A Few Steps To Your Heart

Chapter 31

Georgia wasn't prepared. Even though she knew what was going to happen, she just wasn't prepared, and she understood that she never would be. Receiving bad news was not something anyone could ever truly brace for. It could still hit you out of the blue, leaving you shocked and at a loss for words. Georgia checked out mentally when the diagnosis was confirmed. It was Addison's disease, and the doctor swiftly began discussing its management and the next steps. It was Gavin who noticed how distant she became, and he took it upon himself to guide the conversation. Georgia was to begin her treatment immediately to restore her body's balance, and the doctor emphasized the importance of adherence to prevent further complications.

When it was over, Georgia remained unusually quiet. She had her prescription and a plan moving forward, but Gavin couldn't help but be surprised by the depth of her silence. They drove home in silence after picking up her medication, and she began preparing an early lunch for both of them. Gavin allowed her the space to process everything while he observed her attentively. He could see that she was lost in her own thoughts, not fully present. It was a feeling he understood all too well—the sensation of being trapped in one's own mind, attempting to deny the reality around them.

When Georgia approached with the food, Gavin reached out and gently took her hand.

"It's not the end of the world, right?" he asked softly.

"No, I know," she whispered, nodding slightly.

"Then don't do what I do."

"What do you do?"

"I shut it all out. But that won't help you either," he reminded her.

"I'm just... processing," she explained.

"And you're allowed to. All I'm saying is, don't let this drown out all the good. Remember, you're the overly cheerful one between the two of us," he said with a smile.

Georgia chuckled a bit and sat down in front of him, nodding.

"Right, that's me."

"You're not supposed to be this quiet," he sighed.

"What? I thought you enjoyed silence," she teased.

"I do, but this is the wrong kind."

"There's a wrong kind?"

"This one," he pointed out. "The one where you're sad."

"I'm just... thinking it through."

"Of course, but I'd rather have you talk my ear off," he teased, eliciting another chuckle from her. At least he could bring a smile to her face, and that made him feel good. He didn't want her to be sad about this. He knew she could manage it. But of course, any life-changing news was hard to accept.

"What would you like me to talk about?" she asked.

"Just what you're thinking."

"It's just about my job."

"Your job?"

"I mean, they told me I had a position after the summer, but I know I'll have to explain everything," she admitted.

"Is that bad?"

"You suddenly become 'the sick one', remember?" she said.

Gavin nodded, understanding her concern.

"Right."

"I don't know if I want to go back to the school," she confessed.

"I see."

"I love my job, but maybe I should start fresh somewhere else. Am I ready for it all? Am I ready to return to work?" she wondered.

"You have the summer to think it all through," he reminded her.

"I know, but I'm not sure I can go back after fainting in class. I feel like I'm just remembered for that now."

"Then be remembered for something else," he encouraged.

"Easier said than done."

"Come on now, teachers like yourself are memorable because you're fun and energetic. Students come to you because they feel like they can share what's going on."

"And here I thought you would hate a teacher like me," she teased, nibbling her food, clearly lacking much of an appetite.

"I think you would have been much better than those private school ones. They were very hung up on the rules."

"That must have been horrible," Georgia chuckled.

"Which is why we had to break some rules," he confessed.

"What? You didn't? The one who always wanted to be on the right side of the law."

They both laughed at the way she almost gasped the words, thinking it couldn't be possible for Gavin to ever get into trouble.

"We were all kids once," he reminded her.

"What is a private school like?"

"Well, in mine, we did have to wear uniforms."

"Horrible!" she exclaimed, making them laugh. "What else?"

"I think in some schools, there is also more attention given to the students. They can immerse themselves more and get the help they need. But just because you come from a private school doesn't mean you become the best student," he explained.

"No? They often open a lot of doors."

"Yes, but many of them are also privileged kids who don't want to make an effort, and because of that, they won't get anywhere," he told her.

"I see."

"You and I went very different ways in life," he mused.

"Yes, we did. You became a cop, and I became a teacher. Our schools were never the same either, nor were our friends."

"And yet our parents are good friends."

"Maybe we have a lot of time to make up for then," she suggested.

"You're forcing me to watch that ridiculous show."

"You're beating me in chess and being cruel to me, like a very good friend would be," she chuckled.

"You have strange friends."

They both laughed, and she nodded before she began smiling at him, her appetite returning as she ate her food faster.

"Thank you," she said.

"What for?"

"For everything. For going with me. For keeping my secret. For cheering me up."

"Maybe I should get paid by you now," he suggested, making her chuckle.

"Ask your mother for payment."

They both enjoyed the banter, smiling and laughing as they savored their meal.

"You're welcome," he said.

"Now, I should call my parents," she said, standing up. "I'll be back in a moment."

Gavin nodded, watching Georgia walk away. He was glad she wasn't letting it completely crush her. It hadn't been the best news, but she was still the same Georgia, and she was smiling again. He enjoyed seeing that a lot.