Teagan's Story: Her Battle With Epilepsy

Table Of Contents

Acknowledgements

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Epilogue

Chapter 1

About the Author

Teagan’s Story: Her Battle with Epilepsy

Copyright © 2011 by Talia Jager

Cover design and formatting by Streetlight Graphics

Edited by: Christine LePorte

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-9836164-1-2 (eBook)

ISBN: 9798695399271 (print)

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Acknowledgements

I would like to once again thank my family who understands dinner might be a little late because I’m in the middle of a chapter.

I’d also like to thank my friends who supported me throughout the book: Donise, Laurie, and Leslie.

This book is dedicated to sweet, beautiful Charli.

May a cure for epilepsy be found soon.

For more information on epilepsy visit http://www.epilepsy.com

Chapter One

I stood frozen in front of the two-story brick building, my feet glued to the sidewalk. The building looked enormous from the street. It wasn’t the first time I had seen it, but it was the first time I had to go inside. Going inside wasn’t something I wanted to do—it was something I had to do.

I looked up at the big, white letters over the front door: NORTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL. Teenagers swarmed around the entrance and on the front lawn near the flagpole. The flag flapped in the wind high above their heads. I commanded my feet to move, fought back the tears, and slowly started walking toward the building.

My mother had sheltered me from all this. Many times I hated her for it. Now, I could only wish this was all a nightmare. Maybe I’d wake up any minute and be back at home with her. But it didn’t happen. I didn’t wake up because this was real.

Reaching the front door, I pulled it open. The weight of it surprised me. I hadn’t expected it to be so heavy. I took a few steps in and spotted the office to the right, enclosed in glass. I walked through the open door. Can I help you? an older lady with obviously dyed black hair asked.

I swallowed. My name is Teagan Kavanagh. I’m starting here today.

She picked through a pile of folders. Ah, yes, right here. The guidance counselor has your schedule. Her office is right over there. She pointed across the hall. Ask for Mrs. Tavi.

Thank you, I said and stepped back into the hallway. I let out a deep breath. Step one done. On to step two. I walked into the guidance office. It was much bigger than the main office, with a bookcase full of college books taking up one entire wall. I’m here to see Mrs. Tavi, I told the lady at the front desk.

What’s your name, dear? she asked, her voice thick with a Spanish accent. The nameplate in front of her read Mrs. Torres.

Teagan Kavanagh.

Mrs. Torres picked up the phone. You have a student up in front… You’re welcome. She hung up. She’ll be right out.

Seconds later, a lady with light brown hair appeared. Hello, Teagan. Come on back. She led me to her office. The walls were covered with letters from students, some kids’ drawings, and pictures of what I assumed were her family. Please sit down.

The office told me to pick up my schedule from you, I told her.

I really hoped she wouldn’t ask a bunch of questions. I hoped that she got all she needed when I was enrolled. I didn’t want to think about how I got here. I just really didn’t want to talk.

When her eyes met mine and she opened her mouth, I knew I was going to be answering questions. We’re glad to have you here. Of course, we’re sorry about the deaths of your parents, she said, putting on her thin-rimmed glasses and looking over my file. I nodded. I understand you have been homeschooled.

Yes.

Because of your epilepsy? She looked up. Her hazel eyes searched my face.

I looked away, my eyes moist. Yes.

There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Teagan. I understand if you don’t want to talk about it now.

It’s just hard. I bit my bottom lip.

She patted my hand. You did well on the placement tests you had to take. You are right where you should be, if not more advanced. Do you have any subjects you especially like? she asked, handing me a tissue.

I shrugged. I’m not really sure. I like most of them.

Okay. Is there anything you don’t like?

The boring stuff.

She laughed. Well, I’m sure every subject can get boring.

Yes, ma’am.

Do you have any friends here?

A couple. I had friends on the street where… where I used to live.

Good. It has to be difficult coming here in your junior year.

I nodded. Yes, ma’am.

I hope you can make friends easily and the students here treat you well. If you have any problems, please come see me.

Thank you.

Just when I thought she was finished, she asked, Do you have a lot of seizures?

I nodded, dabbing my eyes. That’s why they kept me home.

You’re on medication, correct?

Yes. It helps some, but not enough.

This worries you, doesn’t it? she asked.

Sure, I could have one at any time. Nobody here knows me, how are they going to react when I have one? Will I make any friends at all? I immediately regretted my outburst.

I’m sure you will. We’ll figure it out. I’m going to walk you over to the nurse’s office. I want her to meet you. By that time your ‘buddy’ will be here. She is in some of your classes can take you around and help you out, she told me.

My eyebrows lifted. A buddy? Nobody had mentioned this before. How was this going to go? Okay.

Mrs. Tavi led me out of the office into the crowded hallways. I checked my smart watch. Homeroom would begin soon. A few kids looked at me, probably wondering who I was. They couldn’t all know each other, could they? Was my hair out of place? Were my clothes weird? I didn’t know what to say or how to act around all these other kids. I tried to smile or nod or say hi, but nobody responded. The nurse’s office wasn’t too far. Mrs. Tavi walked in and introduced me. Mrs. Becker, this is our new student, Teagan.

