Lindsay Anderson

"Mom, why does it have to hurt so bad?" I sobbed, burying my face into my mother's shoulder. "It just does, Honey." My wonderful and amazing Mom whispered, stroking my pixie styled brown hair. "I wish more than anything that I could take your place and deal with the pain.""Believe me, Mom, you don't." I sniffed, looking up at my Mom. "I wouldn't want you to, because the pain I feel right now is a pain that I would not wish on my worst enemy."

Turning around to see who had called my name, I saw that it had been Kaci. My heart racing, I started sprinting towards her. Instantly, Kaci started doing the same thing. Before I knew what was happening, I was holding Kaci in my arms." I am so sorry, Kaci." I whisp-ered, holding Kaci close to me. "No, I'm sorry." Kaci replied, crying into my shoulder. "I should have never accused you of writing that note, and said the things that I did.""I shouldn't have said the things that I said, either." I said, sincerely. "Can you forgive me?" Sniffling and hugging me tighter, Kaci replied, "Only if you can forgive me and promise me some-thing.""Of course.""Promise me that you will never let me go." Kaci smiled, looking me in the eyes.""Don't worry." I smiled back, gently wiping the tears away from her eyes. "I wasn't planning on it."

Wow, Alice, you are truly amazing." Nurse Molly smiled, as she rolled Alice into surgery." Really?""Really." Nurse Molly laughed. "I have never seen anyone take an IV as well as you did. Were you even aware that I was putting the IV in?""Not really." Alice admitted, smiling at Dr. Molly. "I was distracting myself with positive self-talk.""That's very good, Alice." Clearing her throat, Nurse Molly asked, "What things have you been telling your-self?""I have been telling myself that I am not going to let this cancer win and that I am more than willing to dowhatever it takes to make sure it doesn't come back."

As we made our way back to his car, I noticed that Jason looked a little nervous. In fact, he had looked that way all night. What is going on? I asked myself. As he was about to attempt to open the passenger door, Justin stopped and put his hand down. Looking into my eyes, Justin said, "Quinn?""What's up?" I asked, gently. Without saying anything, Justin gently kissed me on the lips.

Dear Journal, The night of my Junior Prom has finally arrived I feel absolutely amazing in my strapless, red dress and black wedge heels. However, the fact that I look beautiful is not the only reason that I feel amazing. I am finally in a good place with my best friends, Mae, Elizabeth, and Jake (my crush). In fact, Jake asked me to go to the Prom with him I am so excited that I can barely stand it I am truly looking forward to spending time with my best friends and sharing special moments with them. After all, I leave for my two month U. S. tour tomorrow. Even though I am going to miss them dearly, I can leave tomorrow with peace in my heart. After all, our friendship is one that is strong and unbreakable.

Today is my 17th birthday, and I am receiving one of the best gifts that I could imagine or get, I smiled to myself, as I packed my Vera Bradley suitcase. I am cancer-free and finally able to return home to Denver, Colorado. The day that I had yearned for for so long is here. The day that I have anxiously waited for has finally arrived. After being treated fpr Stage 4 breast cancer and residing at the Long Cancer Center, and Long Rehabili-tation Facility for the past two years, I am finally being discharged. Twenty surgeries, endless chemo and radiation treatments later, I am healthy and finally going home. I am finally going to be reunited with Mom, Dad, my twin brother, Kyle, our dachshund, Rocket and our Abyssinian Tabby, Sunshine. I have missed them greatly and am looking forward to spending quality with them. However, they aren't the only ones that I am anxious to see. My best friends, Kelly, Sara, Courtney, and Keith Ford, have been best friends with Kyle and me since all of us were six months old. Actually, Kyle and Kelly are more than just friends. In fact, they have been dating for two years. My point is that we are family. We have been through so much together, as well as been their for each other countless times. After all, what are best friends for? As I closed my suitcase and headed to breakfast, a happy feeling filled my heart. I was finally going home and being reunited with the people that I have missed greatly. I mean, come on. What could be better than that

Dear Journal, the day that I have been waiting for for the past two weeks has finally arrived. Today is the day that my twin sisters, Kelly and Sara, as well as our best friend in the entire world, Kaci Long, have a long overdue girls day. To start off the girls day, the four of us are going to receive haircuts, facials, massages, manicures, and pedicures at the spa that Mom owns. Afterwards, we are going to go enjoy some lunch at Pei-Wei, and then head to Flatirons Mall to do some camp shopping. On Monday, Kelly, Sara, our twin brother, Keith, Kaci, her twin brother and Kaci's longtime boyfriend, Kyle, and I will be heading to Camp Lamar for two weeks. Due to the fact that she was battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer, and residing at the treatment centers in Houston, Texas, Kaci has not been able to go to camp or do the things that she was able to before she got sick. As luck would have it, Kaci is healthy, cancer-free, and finally back where she belongs. Even though my sisters and I found out two weeks ago that Kaci would be able to join us at camp this year, that does not change the fact that all of us, especially my sisters and I, are beyond excited that Kaci is going Love and God Bless, Court XOXO

As I completed the first half of my packing, I could not help but feel hyper, excited, and giddy all at the same time. Two years ago, I was lying in a hospital bed and fighting for my life. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that I would be cancer-free, have a steady boyfriend, be in a band with him and my best friend in the entire world, Be a part of a Nationally ranked Honor Choir, and be going to camp for almost an entire summer. Thank you God, I thought to myself, as happy tears rolled down my cheeks. Thank you, thank you, one million times thank you.

