My hands balled into fists at my sides. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to unclench them. “Protecting them from what, exactly? A hardworking single father who’s done nothing but try to provide for his child?”
“He’s a… a…” Nancy sputtered, unable to finish her sentence.
“A what, Nancy? Say it. I want to hear you say exactly what you think he is.”Say it,I silently dared her.Say the word.
Nancy’s gaze darted around, aware of the curious glances from nearby volunteers. She lowered her voice, leaning in. “You knowwhat he is. And what he does. It’s not right. It’s certainly not moral.”
A bitter laugh escaped, filled with frustration and sadness. “And what you did was moral, Nancy? You spread private information, potentially ruining a man’s life and his daughter’s future in this town. Do you even understand the damage you’ve caused to a good man?”
Nancy’s face contorted. “How dare you—”
I cut her off, my voice low but intense. “No, how dare you. You’re the one who shouldn’t be around children, spreading hate.”
As our heated exchange continued, the crowd’s eyes settled on us. Curious onlookers pretended to busy themselves with nearby booths, but their furtive glances betrayed their interest in the unfolding drama.
Nancy’s voice rose, shrill and defensive, her eyes flashing with righteousness and panic. ‘I was only thinking of the children’s well-being!’ she cried, as if trying to convince herself as much as me.
“By ostracizing an innocent child and her father?” I shot back, my patience wearing thin. “That’s not protecting anyone, Nancy. That’s just cruel.”
Tension crackled in the air as we faced off, neither willing to back down. Just as I opened my mouth, a commanding voice cut through the charged atmosphere.
“That’s enough, both of you.”
I turned to see Ginger Hawkins striding toward us, her presence imposing even in jeans and a T-shirt. She fixed us both with a stern look that brooked no argument. “I’d like to continue this conversation at school on Monday,” Ginger said, her tone leaving no room for debate. “We need to get to the bottom of who spread these rumors about one of our students’ parents.”
Nancy sputtered, “But—”
Ginger held up a hand, silencing her. “This isn’t the time or place for this discussion.” She surveyed the curious onlookers, who quickly dispersed under her authoritative gaze. Then Ginger turned back to us. “In light of recent events, I’m announcing a new committee to review all school policies. We need to ensure that all our students are seen and supported.”
She fixed me with a meaningful look. “Mr. Parker, I’d like you to head up this committee.”
My eyes widened in surprise. “Me?”
Ginger nodded, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. “Yes, you. And Mrs. Henderson,” she turned to Nancy, whose face had paled considerably, “I hope you’ll be a part of it as well. I think you might learn a great deal from Mr. Parker.”
Nancy opened her mouth as if to protest, but Ginger’s penetrating gaze silenced her. With a nod, Ginger walked away, leaving Nancy and me in stunned silence.
Then Nancy turned on her heel, her face a mask of indignation and barely concealed shame. She stalked off, shoulders stiff. Alex hesitated, torn between following his aunt and staying to say more to me. His eyes met mine, brimming with regret and unspoken apologies.
For a moment, I saw the boy I’d once known, vulnerable and searching for acceptance. Alex opened his mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he gave a small, defeated nod before hurrying after Nancy.
I watched them go, as the weight of Ginger’s unexpected assignment settled on my shoulders. A committee to ensure that all our students were seen and supported. Headed by me.
Wow.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. Exhaustion suddenly washed over me, the physical strain of the morning’s work mingling with the emotional whirlwind of that fight. Ineeded to get home, shower, and prepare for the carnival later this afternoon.
But Ginger’s words… I couldn’t stop thinking about her offer. This was a big deal for a little school like ours, but what an opportunity. As tired as I was, my mind was already racing, thinking about ways to educate, enlighten, and encourage the staff to see some of our students in a new light.
A chance to make a real difference to my school and my students. There was much work to be done, and I was ready to face it head-on.
Chapter Eighteen
Marc
The fairgrounds were alive with colors, laughter, and music as Mia and I walked hand in hand through the carnival entrance later than evening. Her eyes widened with wonder, taking in the twinkling lights, the towering Ferris wheel, and the mouthwatering scents of popcorn and cotton candy.
“Papi, look!” Mia pointed excitedly at a carousel, its painted horses gleaming under the string of bulbs as I was buying us tickets for the rides and games. “Can we ride it? Please, please, please?”
