Star Pupil
Chapter 19
Katelyn was doing much better now that she was home and could have privacy when she wanted it. Hannah was an almost constant companion, but she knew when it was time to give Katelyn a break. Katelyn thought she might have gone a bit crazy without Hannah and Deputy Maxwell. They had become good friends and they exchanged texts constantly. She still needed to talk to her dad, but it was not going to be easy. She could tell he was disappointed in her. She remembered when she had wanted to quit her basketball team in sixth grade and him telling her that he hadn't raised a quitter. She was sure that still held true. One afternoon, about a week after she was released from the hospital, her dad knocked on her bedroom door.
"Mom wanted me to let you know supper would be ready soon." Mike said.
"Okay, good. I'm hungry." Kaitlyn said.
"So, I know you aren't ready now; but I have been doing some checking. There is a nursing school close by. You could stay here and just drive back and forth." Mike offered. Katelyn knew he was hinting.
"I didn't think…" Katelyn started but Mike held a hand out and sat down on her bedroom chair.
"You told me after we found you. You just don't remember. I told you it was all okay. I knew you weren't happy at the Academy and felt like you didn't belong with us. I don't want that. This family has spent entirely too much time apart. If you want to stay here, by all means; we want you with us." Mike said.
"All I could remember was you telling me when I wanted to quit my basketball team was that you hadn't raised a quitter." Katelyn remarked.
"Whole different scenario." Mike disagreed.
"Is it though?" Katelyn asked.
"Yes. A sixth grade basketball team is fleeting. At the time, I was probably trying to teach you a lesson, but it was not going to affect your life-long happiness. A career, something you will spend decades doing; is an entirely different thing. I only ask that whatever you do; you are happy doing. If nursing is your thing, then there are far worse careers. And I think you will use what happened to you to really help people." Mike explained.
"I'm just not sure how." Katelyn said.
"When the time comes, you'll know. I do remember when I was a cop, there were these emergency room nurses that specialized in helping rape victims. I don't know what all it takes, but they were pretty amazing to deal with." Mike said as he stood up.
"Really?" Katelyn asked as she also stood up.
"Yeah, but you have to decide if you want to live in that moment constantly. Nursing school will take a few years so you have plenty of time. Just spend this time resting, relaxing and recovering. I am totally fine with you leaving the Academy as long as you're happy." Mike said before putting his arm around her and leading her out of the bedroom.
It did put Katelyn's mind at ease and she loved to hear her family's laughter. They made her feel normal again. And the developing friendship with Christopher Maxwell made her feel like she might actually get a chance at a normal relationship. He had even mentioned going out for coffee sometime, and she felt safe with him. She knew her family would be protective of her for a long time, but she was feeling better every day.