Eden sighed. “Not great. I’ve looked at a couple of houses, but they’re so expensive. I might have to stay with John and Shelley for a while longer.”
“Don’t stress about it,” Steve said. “The right place will come along. In the meantime, you have a safe place to stay.”
“I know,” Eden replied, her voice tinged with frustration. “I just don’t want to overstay my welcome, especially with the baby coming. They’ve been so kind, but I feel like I need to find my own place.”
As they continued their walk, their conversation flowed easily. They had more in common with each other than Steve had thought. They shared the same sense of humor and liked similar things. He never thought he’d find someone who understood who he was and what he wanted out of life. Someone who needed him as much as he needed her.
And then he’d met Eden, and everything was beginning to change.
Chapter10
Eden stood outside Sapphire Bay’s only elementary school, taking in the colorful murals painted on the walls and the sound of children laughing on the playground.
The principal had been welcoming and enthusiastic about her offer to volunteer. She’d introduced her to Diana Preston, a woman about the same age as Eden, with a warm smile and an infectious passion for teaching.
Diana led Eden down the hallway, past rows of brightly decorated classrooms. “I’m so glad you’re here, Eden,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I could use an extra pair of hands, especially in the afternoons when the children get a little restless. I love teaching the kindergarten students, but you need a dozen pair of eyes to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to be working on.”
Eden smiled, feeling a mixture of nerves and anticipation. “I’m happy to do whatever makes your job easier. It feels good to be back in a school environment.” She wouldn’t be working with any children today, but she would be discussing with Diana how she could help.
They entered Diana’s classroom, a vibrant space filled with posters, students’ artwork, and an impressive array of books. Diana gestured for Eden to sit at a small round table. “I thought we could chat in here. The children have just left, so it’s a little quieter now.”
Eden nodded, taking a seat. “This is a wonderful classroom. You’ve created an inviting space for your students.”
Diana beamed. “Thank you. I try to make it a place where they feel safe and inspired. So, tell me, what brought you to Sapphire Bay?”
Eden hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. “I used to be a teacher in Boston. I loved my job, but last year there was a shooting at my school. One of my students brought a gun into my classroom and shot two children. One of the students died and, after that, I couldn’t go back to the school.”
Diana’s eyes widened with empathy. “Oh, Eden, I’m so sorry. That must have been incredibly traumatic.”
Eden nodded, feeling the familiar weight of the memories. “It was. I couldn’t sleep or eat for months. I tried therapy, but nothing seemed to help. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Shelley and I have been friends for a while, and she suggested I come here and join her husband’s support group. It’s been great, but I still have a lot of things to work through.”
Diana reached across the table and squeezed Eden’s hand. “You’re brave for sharing that and for wanting to help me.”
Eden offered a small smile, feeling a bit of the tension ease. “I love teaching. At the moment, I’m working in The Welcome Center for twenty hours a week. I’m hoping that volunteering at the school will help me as much as it helps you and your students.”
Diana nodded. “I have a few ideas that might work. We have a reading program in the afternoons. A couple of children could use some one-on-one attention. And there’s a math group that always needs extra support. How do those sound?”
“They both sound perfect,” Eden replied, her heart lifting with hope.
“Great,” Diana said with a smile. “We’ll take it one step at a time. The school will have to do some background checks, but when would you like to start?”
“As soon as everything’s ready,” Eden replied. “Thanks for giving me this opportunity.”
Diana shook her head. “No, thankyou. It’s so busy that I’m thrilled you’ll be here. If anything happens because of your PTSD, and you need a few minutes to yourself, just let me know. I’ll be in the classroom with you.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.” As they walked down the corridor to the main reception area, Eden was excited. It was a small step, but it was a step forward. And for the first time, she felt like she was moving in the right direction.
Steve lookedat his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the collar of his shirt for the third time. Taking a deep breath, he tried to quell the anxiety bubbling in his chest.
It was his dad’s birthday, and he’d arrived in Sapphire Bay a few hours earlier to have dinner with Steve. After months of phone silence and turning down the invitation to come here for Steve’s birthday, his visit didn’t make sense.
Since Steve’s mom had died, their relationship had gone from bad to worse. She was the moderator who tried to make them see each other’s point of view. Sometimes it worked but often it didn’t.
Steve was sad she wasn’t here tonight. Even though things weren’t great between him and his dad, she would have loved being here, spending time together.
For her sake, he’d try his best to make his dad’s birthday enjoyable. When his dad called him, they’d decided to have dinner at Steve’s house, then visit the old steamboat museum to see his workshop.
Steve glanced at the gift-wrapped bowl on his bed, a gift he hoped would bridge some of the tension between them.
