I ask the volunteers not to talk to the students since they’re supposed to be quietly working, but no matter how much I stress this rule, they always engage the kids.
As Cailin cuts out shapes, she starts to sing, “Somebody once told me the world was macaroni, so I took a bite of the cheese.”
“What’s the song you’re singing?” I hear Alicia, Brandon’s mom, ask.
“It’sAll Star. It’s from the movieShrek.”
Cailin repeats the lyrics, and Alicia laughs.
“Sweetheart, those aren’t the words to the song.”
“I know! My daddy and I like to make up silly lyrics. I think that one’s my favorite.”
“Cailin,” I announce from across the classroom. “Please, no more singing.”
“Yes, Miss Russo. Sorry,” she responds, turning her head back down and focusing on her project.
When the last bell rings, I have the kids line up outside the door, waiting to be excused until I see their parents. When I notice Linda, I ask her to step inside briefly.
After setting Cailin up to play on the carpet, I turn to Linda.
“Is everything okay with Cailin?” she asks before I can say anything, worry evident in her tone and expression.
“Oh, yes. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to concern you. I just wanted to mention her singing. I’ve asked her to stop multiple times, but it’s becoming a bit of a problem. I was hoping you could reiterate at home that there’s a time and a place for everything, including singing.”
I’ve had parents act surprised, like they think there’s no way their children could do what I’m saying, and I’ve had parents look ashamed at their child’s actions, but I’ve never had someone laugh like Linda does.
She holds up her hand, trying to hide her reaction. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. I know it’s not funny. It’s just …” She pauses, taking in a breath. “She wants to be like her dad; that’s all. It’s pretty cute.”
“Does he like to sing, too?” I ask, curious why this is funny to her.
Linda bites her lower lip, obviously thinking about what to say next. “I guess, as her teacher, it’s okay for you to find out early. He’ll be home in a few weeks, and when the news does break, we might need your help, but please, keep this to yourself. I would assume there is some kind of oath to keep the privacy of your students between you and the family, correct?”
I smile in reassurance. “Of course. I keep everything private. Is there something I should be concerned about?”
“Oh no, dear. It’s nothing like that. Cailin has spoken very highly of you. I know as soon as he’s back in town, he’ll stop in to meet you, so that’s why I think it’s okay to tell you now.”
I nod my head, letting her know she can continue even though I’m really not following.
“Her father is Adam Jacobson.” She stares at me, waiting to see if what she just said means anything to me.
My eyes narrow in disbelief. “You mean …”
She inhales as she nods. “Yes, the lead singer of Devil’s Breed.”
“Um …” My mind goes blank while my heart starts to pound.
Adam Jacobson is a media gold mine—or nightmare, depending on how you look at it. As the lead singer of the hottest rock band alive, he’s all over the news for his wild antics during shows, setting things on fire and mosh pits so big that smaller venues can’t hold their concerts anymore.
I’ve followed them since the start of their career, and never once have I heard about him having a daughter.
We live in a small Christian town of only seventeen thousand people. Everyone knows everyone, and if someone, God forbid, bounces a check at the local grocery store, it’s town news for weeks.
How does a mega rock star live here and no one knows about it?
I look toward my bulletin board where every kid’s name is spelled out, and I notice something. “But her last name is Tyler?” I ask, still a little confused. Then, it clicks—Linda’s last name. “Isn’t your last name—”
“Jacobson.” She nods. “But he’s not my son.” She wrings her fingers together with a concerned expression gracing her face. “It’s not my story to tell. Adam Jacobson is his stage name. His real name is Adam Tyler. He’s worked really hard to keep her a secret from the media. We knew enrolling her in school would change that, but he wants her to have a normal life, and missing kindergarten wasn’t an option. We haven’t said anything yet because he wanted her to be known as just Cailin and not his daughter for as long as possible. Especially since he’s on tour and not here to help guide her through any media issues. Or, as Adam says, ‘haters,’ when people find out.”
