It's Not Gonna Fade

Chapter 24

Aaron's Position

       I did my work. I did it, and did it well. I was a sergeant and I did most of my work better than the Gunnery Sergeant. I wanted to get to Marie. She didn't have parents. Vanessa emailed me saying that she was with her, but I should be there. She was always there for me and so I should return the favor. I understand why I couldn't be discharged. I just wish I knew how to find a way around the system. I continued to focus all of my time, and energy into my work. I was a damn good Sergeant, and I intend to prove that.

      When I got off I went to my barracks. And I prayed. I prayed for Marie to get well. I have been doing that since I found out. Every night. Without fail. If there was a God somewhere, and he is as good and loving as Marie says he is. Then he better save her life from this horrible thing. I have actually been going to the church here on base. It was weird at first. It's very, uh, traditiona, but I came to like it. I just wanted to go home. I wanted to hug Marie, and tell her everything is and will be okay. 

      I finished praying and found my staff Sergeant standing in front of me. I stood and saluted. "Sergeant Taylor, Sergeant Major Johnson wants to see you at 0800 (8:00am) hours tomorrow." He stated. "Sir yes sir." I responded. We saluted each other before he left. I showered, got changed then laid in bed. I wondered what the Sergeant Major needed. I slowly drifted to sleep and my thoughts faded away. 

Marie's position

          The first week of Chemo and radiation was HELL! I was vomiting almost non-stop, and had a pounding headache for most of it. Ness made everything somewhat bearable. The last two weeks it has been so much better. I haven't been as nauseous, and the headache went away because of some pain meds. I was cleared for opening night of Heathers, but my doctors said absolutely no crazy dancing. And my director agreed. I only have one crazy song and that's candy store. 

            I honestly kinda wish I had tried out for Veronica, but this part fits my vocal range and is easier on my body. Practice was so much fun. I loved my cast mates. We were becoming super close. We were only working on singing and dancing for now. It was super fun. I absolutely loved the girls playing the other Heathers. The girl playing Heather Duke, her name was Rose, she was so sweet and her vocal octave was so high it was perfect for the harmonies in candy store. The only thing I hated was that I had to push her down in that song. 

        We finish up rehearsing Candy Store and we three get a break.  "So why do you have an IV in your arm?" Rose asked. "I have cancer and I just go straight back to the hospital after this, so there is no reason to take it out and then put it back in." I answered. "Oh you have cancer?" She exclaimed. "Yeah, but I was cleared by my doctor to do this. That's why they changed the choreography, to something less intense." I explained. "Wow, your amazing for not quitting." She said. "I won't be able to do every show, that's why Natalie has been practicing with us. She is my stand in. She will play Heather C. when I can't." I continued. "I knew she was the stand in, but I had no idea why she was practicing so often. She really wouldn't talk much to me." Rose said.

          I kinda frowned at that. Rose was sweet but kinda annoying at some parts. But that in no reason to be mean to her. I sighed and let it go. I was then called to rehearse "The me inside of me". I loved that song. Everyone lined up to sing

*Queue Music*

*Marie only sings where Heather Sings*