Chasing Lights

chapter 21

Monday, January 10th 2011

"Rachel." Shelby said as she stroked Rachel's hair. "Rachel, it's time to wake up."

Rachel moaned as she rolled over. "Mom, what time is it?"

"Just after six o'clock." Shelby said as she put her arm around Rachel and helped her sit up.

Today was Rachel's first day of school since last November. Shelby had told her many times that she didn't have to go back straight away. Rachel wanted to go back.

"You okay, sweetie?" Shelby asked.

"I'm fine." Rachel said as she rubbed her eyes. "I'm just tired."

"You sure you want to go to school today?" Shelby asked.

Rachel nodded. "Yeah. I'm sure."

Shelby smiled. "Okay sweetie."

Shelby helped Rachel into the bathroom. She put covers on Rachel's casts and helped Rachel take a shower. When Rachel was finished Shelby gave her a bathrobe to put on. Shelby wrapped Rachel's hair in a towel and took the covers off Rachel's casts. She helped Rachel back into the bedroom and lay Rachel down on the bed.

"I'm just going to check on Beth." Shelby said as she walked out. Rachel nodded.

Shelby went into Beth's room to see her still asleep. She decided not to wake her. She gave her a kiss and went back downstairs to Rachel's room. Rachel took the towel of her head.

"What do you want to wear today?" Shelby asked.

"I don't mind." Rachel said.

Shelby went over to the wardrobe and started looking though the clothes.

"This is cute." Shelby said as she pulled out a blue dress with stars on it. "You want to wear this?"

Rachel smiled and nodded.

Shelby took a pair of dark blue leggings out of the drawer. Shelby's friend designed leggings that had buttons down the side of the legs. So putting them on was a lot more easy.

"Rachel you sure you'll be okay getting around in your wheelchair?" Shelby asked as she started helping Rachel get ready.

Rachel nodded. "I'll be fine, mom."

Shelby sighed. "Remember Rachel you don't have to go back today."

"Mom, My casts are not coming off for another 3 weeks. Even when they do come off I'll be in the wheelchair for at least 2 weeks." Rachel said. "I should just go back now and get it over with."

Shelby was nervous for Rachel. Rachel was still scared when she was alone. Rachel hated staying in the car by herself. She refused to stay in Shelby's house alone.

"Rachel you still get really nervous when your alone." Shelby said. "Will you be okay in school?"

Rachel nodded. "I'll be fine. I won't be alone."

"So how are you going to get to your classes that are not on the ground floor?" Shelby asked as she helped Rachel put on her dress and leggings.

"They have a wheelchair elevator." Rachel said. "Mom, please stop worrying. I'll be fine."

They sat in silence for a moment while Shelby helped Rachel get ready.

"Put your arms around my neck. I'll help you fix your dress." Shelby said.

Rachel wrapped her arms around Shelby's neck. Shelby helped Rachel stand up and she fixed Rachel's dress.

"Just be careful today." Shelby said as she got Rachel into her wheelchair.