Facing Reality

Chapter 2

As we walked into Target, I instantly run straight to the school supplies. There's erasers shaped like people and pencils with pretty patterns. My mom rushed up behind me.

Mom: "Kaitlin, I'm taking your brother to get a binder. Stay close, and your limit is $30.00."

Me: "Ok, Mom. Thank you."

Mom: "No problem, baby."

She kissed me on the cheek and she took Brian to the binder section right across from me. She was so close, and the whole "stay close" speech was highly unnecessary. I just went with it because my mom takes this Cancer thing to the heart.
Clearing my mind from my mom, I went to the pencils to start. I found many with patterns, and beautiful pictures. My eyes suddenly drifted to the mechanical pencils with the Cancer support sign on them. I shook my head and picked the pencils with purple stripes. Then I selected the multi- colored ball point pens and then found the rest of my school supplies.

When we got home, I ran up to my room. School starts in three days. I have three days to get everything together, my looks, my attitude, and my new supplies. I picked up my plain mint green backpack and neatly packed it with my new items.

The next day rolled around and I think to myself, "Supplies, check. Today is beauty day!" I smile, What girl doesn't love a good day of pampering? I did everything. I exercised, showered, and did everything from facials to my eyebrows.
"Looks, check."

The third day rolls around,
"Attitude, yikes."
I think I have a fairly good attitude, but sometimes I just feel sad. I think it may be Cancer, but as previously mentioned, I never ask about it.
I smile and run to my mom.

Me: "Mom, I am so appreciative you are in my life and I highly appreciate everything you do for me. Thank you for being the best mom ever."

she grinned and chuckled. I guess my mom chuckles a lot.

Mom: "Thank you, baby!" she says as she leans in to hug me. "How sweet! Attitude day is going well I see, huh?"

Me: "Attitude day? What? How did you know about that?!"

Mom: "Love, I know what your life is like. I had the same exact one!"

My mom had cancer at my age but she was an amazing survivor. This whole cancer thing disturbs me, so I never ask about shots of hers, or any of her medical treatment. My mom survived cancer after a terrible fight, when she was 14. I hope that will happen to me, but I have no clue.

Me: "That's creepy, Mom. Seriously. But it's ok. Thanks for understanding!"

After a long talk to my mom and brother about appreciation and helping out all day, it was time for bed. School is in less than 24 hours! I needed my sleep.

Mom: "You're going to bed? It's 7:00!"

Me: "I need my beauty sleep, Mom."

she giggled this time, not chuckled. she kissed me on the forehead and as I walked up the stairs, I yelled, "NIGHT BRIAN LOVE YOU." Then I jumped in bed, set my alarm for 6:00, and fell asleep.