Yes, yes, of course. She smiled. Her round dark eyes looked me over. I read the file. You have epilepsy.

Yes.

I see that you are on Depakote and Topamax? she asked, flipping her long, dark hair back.

Yes.

How well does that work for you?

It doesn’t. I had to keep from laughing.

So you have breakthrough seizures?

Yes, ma’am.

Are they grand mal?

Usually.

You also have petit mal episodes. It was more of a statement than a question.

Yeah. I nodded, getting bored of the questions. Actually, they usually call them tonic-clonic seizures and absence seizures, I corrected her.

Right. She nodded, making a note in my file. How often do they happen?

I knew she was just doing her job, but I hated answering all this. It was probably a good thing my parents kept me home. I’d go nuts if I had to explain to everybody. Sighing softly, so I wouldn’t upset anyone, I answered, It varies. Sometimes they happen a couple days a week, sometimes I go a couple weeks without one. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

Wow. The doctors can’t do anything?

Not really.

Do you go to the hospital when you have a seizure?

Only if they’re really long or I hit my head, I told her. Something requiring medical attention. Otherwise, I just do my thing. I come out of it and go to sleep for a while.

Okay, well, I have already spoken with your teachers, but I will talk to them again. Maybe we’ll get lucky and you won’t have one while you’re here.

Yeah right, I thought.

The bell rang just as Mrs. Tavi and I reentered the guidance office. Ah, Madalyn. Thanks for coming down. This is Teagan, your buddy.

Hi. Madalyn’s chocolate brown hair was pulled back in a big clip. She wore some makeup, not a lot, but more than just foundation and lipstick. It’s nice to meet you, she said with a smile.

You too. I smiled back, hoping she really was nice and wasn’t just putting on a show for the guidance counselor.

Here you go. Mrs. Tavi handed both of us a copy of my schedule. You’ll see that you are in many of the same classes or right near each other.

Thank you, I said.

You’re welcome. Come on back during your study hall and I’ll get you set up with a locker and anything else you need.

I nodded and left with Madalyn. We’re in the same homeroom, she told me. Then we have first period, language arts, together and a couple other classes. Homeroom is this way. She led the way. Where are you from? she asked.

Here. I didn’t want to totally make stuff up.

But you didn’t come to this school?

No, I went elsewhere, I said.

She looked at me like she was expecting more, but then she looked down the hall. It’s the second room from the end.

We continued walking. Thanks, Madalyn.

You can call me Maddie, she said. Teagan is a unique name.

My cheeks got a little warmer. Yeah, it’s a family name. My parents are from Ireland.

Oh yeah? Like they immigrated?

I nodded. Yeah. My brother and I were born here, but the rest of my family is in Ireland.

That’s neat. She smiled. Here we are.

I took a deep breath and walked into the room. Here goes nothing. Please, God, please don’t let me have a seizure today, I pleaded. Maddie walked up to the gray-haired teacher, and he looked up at her. What can I do for you, Miss Kembel? He rubbed his short beard.

This is Teagan Kavanagh. She’s new here.

Oh! His eyes shifted to me and I wondered if he remembered I was joining his class today. Welcome, Miss Kavanagh. There are a few empty desks in the back row. Pick one, he said, motioning to the back.

Thanks. I hurried past the kids who were staring at me and sat down. Maddie sat down in the second row and started talking to some girls near her. Even almost all eyes were on me, nobody said anything. I didn’t mind. I didn’t know how to answer their questions. I didn’t want anyone to think I was weird quite yet, but I knew it would happen eventually. Once I had an episode in school, everyone would know.

The principal came on the loudspeaker and asked us to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. After the morning announcements, the teacher took attendance, and the bell rang.

Maddie walked over to me and said, Language arts is just down the hall. I nodded, following her out. The teacher is really great.

We walked in the room. The desks were arranged in a half circle with the teacher’s desk at the mouth of the circle. Maddie walked up to the teacher, who was sitting at her desk. Mrs. McGee?

She looked up. Her face was smooth, her lips thin, and her eyes sparkled. Good morning, Maddie. How can I help you?

Maddie introduced me again.

Mrs. McGee shifted her attention to me. Well, hello. It’s nice to have you here. Do you enjoy language arts?

I nodded. Yes, ma’am.

She smiled. Please, call me Mrs. McGee. Ma’am sounds so old.

I nodded. Okay.

Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders as she looked down. I have a couple extra desks. We can put one at either end of the row. Do you have a preference?

No. Either one will be fine.

Okay. She got up and pulled over a desk into the half circle. There you go. Let me get you a copy of the book we’re reading.

I sat down at the desk, and Maddie sat at hers as more kids dwindled in. She was only two down from me and was able to talk to me without raising her voice. You have math next with Mr. Adams. He’s okay, but he’s tough. I’m next to you in a different class. Then we’ll be in the same computer class, lunch, and study hall.

I smiled. Great! I tried to sound enthusiastic when I really just wanted to go home. Curling up on the couch sounded like a dream.

