Yours Ryan [Original Edition]

Chapter 22: The new twist in Tanya's life

I'm done thinkin' that you could ever change

I know my heart will never be the same

But I'm tellin' myself I'll be okay

Even on my weakest daysI get a little bit stronger

It doesn't happen overnight but ya turn around

And a month's gone by and you realize you haven't cried

I'm not givin' you a hour or a second or another minute longer......."

"Tanya, open the damn door!" Clare shouted, banging on it with urgency.

Tanya quickly paused the song, wiped her tears, and rushed to the door. Clare glared at her, pushing her inside as soon as the door opened.

"Were you crying?" Clare demanded.

"Um... no, Clare," Tanya replied, attempting to smile.

"Don't lie to me," Clare warned, then huffed and side-hugged her. "Babe, move on. He's an idiot for losing you and chasing after that walking makeup kit." Tanya chuckled and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you for being with me," she whispered.

"That's what I'm here for."

Tanya entered her classroom with a forced smile. The students immediately quieted down, their faces lighting up at her presence.

"Good morning, ma'am."

"Good morning, kiddos," she replied, trying to keep her voice cheerful.

"Ma'am, we missed you so much," one of the students said, pouting.

"I missed you too, guys. And now I'm here, so let's be happy, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am."

As Tanya began teaching, she noticed something off about the girl sitting at the last bench. The girl was fidgeting, looking around nervously, and rubbing her face. The girl beside her was whispering something, adding to the suspicious behavior.

"Guys, complete the notes," Tanya instructed, walking towards the back of the classroom.

"Jennifer, are you okay?" she asked gently, startling the girl.

"Y-yes..." Jennifer replied hesitantly.

"You don't seem fine."

"No, ma'am, I'm okay," she insisted, standing up but looking down.

"You're sweating a lot, Jennifer," Tanya pointed out, observing her shivering eyes and lips.

"Ma'am, I... I..." Jennifer's words faltered as she collapsed into Tanya's arms, causing gasps of shock from the class.

"Jennifer, wake up... Jennifer!"

Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia

Jennifer was admitted to the observation room, with Tanya and Clare accompanying her as guardians.

"Tanya, what do you think?" Clare asked, biting her fingernails in tension.

"No idea," Tanya sighed. "When will her parents get here?"

"It'll take an hour."

"Oh."

The door opened, and a lady doctor stepped out.

"Are you both...?"

"We're her teachers," Tanya explained.

"Okay. I need to discuss a serious matter with you. Please come in."