Parenting looked so difficult sometimes. I gave Adam a small smile. “Hang in there. You’re doing better than you think.” I patted Danny’s shoulder and headed back to the line. I checked my watch again. We were out of time. I sighed. “All right, class, quiet coyotes.” Several kids held up their hands and made the shape for the quiet coyote. “Danny, your dad has a hat for you. I need to take the class to the gym for the performance, but we don’t sing first, and I would love it if you would join us once you feel comfortable.”
Danny’s head stayed pressed against Adam’s chest.
“Okay, are we ready, class?” I checked my little line. “Mason.” His brown eyes met mine, his hand up ready to tug Lydia’s hair. “Hands to our sides, please.” He slapped his hand back to his side and away from Lydia’s pony tail.
“Teacher. I don’t want to leave Danny.” Lucy’s big doe eyes looked up at me from the line. “He is sad.”
Several others joined in.
“Yeah!”
“Me too.”
I was so proud of my little class. “I appreciate your kindness, and Danny does too. We’re going to give Danny a few minutes to regulate, but hopefully, he will join us soon.” I opened the door and gave Adam a little wave, and led the way down the hallway.
I really hoped Danny felt better in time. He loved music, andthey even added a bit of Frosty because he wouldn’t stop begging the music teacher, Mrs. Jolly.
In the gym, my class sat on our section of the bleachers and waited as Jessica’s second-grade and two first-grade classes filled the space. I’d tried to implement some collab stuff with Jessica the first two years, since we both teach second grade, but everything always felt awkward and forced. We also approached class management so differently, I eventually decided it was best to just do my own thing.
I checked my watch. It would all start in a few minutes. I glanced toward the hallway we had entered from.
Nothing.
I sat in the front row of folding chairs set up for the audience, with empty chairs on either side of me. The other teachers and parents filled the space. My class searched out their parents and waved, their red Santa hats flopping with the effort. Parents stepped into the aisles to take closer pictures.
Mrs. Jolly raised her hand and pointed at the students with the bells, and tinkling filled the room as the first-grade class started sing-screaming Jingle Bells. Jessica, the other second-grade teacher and Adam’s I-don’t-even-know-what, plopped down on my right and plugged her ears without being obvious. I gave her a small wave, but she didn’t return the gesture. She raised her eyebrows and shifted away from me.
Ouch. Got it. Not feeling friendly. Maybe I should ask Adam about him and Jessica.
I checked over my shoulder for Danny and Adam.
Still nothing. I spun my ring. Come on, Danny, you’ve got this.
The next first-grade class stood and started their group of songs.
I turned to see Danny and Adam walking in from the hall. I could barely hold back my cheer of joy. Danny was wearing a Santa hat and skipping next to Adam; both of their gazes were on me.
I stood and met them partway. “Oh! Danny, I’m so happy you made it in time.” I gave his shoulders a little squeeze. “Our class isn’t complete without you.”
Danny met my eyes. His bright eyes were red as he rubbed his nose on his sleeve. Eye contact was a win, and I would take it as such. “Here, let me walk up with you to our class when this class is done with this song.” I nodded toward the stage.
After Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, I walked with Danny to the front and pointed to his spot next to Mason.
“Danny!” Several of his classmates cheered his arrival and made room for Danny to find his spot. I reminded them to be quiet. Danny sat in his spot, and I made my way back toward the audience. Adam was leaning against the wall, watching his son. I stood next to him.
“Thank you so much for your help with Danny today.” I sighed. “I was so worried I was going to have to leave him in the classroom or force him to come screaming and crying.”
Adam grunted. “Yeah, that sounds about right.” His shoulders dropped and he ran a hand down his face. He had dark bags under his eyes. I wondered if he wasn’t sleeping well.
The first grade finished their songs, and my second-grade class stood. I pointed at the two empty chairs in the front row.
“There’s an extra seat by me if you want.” I gestured.
“Sure. Thanks.”
I made my way back to my chair, and Jessica noticed Adam behind me and patted the chair I had been sitting in previously.
I stopped walking.
