When people look at me, all I see is the pity that they have for me. Their eyes are empty. As if they don't have souls.
They don't really care. Though, once in a while, there would be a caring soul that would show that they actually cared.
The people at my school, however, were different. They cared, especially my principal. The whole school wrote me 'Get Well' cards. Telling me to hang on. It was hard, but my battle with leukemia was over. For now. Remission was the best thing in the world.
I walked into the auditorium. My old friend, Luke, held my hand as I walked onto the stage. My palms were sweaty as I looked out into the sea of people that were my classmates.
"Calm down, Em," Luke whispered in my ear. I glanced at his face and gave him a weak smile.
"Easier said then done," I said. There were signs of welcome everywhere. I started to cry. It was almost too much. I took a deep breath.
"Ah, don't cry!" Luke said softly. He wiped the tears from my face. I hiccupped. Luke laughed. I laughed, too.
"Like I said, easier said than done." The principal quieted the crowd. All of a sudden, I had butterflies.
"She has survived the greatest challenge of all," Ms. Mallory started, "and she is here with us today. Please welcome back Emily Jackson!"
The school erupted with cheers. My ears rang with their screams.
I walked to the podium. The moment that everyone saw me they quieted down.
"I would like to thank all of you for being so supportive," my voice cracked. I put my hand to my mouth. I sobbed. "I wouldn't have made it without you guys." I felt Luke's firm, yet gentle grip on my shoulders.
I turned into his chest and cried. I hadn't cried since I found out that I had cancer. Not a day. I kept it all inside. That wasn't the smartest idea that I had, but it worked for so long.
Luke's grip on my shoulders tightened. There was an eerie silence that hung in the air. Then there was a single clap...and another and another. It grew into an uproar. I turned around and the whole school was giving me a standing ovation.
I turned and smiled at them. My heart swelled. I was happy to be living. I was proud of myself.
My name is Emily Jackson and this is my life after leukemia.