3 months later
I was finally back at school. People gave me cards and gifts and praised me. I'm not really sure why. I didn't do anything spectacular. All I did was save my best friend from a crazed shooter and got shot while in the process.
The school was just finishing the construction of a monument for the people who died. I walked up to it to pay my respects and read the names.
Dianne Byrd
Jerome Chapman
Rebecca Powell
Kenny Gibson
Latoya Quinn
Maria Sanchez
"It's tragic what happened."
I turned to see a girl with an oval face, brown eyes, dark brown hair, and darker complexioned skin, Hispanic maybe.
"Hi," she stuck out her hand, "I'm Riley Cooper. I've seen you around a couple of times. I always knew you were a tough one. I condone what you did. You saved so many lives. You know people see you as a hero?"
"Yeah, but I'm no hero. If I were a true hero, would these names be on these plaques?"
"Oh, don't say that. If you didn't take the action that you did, more names would be here. To some people, they see you as saving their life."
I just stared in silence at the names that gleamed in the sunlight. "Jane!"
I turned to see Maura walking swiftly, waving her hand at me. Frost wasn't far behind.
"I'll see you later, Jane. Nice meeting you." Riley waved her hand as a good-bye.
"Ok, Riley, see you." By that time, Maura had made her way to me. I turned to face her but was given a head full of hair in my face. Maura had wrapped her arms around me in a hug before I could register it. As I stood there in her warmth I couldn't help but realize how lucky I was. I was lucky to be alive. But, most of all, I was lucky to have Maura. Maura was my rock - my comforter. She was the one who was there for me no matter what; and from where I am standing right now it looks like she'll continue to be there for me no matter what.
THE END
That's it! It has been quite a journey, but a journey I am very happy I took.
Thank you for taking this crazy ride with me. All of the comments and favorites I received made my days much happier. As some of you may notice, though, is that I left room in the story for a sequel. That may or may not happen; as you saw, life can easily get in the way.
Furthermore, I thank each and every one of you for your support. I couldn't have done it without you. There have been many ups and downs as well as more than one hiatus (I am very sorry about those.) However, I just couldn't leave the story unfinished.
Moreover, I do hope you very much enjoyed it. I sure have. May I see you all in the future. XOXO