My first shift book 1#

Chapter forty seven

# Back at School — Part 2

We finally got to our English class and sat down. I pulled out my books, notebook, and pencil case and made sure I had everything ready for class.

I was trying to act normal, even though being back at school felt strange.

The teacher walked in and, of course, noticed me right away.

"Well, isn't it Jade Lake? Welcome back!" she said with a smile. "It's nice to see you. Feeling better since you were gone?"

"Yeah," I said quietly. "I'm feeling better."

"I heard you were pretty badly sick. We learned a lot while you were gone, but don't worry about homework from those weeks. I didn't want to give you all that work after everything you've been through."

I smiled.

"Thank you."

"So, we'll be starting some new things," she continued. "We'll be doing reading assignments and reports, so let's get started."

I opened my book and got my page ready. Maya and Lilly sat beside me, and we started working.

We talked quietly about the books we were reading and helped each other come up with good ideas for our pages.

For a while, I almost forgot about everything else.

It felt normal.

Just me, Maya, and Lilly sitting in English class like we used to.

The time went by faster than I expected.

Before we left for our next class, the announcements came over the speaker.

"Attention, students. Just a reminder that our Halloween dance will be held on October 17th. That's this Friday, so make sure you have your tickets and remember to follow the school dress code."

I looked at Maya.

"October 17th?"

"Yep," she said.

"That's soon."

"Very soon," Lilly laughed.

The announcements ended, and everyone started getting ready for their next class.

I headed to art with Lilly.

This time, I sat beside Lilly and Nichole.

The teacher wasn't there yet, so the three of us started talking quietly.

Of course, the conversation didn't stay about school for very long.

"So," Nichole said, looking at me. "How are you feeling?"

Lilly looked at me too.

"Yeah, Jade. How are you really feeling?"

I hesitated.

"Um... some pains here and there, but otherwise I'm okay."

They exchanged a look.

"You know tonight when you change, you're in your sixth week, right?" Nichole asked.

"Yeah, I know."

I placed my hand over my stomach.

"But I'll be fine. I'll take care of the pups. They'll be okay."

I smiled slightly.

"I'll be a good mom."

Alex had told me that so many times.

*You'll be a good mom, Jade.*

Those words stayed in my head.

The teacher finally walked into the classroom.