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Chapter 7

Chapter 7. Learning to Live Again

The first couple of weeks were hard. The first couple of days were even harder. I took a week off of work to sort out my emotions and make a plan. I've been fine up until now, so what's stopping me from going on as I have been.

My resolve to live like I have been was steeled by the time I came back to work. I apologised to Mrs. Newton for being gone for so long, but she waved it off. I went back to work and lived like everything was normal.

There was no difference at home either. Dad treated me like he did before. The only difference was making sure I didn't overwork myself. Other than that, my life was back on track.

School was starting in a week and I was excited to be back in person. It was nice that I was already going to know a couple of people. I really look up to Lauren because she doesn't take anything from anyone. So I really hope we get closer.

The next week had gone by pretty fast, and by the time I knew it, it was time for school. I started walking to work instead of having dad drive me, so I also walked to school. It was a good way to exercise without doing too much.

When I finally got to school I went to the front office to get my schedule. I also had to give them my doctor's note letting them know that I can't participate in gym activities.

After I got my schedule I headed to my first class. That class happened to be gym with Coach Clapp. When I walked into the gym I handed him the note.

"You can't do gym activities? Well that sucks. What can you do?." Coach Clapp asked.

"Um, I can walk laps, but not much labour. It may lead to a fatal cardiac event." I said.

His eyes widened in surprise. "I see, please don't do too much then. You can use this class as a free period if you need it."

"Thanks, Coach." I gave him a small smile.

He smiled back at me, and I walked over to the bleachers to take a seat. On the first seat there was another girl with short wild hair. She was very pretty, and shorter than me by quite a bit. She also looked to be a little bit younger than me, but that's to be expected in a class with different grades.

I decided to sit on the other side of the bleachers, not wanting to face an awkward conversation. It seemed like fate had other plans for me when the other girl waltzed over to me.

"Hi! My name's Alice, what's yours?" She asked enthusiastically.

"Uh..." I said, looking everywhere, but her, "Aaliyah Swan."

"Well aren't you cute! There's no need to be nervous, I don't bite." She said, "I can tell we're going to be very close!"

"Oh, um, OK." I said, "hi then, Alice."

"Oh you really are cute! I can't wait to introduce you to my family!" She exclaimed.

I blushed hard, "W-what do you mean? I just met you!"

"I mean my other siblings. They go to school here too." She said, "I can tell that you wouldn't be ready for a sleep over just yet. That's alright, I won't push you if you're uncomfortable."

I took a second to breathe, and think of my reply. "Sorry, I didn't mean to freak out or anything. It was pretty sudden, and my brain wouldn't keep up. I'd love to meet your family. I wanted some new friends anyway." I smiled at her.

"Perfect, I'll find you at lunch then! What's your next class?" She asked.

"Hmm...looks like calculus in building 5. What about you?" I asked back.