry Auric... I am... so... very sorry..."

"Andi hold on alright? I'm calling for help and I will get there as soon as possible." I could hear a panicked voice in the background. It was Solstice I knew, and the noise was him trying to get his stuff together quick enough to go. He was too far away. Too far, and I was already fading. I figured my friends would try to come find me after Spring Break was over, but I just had to make one last call, didn't I?

"... Tell him I'm sorry... Please Auric... Tell him I'm... I'm sorry..."

"Stay awake, Andi. We are coming over, we will take you to the hospital, and we will get this all fixed. Just stay on the line, alright? Stay on with me. Stay with me, Andi." His voice was panicked and pained. Sadness was spoken in volumes in those few sentences. A small smile came to my lips.

"I... I can't do that Auric... I'm going to fall asleep... Those pills are really... strong..." I murmured, leaning back against the tub. They worked rather fast, didn't they? I thought I would have longer to speak. I thought I had more to say. I was wrong, I guess. 

"Don't you dare! Stay awake and stay on the line. Focus on my voice, Andi!" He said, a door slamming shut. I sigh softly, and put down the phone on the floor. It was actually comfy here. I suppose anything is when you are this tired.

"... I am sorry... good night... Auric..." I whispered, just loud enough for the phone to pick up.

I closed my eyes, and despite the panicked cries of my friend, drifted into a deep slumber. The breaths got lighter and lighter, before ceasing, marking the last breath of the girl, forever to wander her dream lands.