APRIL
April walked through the park with Minerva on one side and Bo on the other.
The fruit ices were delicious and both suns were high in the sky. It was starting to feel like it might turn out to be a good day in spite of her lingering worries about Khall.
“We should do a dance class every day,” Bo said. “And then go to the park for fruit ices.”
“That does sound good, Bo,” April said. “I guess while we’re making wishes, we should wish for an afternoon dance class and walk in the park, so Minerva can join us during the week.”
“It stinks that Minerva has to go to school every day,” Bo said sadly.
“You’ll go to school soon, too,” Minerva told her. “And I think you’re going to love it.”
“Why is your bracelet blinking, April?” Bo asked.
April glanced down to see that Bo was right - her bracelet was blinking. She had turned off her notifications while she was teaching and must have forgotten to turn them on again.
“It’s from your dad,” she said, swiping quickly to open the message.
“Come on, Bo,” Minerva offered immediately. “I’ll race you to the big tree.”
True to form, Bo took off without answering, determined to win.
Minerva ran after her, turning back to wink at April over her shoulder.
“You were right. About… everything. I’m so sorry. I’ve been a complete idiot. I’ve got someone to cover my flight, and I’m coming home now to apologize to you again. I don’t deserve it, but I hope you’ll give me a chance to make things right.”
April stood in the middle of the park with tears of happiness and relief in her eyes as she played the message back two more times.
Then it hit her what was happening, and she sprang into action, chasing after the girls.
“Bo, Minerva,” she called out.
“What’s wrong?” Bo asked worriedly.
But Minerva was already wearing a sly smile. That kid was too smart for her own good.
“Great news,” April said. “Your dad is coming home early.”
“Tonight?” Bo asked hopefully. “Before bedtime?”
“Right now,” April said. “We need to get home and clean up all the blocks and things we left out.”
“Wow,” Bo said.
“Wow, indeed,” Minerva added with a smile.
“So, what should we do for dinner tonight?” April asked, trying desperately not to blush.
Bo took her hand and began gleefully naming all the different groceries they had bought the day before and listing options for meals.
Then Minerva took her other hand.
“Don’t be nervous,” Minerva whispered as they crossed the street. “No one could ever be more awkward than my dad when he has to apologize.”
Deerborne opened the door to invite them in, and some of her students waved to them in the lobby.
As they stepped onto the elevator, it occurred to April that this really could be her home. The idea was overwhelming, and made her feel like her heart was soaring.