...Remember Me This Way...

~Chapter 1~

Hannah Thurman began gathering her notebooks and shoveling them into her knapsack as her Economics and Government class drew to a close. Before the words even left the professor's lips, she was heading toward the door at lightening speed. Almost running, she hurried down the hallway and out the door. Fumbling with her keys, she sprinted across the lawn of the UCLA campus toward the parking lot.

Tossing her bag into the backseat, she slid behind the wheel of her 89 Toyota Corolla and turned the key in the ignition. After several tries, the engine sparked to life, and Hannah pulled away from the curb and out into traffic. Sweat ran down her face as she rolled the window down quickly to allow the air to circulate through the cramped vehicle. Groaning, she slowed to a stop and looked up at the traffic jam which lay ahead of her.

"No! Not now, please not now!'

Glancing several times at her wristwatch, she inched forward slowly. At last look the time was ten minutes to five. She had exactly ten minutes to pick up Jordan from daycare or be forced to pay the penalty charge of a dollar for each minute she was late. It wasn't the first time she was late, but she couldn't compromise her college career any more than she could afford the penalty. The past two years had been a struggle, and she had no intention of throwing it all away now.

Slowly the caravan of cars began to move and Hannah increased the pressure on the gas pedal. Slipping through holes in the lines of traffic, she made her way across town. At five-fifteen she pulled up outside The Wishing Tree day care center. Leaving the car running, she hurried inside.

"You're late."

Panting, Hannah turned toward the sound of the voice across the room. The day care owner, Patricia, sat on the floor along side Jordan. Jordan jumped up and ran across the room, her arms extended. Dropping to her knees, Hannah took the child into her arms, hugging her close.

"HANNAH!"

Hannah smoothed her hair gently as she stood. Patricia walked forward and handed her the baby bag.