First Sight

Chapter 6

I finished the night sleeping, and next morning I had to get a haircut. Knowing that all my hair was going to fall off, we cut it to about normal boy hair length.

My mom brought in a green oxygen tank with a nose piece, and I strapped it around my head.

An hour later, I was fine to go home.

My mom made me go to school. Everyone glanced at me with awkward expressions like I've been transformed into something different. But, I was.

Throughout the day, everyone from big to small ages asked me the same question.

"What happened to you?"

The principal called for an assembly after I was at school for 30 minutes.

We all sat on the gym floor, and he made me go up on the stage next to me. I wheeled my oxygen cart.

"All of you may know, this girl, Rachel. Last night, she was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. You guys have to treat her with respect, she is going through a tough time. So now, stop asking her questions. She needs to relax."

Everyone still looked at me, and in the crowd, I saw Justin. His face looked gloomy. I couldn't wait to see him at lunch.

In half the class periods, people still asked me questions and I sat in the front of the classroom.

It was finally lunch. I ate the same thing as yesterday. Justin, this time, ended up holding my hand.

"You feel cold," he said sadly.

"I'm going to be okay, Justin. Don't worry about me."

"I have to worry about you. Even though I just met you yesterday, it doesn't mean I don't care about you. I will be there for you, every step of the way, and if you ever need me, I'll be there, right behind you."

I gave him a hug and Principal James let me leave early.