The bell rang and more kids flew into class. Mrs. McGee looked up. Be on time tomorrow! she warned them.

I nodded at Maddie. Thanks.

Once again, I saw everyone looking at me. We have a new student in class. This is Teagan. Please make her feel welcome, Mrs. McGee said. I smiled again, trying to show I was normal.

Language arts was good. They were going over a book they had just finished reading and the teacher assigned a new one. She also gave out spelling lists and vocabulary words. The test is Friday, study them. Next Monday, you will have the test on the first five chapters of the book.

When the bell rang, Mrs. McGee dismissed the class. Teagan, could I speak with you a moment please?

Sure. I got up.

I’ll wait for you outside, Maddie said.

Thanks.

I went up to the teacher’s desk, and she handed me a copy of the book the class was about to read. Thank you.

I got a memo about you. She smiled. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Maddie or anyone else for privacy reasons. The school doesn’t usually tell teachers if a student has a medical issue unless it’s a necessity. Obviously, this is one of those times. I understand you often have seizures?

Yeah. I nodded.

The memo said you have both absence seizures as well as tonic-clonic?

Mhmm. I was thankful someone knew at least some of what they were talking about.

If you miss something in class, please let me know, I will go over it with you.

Thank you.

My sister has epilepsy. Hers is controlled though. I don’t think she’s had any episodes in years.

I wish that would happen with me. I sighed.

She nodded understandingly. I’ll let you go now. You should make sure all of your teachers read the memo and know what’s going on. If you have an episode in class, not all of us will notice, so you may have to come on up later on and tell us.

That’s really great of you. I appreciate it. My smile was more genuine this time.

Go on now. I’ll see you tomorrow. She looked back down at her books.

I met up with Maddie in the hall. What was that about? she asked.

Just wanted to give me this. I held up the book.

Hey, Maddie. A guy grinned at her as we walked by.

Hey, she said back. I noticed that lots of people greeted her and wondered if she was one of the more popular girls.

We had to go upstairs for the next class, math. Math didn’t thrill me. I could do it, but I didn’t like it. More people looked at me, but nobody said anything. Maybe they all knew about my illness. Maybe that’s why nobody would talk to me. No, I dismissed that idea. The school could get in trouble if they released that information to the students without permission.

Here’s your class. Maddie stopped at a door. Mine is right there. She pointed next door. I’ll see you afterwards.

I went into the class and introduced myself. Mr. Harmon was an older man. The wrinkles covering his forehead made him look stern, but he was nice enough to find me a seat and give me a copy of last week’s notes. I hope you can get your place and keep up with us, he said.

I nodded. Sir, did you get the memo about me? I asked quietly as kids were starting to come in.

Yes, but no excuses in this class. You do the work or you fail.

Of course. I just meant that if I have an episode here in class…could I come to you afterwards and see what I missed? I tried to ask it like Mrs. McGee had put it.

He looked up at me. Well, I suppose if that was necessary… The bell rang. Please take your seat.

I nodded and sat down. A girl with dark black hair sat next to me and grinned. Hey.

I smiled back. Hey.

You new? she asked.

Yup.

Tough to be thrown in here.

I nodded. Yeah. She had black fingernail polish on and a lot of dark makeup. Her clothes were black too. My mother would have called her a Goth girl. She seemed friendly though. How is this class? I asked.

Boring. Harmon picks on me all the time because of the way I look. He doesn’t think I’m smart. I always get him though, because I answer correctly and that makes him mad, she told me with a smirk on her face.

I laughed. I’m Teagan, I introduced myself.

She scoffed. Cute. I’m Eve.

The teacher started class. He did go fast, but the work wasn’t as hard as he made it out to be. He did call on me a couple times and I answered his questions. He seemed quietly impressed.

Afterwards, Maddie met me in the hallway. How’d it go?

Not bad. Where to now? I asked.

Back downstairs and to the other wing. This is a longer walk, she told me. Are you starting to figure out where everything is?

A little. It shouldn’t take me too long.

So, were you in any clubs at your old school? she asked.

Um… no. I used to take music lessons, but I stopped. I didn’t really get a chance to get into anything else, I told her.

Well, if you want to get involved, I’m sure there are clubs that would like to have you.

I don’t think I’m real talented at anything, I said. I had so many other issues to deal with that taking on a hobby or joining a club wasn’t in the plans. I really wasn’t sure what was in the plans.

Chapter Two

Computer class was pretty easy. I knew my way around a computer. The teacher was soft spoken and kind. After class, she walked up to me. Welcome, Teagan. That is such a great name.

Thank you, Ms. Nerick, I responded.

If you need anything, let me know, she said, looking at me with her bright blue eyes. Anything.

I knew what she was getting at. I nodded. I will, thank you.

Maddie led me to study hall, which was supervised by Mr. Ping. After introductions, Maddie said, Mrs. Tavi wanted to see her during study hall today.

Ah, yes. That’s fine, you both may go, he said, stroking his long, dark beard.

He seems a little strange, I commented when we were outside the room.

He is. Nobody knows why. She laughed.

We walked into the guidance office and Mrs. Tavi came