Unexpected

I trotted into work this morning half way hoping the day would go smoothly for us, it’s a bit misty rain out and slightly cool so no outdoors jobs are really needed. The minute I sat down my cell started beeping and the office phone rang. My cell had a text message and the phone was my Mom, both were from her.
She didn’t have the best of news to give me, seems as if an old friend just died suddenly last night from a bronchial disorder of some sort. I don’t have the full details yet, she moved to Atlanta over 5 years ago to marry, she was barely in her late 40s.
You are probably reading this and wondering why this concerns me so, she was a family friend and my teacher and also Jacks teacher. She proctored our final exams and would sub the days my Mom was out for various reasons.
Jacks was in love with her, I think she was his first crush, he would sit looking all googly eyed at her as she spoke French or taught math, I always figured it was the love of learning for him but it was Jane.
I remember she was a big factor in my decision to go to private school; she would come in with her high school memorabilia books and pictures. Telling me about all the fun she had through high school and what I would be missing. She was voted Best Looking in her class and back then I could see why. She was a cheerleader and Most Popular. The one piece of advice she gave me, “join as much as you can tolerate, don’t be an outcast and enjoy everyday, as it goes so quickly.”
I remember seeing her out one night when I was underage in a bar in Atlanta. She spotted me across the room and laughed as she pointed her finger at me. I just knew she was going to call my parents and tell on me but she didn’t, she even asked me to dance. She was cool like that, about 2 years ago I ran into her again and we talked about that night and the dance. She snickered and said the reason why she asked for the dance is to see how drunk I was, if I was wasted, she would make me leave; if I could stand then she wouldn’t worry.
She didn’t have children and her parents are both gone but I’m sure she took her own advice and enjoyed everyday because yes, it does go so quickly.