Downstairs, I double check the five-year-old’s ladybug backpack. It has an extra pair of clothes, a fruit roll-up, and an umbrella. “You got any cash on you, Paige?”
She scrunches her face in thought. “I don’t think so.”
“I’m putting some twenties in here.” I glance over to Shannon. “We should get Paige a phone. What if she needs to call me? Do we have an extra one around?”
“Probably. Wait here.”
While my assistant runs off to find a phone, I crouch down and help Paige shoulder the backpack. “This too heavy for you?”
“No. Mr. Chan.”
Mr. Chan sounds so formal. I barely know who she’s referring to when she says it. “Can you call me Bear?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because Daddy told me to always call you Mr. Chan.” Apparently for all his faults, Johnny loved his little girl, and she is utterly devoted to him.
“All right, Paige. Mr. Chan it is.”
“Here you are, Mr. Chan,” sings Shannon, arriving with a phone. Her eyes are twinkling as she hands it over.
I give her a death glare before turning back to Paige. “Here. Press your thumb here and then click the green button. It will dial me directly. Use it if you need it.”
“Okay.”
I stick it in a pocket under one of the ladybug’s wings. “You good?”
“Yes.”
As Shannon leads the girl down the stairs to the waiting car, I sink down into a chair in the living room. It’s only seven in the morning, but I feel like I could use a bottle or three of whisky. Only three weeks? I don't know if I can make it.
Chapter Two
Honey
“Surprise!” Everyone shouts as I walk into the teachers’ lounge. I let out a scream, my heart lodging in my throat as the books and folder in my hands go crashing to the floor.
“Oh, honey, we didn’t mean to startle you.” Lori rushes over to help me gather my things from off the floor. “We wanted to do something a bit special for you.”
“Thank you,” I say as I go for one of my folders on the floor, shuffling the papers back inside.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lori grabs my trembling hand. The whole room goes quiet at my overreaction. I take a breath, trying to settle my racing heart. Is this what it’s going to be like for the rest of my life? Is every small thing that happens going to startle me and make me think I’ve been found? I force a smile onto my face, not wanting any of them to feel bad.
“Yes, I’m sure. This is all sweet. Thank you, everyone.” I come to my feet, wobbling on my tiny heels.
Trevor grabs my hips from behind, trying to help me so that I don’t stumble again. I step forward to get out of his reach. He’s always a bit too handsy. A few of the other teachers enjoy it. But I think it’s gross. And not only because he’s freaking married. There’s something about him that gives me the creeps.
When I finally get myself together, I look around to see the small teachers’ lounge is filled with balloons and banners that say You will be missed. In the short time I’ve been at Hawthorne Elementary, I’ve met a lot of new sweet people. It really sucks that it’s time for me to move along. Mrs. Neil is coming back from maternity leave, and they no longer need me.
I didn’t mean to grow so attached to my coworkers. I knew this was only a temporary position, but that doesn’t make it any easier. More than anything, I’m going to miss all the cute faces of the kindergarteners that have been mine for the last three months. They have brought so much joy into my life.
“We’re going to miss you.” Lori gives me a tight hug. I return it, while trying to keep my tears at bay.
I am definitely going to miss her too. We’ve become fast friends. I don’t think she’ll ever know how much her friendship has helped me. It’s so strange to settle into a giant city with people everywhere but still always feel so alone. It’s something I should be used to at this point, but I never am.
“Let's have some cake to drown our sorrows. I got your favorite. Vanilla buttercream frosting on a strawberry cake.”
“Oh, I love you.”
“Wait and try it before you go declaring your love for me. I’m not as good of a baker as you are, but I gave it a shot.” I let out a laugh. I love Lori. I really do, but I have to admit that she is a terrible baker. I watch as she starts to cut into the cake. From the outside it looks great, but icing can cover a lot of things.
Lori hands me the first piece. I grab a fork and take a bite. It’s a bit dry, but the thick icing helps cover up the burnt taste coming from the bottom of the cake. Still, it doesn’t stop any of us from digging in. It’s way better than some of the stuff they serve in the cafeteria here.