Her smile wavers. “People have no clue who I am, and I’d like to keep it that way. I can offer her a safe place. My concern is getting her to and from school. I don’t want people following us. When news broke yesterday, we were able to get in touch with Principal McAllister. We actually met him at his house this morning and then drove with him.”
Hearing that Principal McAllister helped them this morning makes me smile. That man has always been reasonable and, no matter what, puts the kids first. I wish there were more people like him in this community.
“He suggested getting doughnuts, but Cailin was raised with pretty clean eating, and Adam wouldn’t want her having all that sugar before school, so I suggested the bagels instead.”
Cailin holds up her bagel in celebration, brightening up the situation. I love the way she doesn’t care about everyone trying to get pictures or info on her. She’s as happy as can be with her bagel and cream cheese.
Linda looks around at the kids who have started to enter the school. “The problem is, he can’t do that every day because he said he often has meetings off-site before school. I’m just not sure what the answer is. We don’t want her treated differently than the other students. If there’s a mob of cameramen posted out front, I’m sure other parents will start to complain.”
Linda is a few inches shorter, so I lean down, making sure she hears me and knows I’m here to help. “So, we make sure they don’t get any pictures. After a few days of nothing, they’ll give up.”
She sighs. From the bags under her eyes, this must’ve kept her up all night.
I try to put her at ease. “Why don’t you bring her to my house tomorrow morning? My parking space is the first one right outside. The cameramen have to stay across the street, and from that angle, that big oak tree blocks their view.” I point to the tree and then to where my car is.
“Oh, I’d feel bad, asking that of you.” She purses her lips and shakes her head.
“Honestly, it’s no trouble at all. I’m happy to help.”
The interest in me was very short-lived. Thanks to somehelpfulpeople in our community, the idea of me being Adam’s love interest was shot down pretty quickly. Now, it’s all over the internet that I’mjusther teacher. I know the truth shouldn’t hurt, but the sting of it did a little.
Now, I’m happy about it. I can come and go without people questioning me. With my tinted back windows and Cailin’s small frame, I can have her duck the few seconds we’re in front of the school, and they won’t know the difference.
“Well, um, I just …”
I softly place my hand on her arm. “Honestly, I’m happy to help. Let me give you my address. She can come home with me after school.”
She nods hesitantly but follows me back to my desk. This might not be the best solution, but it will work until we figure something else out.
When the bell rings and the kids line up for class, I notice a few standing next to Cailin, so I approach with caution, making sure everything is okay.
“Is your dad really a famous rock star?” Mason, a boy in my class, asks.
Cailin smiles with pride. “Yes, that’s my daddy.”
“Have you been onstage with him during a concert?” Mason’s excitement is barely contained. “My parents would never take me because they say there’s too much alcohol at those types of events.”
“Not onstage, but I’ve been to his shows,” she says as her eyes meet mine.
I can tell she’s questioning if she should be talking about it. I smile, encouraging her to be proud of who he is.
Ashley walks up with her hand on her hip, obviously following a movement she’s seen her mom do a thousand times, as she says snidely, “My mom says kids should be going to Disneyland, not vulgar rock concerts.”
“Then, obviously, your mom hasn’t been to a good rock concert. I’ve been to both, many times, and I like them equally,” Cailin says flawlessly.
“Well, my mom said your dad is an awful human being, and she feels sorry for you.”
Ashley turns to leave, and I instantly step in.
“Okay, everyone, let’s get inside.” I wrap my arm around Cailin, making sure she’s not taking what was just said to heart.
Her smile greets my gaze, but I can tell it’s not genuine when her eyes don’t sparkle the way they normally do. I don’t want to make a big deal of it or treat her any different than the other students, so I give her a quick hug as we enter the class, and she runs to her desk.
After school, we walk together to my car, and I help her get secured in the booster seat Linda left for me. Before I shut the door, I look her in the eye and can tell something’s wrong, so I kneel down, seeing if she wants to talk.
“Can I ask you a question, Miss Russo?”
“Of course, sweetheart.” I rub my hand over her tiny jean-covered knee.
