After All This Time

Chapter 2. Cancer

Elizabeth POV

"Okay class, can I have everyone's attention?" I spoke over all the kids chatting over one another. It was Friday, and the end of the day. They were all excided for the home coming game tonight. They slowly quieted down. " Now I have a personal project I would like to start Monday. I thought I'd tell you now in case anyone would like to start early." I saw my two usual students Elijah Mora and Bandit Ballato perk up at the thought of an art project. "I would like you to do a rough drawing of something you love that pertains to your past, present, and future. It can be anything." Of course Bandit raised her hand.

"How big can the project be in the end, and does it have to be a drawing?" Her and Elijah were always so eager when it came to anything art wise.

"The final piece I don't care how big or what type of art you choose to do. As long as it represents your past, present, and future. I will give you all till next Friday to show me you have done your rough drawing. Then you have three weeks to finish the project. This will be half of your grade for this semester." The bell then rang, all the students shoving their things in their bags. "Also don't forget the sign up sheet for anyone wanting to join the after school art club." I practically had to scream over the kids as they were rushing towards the door. I went around my desk sitting down. No reason I couldn't finish grading the drawings handed in from this week. I didn't have a need to rush home. The halls began to get quieter as the students left. I had graded about 10 drawing before There was a knock on the classroom door.

"Hi, Miss J?" I looked up seeing a women about my height, and almost the same shade hair as myself walk in.

"Hi, can I help you?" She came over to the desk out stretching her hand.

"I'm Elijah's mother, Kaylynn. Most people call me Kay." I shook her hand as I stood up. "I just wanted to come thank you. My son has been going through a lot dealing with stuff from our past. The last two months I've seen big changes in him. The counselor says he's been able to get his feelings out through art. I can only attribute it to you encouraging him." At her words I felt my eyes get watery. To know I helped someone just by being their teacher was a wonderful feeling.

"I would of never knew. He's such a sweet boy, has been since the first day of school. Bandit and him are attached at the hip." She smiled.

"Since the day they met 5 years ago, we have not been able to keep them apart." She laughed almost as if she was remembering the day.

"Well they are both wonderful to have in class." As if they knew we were talking about them, they walked in the door along with Arthur behind him. "Art what's going on? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the game." It was very rare to be a freshman, and get put on the varsity team. He couldn't miss the home coming game.

"I was in such a rush this morning I forgot my bag on my bed." My face fell, I would barely get him back here in time for warm ups.

"Okay, let me clean this up fast. I will run you home, and get you back here. Run ,and tell coach you will just miss part of warm ups." I looked over to Kaylynn and her eyes were fixed on Arthur. "I'm so sorry to have to run. It was so nice meeting you, I would love to sit and chat when you have time." She seemed to be lost in thought looking at me putting a genuine smile on her face. They said their goodbyes walking out of the classroom. I quickly cleaned up my desk, and left the room.

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Gerards POV

I was sitting in my office waiting on Lindsey to come home. Her test results had come in, and the doctor had asked for her to come to the office. I thought coming in here to work would distract me from my thoughts but they just seemed to get more intense. All I kept thinking was in 5 short months it will be 15 years since I lost Lizzy. I feel as though I'm about to go through it again losing the woman that I love. The woman that in this time has pulled me out of many dark places I have gone down. Has been by my side through what most people would have walk away from.