"Dr. Honors! How does it feel having your secret exposed?"
"Is Easton planning to file for custody?"
"Have you asked him for child support?"
I kept walking, head down, ignoring them. The school's front door had never seemed so far away.
Inside, the hallways were crowded with parents who would normally never show up for pickup. Emma's mom stood near the office, whispering to two other women. They went silent when they saw me.
I headed to Casey's classroom, my face hot with humiliation.
Ms. Hayes intercepted me at the door. "Dr. Honors, can we talk?"
My heart sank. "Is Casey okay?"
"She's fine. But we need to discuss the situation." Ms. Hayes led me a few feet down the hall, lowering her voice. "There were photographers outside the school this morning. Principal Davis has already called the police to have them removed from school property, but they're camping out across the street."
"I know. I saw them."
"Several parents have expressed concern." Ms. Hayes’ expression was sympathetic but firm. "They're worried about their own children being photographed. About the disruption. One parent even threatened to pull her child from class if 'the circus continues.'"
Shame burned through me. "I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to affect the school."
"I know you didn't. But Dr. Honors…" She hesitated. "Principal Davis wants to meet with you tomorrow to discuss options. For Casey's safety and the school's security."
Options.
That meant they were considering asking Casey to leave.
"She loves this school," I said, hating how my voice shook. "Her friends are here. Her teacher. This is her safe place."
"I understand. And we're not deciding today. But the situation needs to be addressed." Ms. Hayes squeezed my arm. "For what it's worth, Casey's been very brave today. Some children asked her questions, and she handled it beautifully."
When she led me into the classroom, Casey was sitting at her desk, head down, working on a drawing. She looked up when she heard my voice, and the relief on her face broke my heart.
"Mom!" She gathered her backpack and ran to me.
"Hey, sweetheart. Ready to go home?"
She nodded, but her hand gripped mine tighter than usual as we walked down the hallway. Past the whispering parents. Past Emma's mom, who had the grace to look away. Past the office where Principal Davis stood watching us leave.
Outside, the man with the camera was waiting.
"Casey! Look over here!"
"How does it feel to finally meet your dad?"
"Are you happy your mom told the truth?"
I pulled Casey closer, using my body to shield her from the cameras. She buried her face in my side, her small body trembling.
"Leave her alone!" I snapped, unable to help myself. "She's six years old!"
The camera kept clicking.
We made it to the car. I buckled Casey in, my hands shaking with rage and helplessness.
"Are they going to be there tomorrow?" Casey asked in a small voice.
