Just a Heartbeat Away

Chapter 23: The End?

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David:

I woke up early to make pancakes for the kids and Mari. I made some with chocolate chips and strawberry a and some plain.

Tyler and Dawn rushed out of their rooms and were surprised to see me up.

"Daddy? You're making pancakes?" Tyler screamed.

"Well yeah! It's the only thing I can make without burning it or setting it on fire." I responded.

They laughed. I handed them each a plate of pancakes and Tyler the syrup. They sat down at the table and fiercely dug in.

"Where is Jay?" I asked.

"He's in our room. Something about school." Tyler said with a face full of pancakes.

I nodded and went down the hall and opened the first door to the left. I saw Jay sitting on his bed with his knees tucked in, face down. He was crying.

I went up to him. "Hey son, what's wrong?" I asked.

He looked up and it showed his teary eyes. "I don't wanna go to school!" He cried. "What if the other kids make fun of me because of what I look and wear and what if I fall down and everyone laughs at me." He put his face down again.

I tried to think of the right thing to say. "Jay, you're a strong boy. None of those things you said will happen because you are a unique and happy boy. I promise you everyone will practically beg to be your best friend. You are that cool." He laughed. "And if something does happen, remember Tyler and Dawn are right there next to you."

"Ok, Daddy." He wiped away the tears while getting his backpack and rushing out the door. I watched him as he did that and Mari was at the door peeking in.

"You're amazing." She said.

I blushed and went to kiss her.

"EWWWW!" Tyler said pointing at us.

Mari and I blushed and laughed.

"Alright kids, time to go!" Mari called.

They all ran to the door with their lunch boxes and backpacks. Green for Tyler, blue for Jay, and red for Dawn.

We got to the new SUV and we were off. While we waited o go to our destination, we would play a game. The game was if you spot a color car that isn't black, white, or gray, you would get a point. The person with the most points at the end of the trip wins and gets a small treat.

Mari and Tyler won with a tie and they choose to go out for dinner. We go to school they all were anxious.

We walked out of the car and into the building. Jay spotted the kindergarten room which he ran to meet us there. We said out goodbyes and Jay seemed to be just fine.

We watched them go and soon they forgot about us. Mari and I left with smiles on our faces and we drove to our work.
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Mari: *A car trip later*

"Where were you guys? You are so late!" Ian screamed.

"Calm down we were dropping off the trouble makers at school." I responded.

He gave us a look. "David, a rich doctor dude wanted to talk to you at 10 today so be ready."

David nodded and went up to his office.
I, as usual would just hang around until our next assignment, but a display of food for thanksgiving was set up.

"What's this?" I asked Josh.

"Oh, David didn't tell you? A magazine author wanted us to take a few shots of this scene."