“The investigation is still going on. There’s nothing else to say. Call me when you’ve made a decision,” I say, then rush out of his office.
I damn near run out of the building to keep from breaking down in front of any of these fucking people. I fail miserably though. Tears start streaming down my face before I reach the main entrance. My legs tremble when my hand reaches for the door handle then I hunch over. An agony I can’t even describe rips through me and I buckle. I’m on my knees and sobbing uncontrollably.
The tears I’ve been holding in for the sake of my babies pour out and I can’t stop them. Even if I wanted to stop, I can’t. I’ve reached my breaking point and my heart is irrevocably shattered.
“James! James! Help me!” I hear a woman cry out frantically, then seconds later, I feel my body being lifted from the floor. Whoever tries to stand me back up but my body has lost all strength. I’m no good. “To the sofa,” the lady says, then she and, who I guess is James, practically drag me to the sofa.
She sits beside me then drapes her arm around me. Next to this complete stranger, comforted by her arm, I cry. I let it all out and just cry. I don’t know how long my tears fall but this kind stranger stays right here and just rubs the side of my arm as they do.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” she asks after I inhale and sigh loud as hell.
“No,” I admit.I’m a million miles from okay.
“Can I call somebody?” she asks.
“The person I want to call won’t answer. She can’t answer,” I sob.
“Aww, sweetie. Then just let it out,” she says warmly and I do.
My mind races and my tears spill as I try to even wrap my head around what the insurance agent is alleging. He believes my mother intentionally drove off the road that night. He thinks she upped her insurance and took her own life so me and my girls would benefit. He wants me to accept that my mother chose to leave me, that she purposely broke my heart.
I can’t.
I just can’t.
I won’t.
The vibration of my cell in my pocket is the only thing that pulls me from my much-needed emotional release. I pull it out and see it’s the girls’ school. I also see it’s four o’clock.Shit!School let out at three-thirty.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Miss Mitchell. This is Miss Brown, Romi’s teacher. School let out thirty minutes ago and both Romi and Averi are still here.”
“I know, I know. I’m so sorry. My meeting ran over but I’m on my way. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes. Are they okay?”
“They are fine. They’re both right here on their iPads working on sight words while I grade. We’ll be here when you get here.”
“Miss Brown, thank you so much. And again, I’m so sorry and I’m on my way,” I rush out apologetically.
“Okay. Call when you pull up.”
“I will,” I say, then end the call. For my babies, I will my strength back. I inhale, close my eyes, exhale, then open them. That’s when I finally see the woman who has been comforting me and just let me cry my eyes dry. She looks my age and she’s pretty. When a smile spreads across her face, I muster up one, then sincerely say the only words that come to mind, “Thank you.”
“No problem. Sis, we’re all entitled to a bad day,” she says compassionately.
“I’ve had fifty-one,” I admit sadly and she nods. “Seriously though. Thank you,” I tell her then stand.
Thankfully, my legs are steady and my energy has returned. While I appreciate her kindness, I don’t have time for any more conversation. I left my babies at school and I’m freaking the hell out. I’m all they’ve got and they depend on me; I can’t be fucking up like this and leave them stranded at school.
She reaches into her blazer pocket and pulls out a small wallet. I realize it’s a business card holder when she pulls one out. I take it and glance down.Deven Toussaint, Senior Insurance Agent.She works here.
“Maybe I can help with what has you upset. Call me once you handle your business,” she says.
“Thank you,” I utter sincerely before rushing out of the building. This time, my legs cooperate.
I manage to make it to my car. As soon as I’m inside, I log into my eClass account and message Miss Brown to let her know I’m truly on my way. Seventeen minutes later, I pull into the school and park in front of the main entrance. Then I open the app and see Miss Brown responded. She’s in the front lobby with my babies. I get out and walk to the door. As I reach up to press the buzzer, the door opens and she walks out with them. Romi rushes toward me and hugs me and Averi runs to my car. While hugging Romi, I thank Miss Brown again.
“No problem. Things happen,” she assures.
