Would Brett and Quinn’s relationship survive the drastic and dramatic changes taking place? Only time would tell. Morgan hoped more than anything the innocent child wouldn’t inadvertently get caught in the middle of a hostile environment.
Chapter 5
“How do I look?” Brett tugged on the collar of his crisp blue IZOD polo shirt.
“Nervous,” Morgan teased. “Like you’re going to a job interview.”
“I hope Blanchard isn’t one of those strict teachers whose teaching philosophy is my way or the highway,” her brother replied.
“I can’t be certain, but I don’t believe so. I logged onto the school’s website to check her out before I left the house this morning. She’s young.”
His eyes flickered with surprise. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Because I did.” Morgan, after the siblings were cleared by security and allowed to enter, gave her brother a gentle nudge and followed him through the double doors of the brown brick building. Despite all grades being taught on one campus and under the same roof, it was a surprisingly sprawling complex.
After a quick stop at the office to sign in, the receptionist directed them back out into the main hall.
A podium board pointed left toward the elementary grades, while to the right were grades 7 through 12.
“How many kids attend school here?”
“Forty five,” Morgan said.
“Sounds about right. There were only a couple of kids in my graduating class.”
“That would have made field trips fun.”
“Heck yeah. We took the ferry to the mainland, weather permitting and if the ferry was running. We got to go bowling and to the arcade. It was a blast.”
“I can’t imagine knowing all my classmates.”
“From the oldest to the youngest,” Brett said. “It had advantages and disadvantages. We’re here.” He stopped in front of the 5th/ 6thgrade classroom door. A photo of a young teacher was above the placard, smiling but with a no-nonsense look on her face.
“That’s Ms. Blanchard.”
“She’s younger than I envisioned.” Brett cleared his throat and held the door for his sister.
Stepping inside was like being transported back in time to when Morgan was in grade school. It looked like your average classroom, although slightly dated. A large green chalkboard covered an entire wall, while a wall of windows overlooked the snowy landscape. The aroma of disinfectant, mingled with the musty smell of books lingered in the air.
Ms. Blanchard sat at the desk, watching as they crossed the room. She shoved her chair back and stood, with a cautious smile on her face. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” Brett held out his hand. “Ms. Blanchard?”
“Yes. You must be Mr. Easton.”
“I am. This is my sister, Morgan. I asked her to come with me to meet you.”
The women shook hands. “Please have a seat.”
“Thank you.” Morgan perched on the edge of her chair while Brett took the one to her left, sitting ramrod straight and appearing slightly uncomfortable.
The teacher shuffled through a small stack of papers on her desk. “You’ve enrolled Tristan Blakeley in my fifth-grade class.”
“I have,” Brett confirmed.
“Along with Jeff Blakely. I met him the other day when he brought Tristan in. I understand you’re his current guardian, along with Mr. Blakely, who is…”
“Tristan’s uncle.”