As the plane took off and left Hobby International Airport, I could not help but feel relaxed and happy. As of this moment, I was finally going home. Taking my hand in hers, Mom smiled and whis-pered, "I love you, Honey, and I am glad that you are finally coming home.""I love you, too, Mom." I whispered, squeezing her hand. "Believe me, I have been ready to come home for a long time, and am so ready to finally be home and reunited with my family and friends." As I closed my eyes and settled down for a nap, dreams of Denver and reunions popped into my head.

Seth 11:35 pmFor a moment, I stood there, frozen solid. I was so angry, that I was too scared to move. No one, and I mean no one, bad mouths my girlfriend. Finally thawing out, I growled,"You did not just say that about my girlfriend.""I did, so what are you going to do about it?" Taking a deep breath, I said, "I am going to tell you this one thing, and I am going to say it loud and clear." Looking deep into Riley's eyes and taking her hand, I said, "I am the luckiest guy in the world to be dating Riley Johnson. She has this strength that I wished that I possessed. Bald or with a head full of hair, she is the most beautiful girl that I have ever laid my eyes on. To be quite honest, I wonder some-times if I am good enough for her." Riley 11:36 amBefore I knew what was happening, my heart was melting with pride. Seth was doing everything that he could to protect my honor. However, it made kind of sad that he wondered sometimes if he was good enough for me. Didn't he know how much I loved him and need-ed him in my life? Didn't Seth know and understand that he made a huge difference in my life? Before I could remind Seth of that, he turned to Zoe and con-tinued, "You can say what-ever you want about me, because I couldn't care less. However, don't you dare let me hear you or catch you saying mean things to or about my girlfriend. Do I make myself clear?" Without saying anything more, Erin, Seth, and I made our way out of Steak N' Shake. After all, there was nothing more we needed to see or say.

Dear Journal, It has been three years since I have been a camper at Kramer Christian Camp. Instead of spending it there with my best friend, Erin, and my boyfriend and her twin brother, Seth, I have been in hospitals and in rehab centers getting treatment for Stage 3 Breast Cancer. Thankfully, I am cancer free and am able to be a camper this summer at my second home. In fact, Erin, Seth, and I leave tomorrow for Orlando, Florida. That is where our camp is located. To add on to the good news, Erin, Seth's, and my band, Flight #99, will be leading worship every Sunday morning. The three of us will also be getting paid $200 a week for leading it. Journal, Since this is the first summer in a long time that I have not been sick, as well as things getting back to normal, I have officially decided to make this summer my Do-Over Summer

As I tried on my light blue polo with The Parra School logo and my short, khaki skirt, a happy tear rolled down my cheek. I had been waiting an entire year to wear this uniform again. I had also been waiting an entire year to eat caf teria food, attend classes with my best friends, Zoe Stinson and Erin Brekke, my wonderful boyfriend, Seth Brekke, friends and classmates, and, of course, walking through the halls of The Parra School. Due to how aggressive my cancer was last year, as well as how sick it made me, I had to miss and entire year of school. Even though a tutor came to the hospital and the rehab center where I was staying, it still wasn't the same as attending regular school. I missed the socialization and atmosphere that Parra had to offer. I missed seeing my best friends, boyfriend, class-mates, friends, and teachers on a daily basis. Thank-fully, that was all going to change tomorrow. After a long and painful year of being away, I would be returning to Parra as an upperclassmen. I am truly excited about returning to Parra, as well as about the fresh start that I have been given. I am so excited in fact, that I don't know if I will be able to fall asleep tonight

As the girls and I got into performance mode behind the closed curtains of the stage, my heart became filled with happiness, excitement, sadness and awe. Even though I knew it all too well, I still could not believe that it was the Panther Honor Choir's last performance of the year. For me, it was kind of sad and bittersweet. Three of my good friends were graduating tonight, and I would not be seeing some of the girls until next August. However, I was also excited and happy. Even though I was saying hello to summer and goodbye to my friends, I was also saying hello to Senior year, as well as my role as co-captain of next year's Honor Choir. With this said, I decided was going to make the most out of everything that came my way. I was also going to take it head on. After all, what other way was there to take it?

