Reservations

“Most likely. At least that’s my initial thought. We have many resources at our disposal, Levi, but before I call someone in to help, I wanted to know what you’re noticing at home,” Mrs. Rustenhaven said.

“Ma’am, I’m not home a lot.” Levi took a deep breath and centered himself, trying to remember the last time he’d spoken to Luke more than just in passing. “I work two jobs. I have every Sunday off, and we get ready for the week that day. Luke does what he’s supposed to, but he’s always trying to get back in his room to his video games,” Levi explained.

His heart grew heavy. He hoped he sounded more equipped to deal with the situation than he felt. He let out a sigh and reached up to scrub a hand over his face. He was so in over his head.

“Are Logan and Luke at home alone in the evenings?” the principal asked, leaning back in her seat.

“My neighbor’s an older woman. She’s lived next door to us my whole life. She helped take care of my dad before he died, and she comes over in the evening, gets everyone settled, makes sure they’ve had dinner. Logan’s seventeen—you know that—and he keeps an eye on things. He quit his job because I make more, and we didn’t think Luke should be home every night alone,” Levi said, explaining the reasons behind their nightly routine. “Oh, and I get home about eleven thirty, so not super late.”

“How’re you doing financially?” Mrs. Rustenhaven asked.

Boy was that a seriously loaded question. He couldn’t quite figure out how his dad had made it all those years. He had three boys and no help at all. His mom had taken off right after Luke was born. But where Mrs. Rustenhaven was concerned, Levi decided to stick with the theme of less-is-more in answering. “We’re making it.”

“I understand you were in medical school when you came home?” the principal probed, staring at Levi with speculation.

“Yes, ma’am. I just finished my first year at Johns Hopkins and started my summer internship when my dad’s cancer reoccurred and I had to come home,” Levi explained.

“Are you planning to go back?”

“I haven’t given up on my goals. I deferred my enrollment to give us time. I guess, if there’s any possible way, I’d like for us all to move to Maryland,” Levi answered honestly.

“How’s that looking?”

Levi’s leg started double-timing its cadence against the floor. “More and more obstacles keep presenting themselves with each passing day, but I haven’t given up hope. Social security’s supposed to start coming soon. At least, I think it will, and that’ll help.”

Levi dropped his arms and his leg abruptly stopped bouncing as Mrs. Rustenhaven straightened in her seat, resting both elbows on her desk, lacing her fingers together.

“Okay, well, this is what I’d like to offer you guys. I’m trying to keep all this handled right here. Luke’s attendance is a real issue. We have to straighten that out right away. I’ve called in some favors, and Mrs. Underwood, do you remember her? She’s one of our counselors.” She paused, and Levi nodded even though he wasn’t at all certain he did. “She’s agreed to work with you and your brothers three days a week. We’re clearing out Luke’s first period, giving him study hall the other two days a week with a real focused plan to help get him back on track. He’s got a lot to do, but he can get where he needs to be if he pulls himself together. How does that sound to you?”

“I’ll have to talk to my job,” Levi started, but the principal lifted her hand, stopping him.

“That’s the reason I asked about your finances. There’re procedures to follow when a student has missed this much school, but I’ve decided to wait, see if we can work this out among ourselves. We need you here. First period ends at eight thirty. We need you to make accommodations and be here with your brother.”

Levi nodded at the stern and maybe somewhat cryptic message the principal tried to relay. That would make him at least an hour and a half late to the physical therapy clinic—his main source of income. Shit.

“You Silva boys were hit with a hard blow. I remember you were about Logan’s age when your father was first diagnosed with cancer. You’re all good guys. We’ll get this in order and make sure Luke has access to the help he needs.” Mrs. Rustenhaven rose, and Levi watched as she came around the desk. He decided that probably meant they were done, and he pushed up out of the chair, reaching for her outstretched hand. She gave him a reassuring smile, and a pat on the back as she started walking toward the closed office door.