Team8s and Counting

122. Chasing Her Dream

As summer was beginning to wrap up and a new school year was about to begin, Saw and Gaty were getting ready to spend another year teaching children. Saw was going down the list of the names of her students, excited to see what fun adventures they would have together this upcoming year.

Gaty was doing the same thing, however, this wasn't an ordinary mindset for her. She had had something on her mind for years that she's wanted to talk about to someone, but...she never felt like the time was right. However, she knew that today was going to be the day to tell someone about it, and the person that she was going to tell was none other than Saw.

Gaty walked up to Saw in her room, her face expressing nervousness, "Hey Saw, we need to talk."

"You ain't going to Costa Rica again, are you?" Saw asked playfully.

"Oh my fence no," Gaty said, "When I got back from that trip, I was hit with the bombshell of missing four months of your pregnancy with Bladey, wood know what I would miss if I went there again!"

"That's good," Saw smiled, but internally, she was nervous to hear what Gaty had to say. "So...what is it that you wanted to talk to me about."

Gaty took a deep breath, "So...you know how I've always wanted to be a therapist."

Saw nodded, "Yeah...I remember you talking about it all the time the minute we reunited during TPOT."

Gaty continued on, "Well, you see, through all my years of teaching these little preschoolers, I am so grateful! I've loved working with all the children and watching them succeed throughout my class. But...that dream of being a therapist never went away."

Saw put her hands on Gaty, "Gaty...it's okay if you don't want to work at school anymore, I won't get mad, I want you to pursue your dream!"

Gaty shook her head, "It's not that I want to quit teaching all together, far from it. In fact...I wanna combine working with students, but in a more...therapisty way, if that makes sense?"

Saw nodded, "What are you implying then?"

Gaty sighed, "I want...I think I want to become a school psychologist soon. I know it won't be easy, but...it's something that I've been thinking about for years. It's just that now felt like the right time to tell you!"

Saw's eyes softened as she listened to Gaty's confession. She could see how much thought and emotion her wife had put into this decision. She squeezed Gaty's hands gently, offering her the support she knew Gaty needed in that moment.

"Gaty, that's an incredible goal," Saw said, her voice full of encouragement. "You've always had such a big heart for helping others, especially the kids, even Bladey for that matter! Becoming a school psychologist sounds like the perfect way to combine your love for teaching and your passion for supporting others on a deeper level."

Gaty smiled, excited to have her wife's support. But, she knew it was going to be quite the journey to get there, "It's going to take me another 2-4 years until I'm officially certified...and I'm nervous that, well, I'm going to need to spend more time away from you and the kiddos, is all."

Saw placed a hand on top of Gaty's head, "I know this will be worth it in the long run. I'll make sure you don't miss out on anything important, I promise. I'm realizing how much you are made for this. I think everyone in this house has needed some support from Ms. Pickets in one way or another, even me."

Gaty chuckled softly, a mix of relief and gratitude washing over her. "You're too sweet, Saw. But seriously, this means a lot to me, and hearing you say that...I know I'm making the right choice."

Saw nodded, her expression softening even further. "You've always been the one holding us all together, Gaty. Whether it's the kids or me, you've always known exactly what to say and do. Imagine how many more lives you can touch as a school psychologist."

Gaty's eyes welled up with tears, but they were tears of joy and anticipation. "I want to be that person for so many others, Saw. I want to help kids who might be struggling, to be there for them in the way I've been here for our family. I know it won't be easy, but I've got this fire inside me telling me I need to do it."

Saw wrapped her arms around Gaty, pulling her in for a tight hug, "I love you so much Gates. I know you're making the right choice."

Gaty's eyes welled up, grateful to have Saw right alongside her, "I love you too, Saw."

As the two continued to find comfort in their tight embrace, they started hearing some shouting from downstairs. "I. DON'T. WANT. TO. NAP!!!!!!!"

"Dimey!" Needle said sternly to him, "You're only convincing me that you really do need a nap."

"NO!!!!!! I want to play!" He screamed at his mother.

Saw laughed at the little interaction they heard, "Well Ms. Pickets, it looks like you're needed down there!"

Gaty started walking towards the door, "I was just about to, don't you worry!"

As Gaty left the room, Saw felt so happy for her. Gaty had this dream of hers for a while, and in a matter of time, she was sure that she was going to make it happen.

...............................................

Short, I know, but I really like this one! Slowly planting some seeds for some big events that are going to happen far down the line, and I mean very far down the line. Gaty is still a preschool teacher for now, but soon enough, therapist Gaty will strike in the wild! Hope you all enjoyed this one, see you in the next chapter!

- Sunny