Dear Journal, It feels so good to finally sit down and relax. After church today, Erin, Seth, our parents and I were stopped by Aunt Jessica. After telling my best friends, boyfriend, and I that we did extraordinarily well today, she told us that she had a friend that wanted to meet us. All of a sudden, a lady with long red hair and a kind smile approached us. Much to our surprise, the person that Aunt Jessica wanted to introduce us to was none other than Missy Holbrook. Besides being the founder and President of Holbrook Records, a Christian Record Company, she also was one of our favorite teachers of all time. Before I continue with this story, let me tell you a little bit of what I mean. Before Missy Holbrook started Holbrook Records in 2012, she was the guidance counselor at Parra. Everyone at Parra loved her, because she was one of the nicest staff members at The Parra School. After my best friend, boy-friend and I exchanged hugs and hellos with Mrs. Holbrook, she told us that she liked what she heard this morning, and would like to talk to all of us and our families about us joining her record label. It was safe to say that all of us nearly came undone when we heard this. Flight #99 joining her record label? Serious-ly? Her invitation was how all of us found ourselves enjoying a lunch with her at Cheddar's after church let out. During lunch, we talked about the require-ments of signing on with her. First off, we had to keep our grades up, as well as our grade point averages. Second, she said that we had to have at least a B in our classes to continue working with her. Third, we could not let this come before God, school, family, and worship. After we promised her that we would meet all of the require-ments, Missy went on to explain that she was going to make sure that we took the process slow. Recording would not start until the spring and touring would not start until the summer. Finally, at the end of the meeting, Missy explained that, if we were to sign on to Holbrook records we would immediate-ly start getting paid monthly. Finally, she made it clear that she did not want to hear of a decision until May 30th at the earliest. This was because she wanted all of us and our families to seriously think about it. With all of this said and done, I seriously think that the meeting went well. I also believe that my parents and band mates would back me up on that.

As I lay on my comfortable bed and rested my eyes, I tried to forget about the note I had received from Keith. In the note, Keith had said that he was not into me anymore and that I was the ugliest thing that he had ever seen in his life. When I confronted him about it, Keith had said that he had no idea what I was talking about. He and I had then exchanged some words that we should not have and now aren't speaking to each other. This happened on Tuesday night during evening break. Thankfully, Kelly, Madison, Jamie, Sara, Court, and my counselor had been there for me. Even though I am hurting, I have been able to have a good time with my best friends and new friends. We have gone swimm-ing, hiking, played basketball, as well as many other activities. I am not letting what happened between Keith and me change the fact that I am having a good time at camp.

It is the last day of school, and the students of Lopez High School, could not be more excited. Out of all of them, Haven Kelley is the one wh ohas the most excitement in her heart. Besides it being the last day of school, it also happens to be the day that Haven and her best friends leave for camp. With all of these things going on for Haven, she is expecting this last day of school to be amazing. What she does not expect however is a confrontation before the end of the year of assembly. When the bullying of a classmate reaches its boiling point, Haven puts everything aside and decides to take a stand. If their is one theing that Haven will not tolerate, it is bullying. In this story of bravery, courage, and amazing outcomes, follow one girl as she does everything in her power to make this day the best that it can be.

As Emma packed her book bag and got ready for the day, a million butterflies fluttered inside of her stomach. Tryouts for the new team captain had been held last Wednes-day, and Emma had given it all that she had. The other people who had tried out had been Gemma and Marisol. Even though Emma truly wanted to be captain more than anything in the entire world, it would not devastate her in the least if she was not chosen as captain. Both Marisol and Gemma would make amazing captains, and Emma would be more than excited if either one of them became Captain of the Tornados." Knock-knock." Emma's older sister, Ellie, said, knocking on her sister's door." Hi, Ellie." Emma smiled. "Come on in." As Ellie made her way into Emma's room, Emma could not help but smile. Due to the fact that both Emma and Ellie had learning differ-ences, they both attend-ed Terrence Hill High School. For those of you who don't know, Terrence Hill is a high school that is specific-ally designed for students with learning differences. Each grade can only hold a maximum of 200 students. While the freshmen and sophomoreclasses had two hundred students, the junior and senior classes had only eighty students. As it just so happened, both Ellie and Emma were a part of the smallest classes at Terr-ence Hill High School. This was due to the fact that they were only one year apart." Are you nervous about the results of the tryouts?" Ellie wanted to know. "A little bit." Emma replied, sincere-ly. Taking a seat on her bed, Emma contin-ued, "Ellie, I want this more than any-thing.""I know you do." Ellie smiled, taking a seat next to her sister. "Don't get me wrong, I would be excited and happy if Gemma or Marisol got it." Emma ex-plained, placing a piece of her shoul-der length dark red hair behind her ear. "How-ever, I also want that po-sition, too.""That's more than okay, Emma." Ellie smiled. "I am not just saying this as your older sister who loves you very much, but I think that you deserve that position more than any-one.""You do?""Definitely.""Thanks, Ellie." Emma smiled. "I love you, too."