“Hi, Miss Jennings. Mommy, this is my new teacher.” She tugs on her mom’s hand, letting her know she wants to introduce us. I stand up and hold my hand out. Melody takes it even though we already know each other.
“I know who this is, Sienna. She came to dinner one night.” I can see the love and adoration Melody has for her daughter. It warms my heart even though my stomach is dropping because surely the guy who helped me must be her significant other.
“Oh, well, she’s really nice. I love you, Mommy. Have a good day!” She hugs her side and then darts off to class.
“Thank you again.” My smile is warm, not showing that the man who saved my life left me with memories of the way he held me, not to mention something that brushed up against my backside.
“I’m just glad you’re okay. It sure is a small world, huh?” she questions.
“You’re not kidding.” The final bell rings, both of us standing there in limbo until I close the awkwardness down.
“Well, I better get in there. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other.” She nods her head, leaving it at that. I walk into my classroom ready to start the day even though there’s dread seeping inside of me. Too bad I seem to have no luck at all.
“Good morning!” I tell the children. They’re all sitting in their designated spots. Something Peyton helped me do was create cute name plates for each of their desks. She really does have the best handwriting and took over that project with more excitement than she probably should have.
“Good morning, Miss Jennings,” a chorus of voices says back. And that’s how we start our day, introducing a bit about one another until it’s time for us to officially start our school day. I shove my emotions aside, and something else I’ll deal with later. Much later. With a big heaping glass of wine.TwoRyder“Hey, you’ll never guess who I saw today.” Melody walks into the kitchen while I’m prepping everything for the evening rush.
“Who’s that?” Melody has been in her own head lately, something to do with I’m sure is Sienna’s dad calling and trying to reconnect, or so he says. I don’t even hold my breath. That guy comes and goes when the state is after him.
“That cute girl you demanded I take to the walk-in clinic when she choked in the restaurant,” she smarts off. My sister clearly needs a weekend away, do something for her, because she’s been biting everyone’s head off.
“Oh, the girl who could sue not only you but also me? You’re not the only one who has an investment in this restaurant, Melody. Thanks for thinking solely of yourself. You wanna tell me what the fuck you have crawling up your ass?” I love her, would do anything for her, but this is bullshit.
“I’m sorry. You’re right. I don’t know what’s going on. I’ve been a raging bitch, and the icing on the top is that Joseph lawyered up. Anyway, the girl, her name is Berkley Jennings, and she’s Sienna’s first grade teacher. Sweet as pie. Sienna is already halfway in love with her.” This is the sister I know, calmer and more centered.
“Come here.” I drop what I’m doing, knowing what she has to deal with is not easy. Melody clearly needs a hug.
“I’m a mess. I don’t know why you put up with me.” She wraps her arms around my waist. I bring it in, and we hug it out. This is the shit our mom made us do when we were younger. We’d go off blaming one another for something the other didn’t do. Start running around. Usually, Melody was doing the chasing. Those long fingers of hers, when she’d attack, they would slap the dog snot out of me.
“You got this. Why don’t you take the afternoon off? I’ll pick up Sienna. Our day shift manager can handle things. I need to grocery shop for my house, and you know how much our girl likes to do that. Then I can drop her off at your place after homework and dinner, come back here, make sure things are going well. Go get a pedicure or drink a bottle of wine or something.” I see the slow smile appearing on her face.
“Sure, you can do that, but we all know why you really want to pick up Sienna.” She arches her eyebrow.
“I highly doubt that. She probably doesn’t remember me. I’m more worried about your mental health right now. You do need to make an appointment with your attorney. If you need money, I have it. Not that I think he’ll actually follow through. This is just another hurdle.”
“You’re right. Are you sure you don’t mind getting Si?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if I did. Now, go on and get outta here.” I use my hands to move her along.