Chapter TWELVE!
-Two Months Later-
"I can't pick you up tomorrow," Noah said, pulling into the school's parking lot. "Actually, I won't be at school at all tomorrow."
"Why?" I asked. Noah was getting better at telling me when he was or wasn't going to be in school the next day. Actually, we had smoothed out all the bumps in our relationship over the past two months.
"My mom has an appointment tomorrow and Hannah and I are going with her. My mom wanted to take us both out to lunch since she's been feeling a bit better lately."
"Oh, that's nice," I replied. "You're mom's been feeling better?"
"Yes, she's been feeling more like herself lately," he pulled into a parking space near the front of the lot and turned the engine off. He turned to face me before continuing on, "I don't want to get my hopes up, but it seems like she might actually be getting better. I mean, she's had her good days and her bad days, but this "good" period has lasted a while, and it's gotten better and better."
"Noah, that's great!" I exclaimed, "I'm so happy for you guys." I threw my arms around him. "Last time I was over I noticed that she seemed brighter than usual, but I didn't look that much into it."
"Yeah, my mom's been doing a good job at hiding how she really feels, but lately she has seemed a lot happier. She's doing things around the house again and playing with Hannah again, but I know if I say what I want to say the doctor's results will just end up being the same they have the past few months. 'Terrific progress. Keep up the hard work.' That's all the doctors say, but I never see any terrific progress."
"Well, regardless of what the doctor has to say, I think it's wonderful that your mother is able to spend time with you," I said. "I'm sure Hannah's happy about it."
"Thrilled," Noah chuckled. "We have to play tea party every night."
"Ooo, sounds lovely," I joked, knowing Noah hated anything elegant.
"Good, because she's mentioned inviting you once or twice."
"Good. It sounds wonderful," I said pretending to be excited about the invitation.
As we walked down the halls I had to continuously squeeze Noah's hand in reassurance. The stares were still occurring, much to Noah's dismay.
Most of the drama surrounding Noah's mother at school died down, but he still received the occasional glance, shortening his temper even more than it already was.
"It's okay, just ignore them," I soothed, rubbing him arm with my palm to calm him down. "They don't know what's going on, and they don't even care enough about you to even try to be respectful. Ignore them."
"I know, I just wish that they'd mind their own business. It's not their job to know every little detail about my mom's cancer. People I've never even talked to before think that they can suddenly come up to me and start a conversation. Where is this sure boldness coming from? They all used to fear me.
"You're becoming a better person, and they know that, and they feel the need to test your limits. They just want to know how far they can push this new Noah. Just let them know that they are taking things to far and they'll back off. And if they don't, I'll just have to beat them up for you," I pretended to flex one of my arms to show him my tiny muscles.
"Yeah, okay Rachel, I'll keep that in mind," he chuckled, slinging an arm around my shoulder and walking me to my first class.
"All right everyone," Mr. Schuester began, starting to talk to the glee club about some artist he idolized as a kid. I was a bit surprised that he never had us do any type of tribute to Noah's mom. Maybe, he too, thought Noah couldn't handle all the sympathy everyone was sending him. Yet again, I was shocked at the lack of faith everyone seemed to have in my boyfriend.
It's not like he is planning on attacking everyone that says something mildly nice to him. Haven't they realized that a bit of compassion was exactly what he needs at the moment? Especially for Hannah's sake. That's Noah's number one priority at the moment, making sure his little sister is doing all right throughout this process. She is starting to understand that something is really, really wrong with her mother, and Hannah is starting to get very upset because of it.
I visit their household often, bringing different toys each time so I can easily distract Hannah for an evening. Noah says that my presence really helps Hannah through her sadness, which I am very grateful for.
I remembered Noah's news from this morning. His mother was doing better. This news warmed my heart, knowing that things might be on the right track again. His mother was one of the kindest people I have ever met, and she deserves this the least. She's also one of the strongest women I have ever met, and I know that she won't give up with out a fight.
I arrived home from school that afternoon, and saw my dad sitting on the couch, flipping through some channels on the TV.
"Hello, Dad, how was work today?" I asked, setting my things down on the couch.
"Long," he answered simply. "I'm just trying to sit here and relax now."
I sighed and sat down beside him. "I know exactly how you're feeling right now."
He turned to face me, "Is everything okay at school?" He looked alarmed by my statement. "Are those kids teasing you again?"
"No, it's nothing like that. Things at school are great," I replied, calming his nerves. "I'm just worried about Noah and his family, that's all."
"How are things going with his mother? And news?"
"Yes, Noah says that his mother is doing a lot better," I said. "She has an appointment tomorrow, and my fingers are crossed for some good news! His mom has her good and bad days, but he says that this good period has gone on for a while, and I can't help but hope for the best."
"Well, cancer is a tricky disease, sweetheart," Dad told me. "Things aren't always what they seem."
"I know," I said dejectedly.
"Rachel, don't get upset, I just don't want you to get your hopes up," Dad responded. "The news might be what you think it is, but I want you to know that is might be the opposite of what you're thinking as well."
"That's what Noah's worried about. Getting his hopes up, and then having the doctor come in and crush his hopes."
"Rachel, from what you've told me, Noah's mother seems to be a very strong woman that has something incredible to live for, I'm sure she's going to keep on fighting until the end."
"I know," I said, "I wish bad things didn't happen to good people."
"I don't know why the best people suffer through the worst," Dad said. "But, maybe it's because they are the only ones who have something to live for and are able to fight the diseases."
"It's still not fair."
"No, but all we can really do is help them through it, and show them how much we love them."
I smiled up at him, "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too, Rachel."
Review! :)
And, I'm not sure how fast I'll be able to update, because this week I have to babysit everyday, I have a job interview, AND I have three tests... so I'll try my best!
