“These are our friends,” Michaela announces before David can respond. “That’s Uncle Caleb and his girlfriend Serena, and that’s Uncle Bennett and Layla—they’re engaged—and that lady who’s kind of hanging behind and looking like she doesn’tbelong is Jenna, she works with Bennett, and that guy hovering near her is Uncle Dominic, nobody likes him?—”
“Hey!”
“—that’s because we love him?—”
“Better.”
“—and you already met Uncle Logan. And that’s Audrey, his lady friend. They fixed their communication problems.”
Principal Harrison’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “It’s lovely to meet all of you. Michaela has told me she has an ‘extended family’. It’s wonderful to see such a strong support system—especially with...” She trails off, glancing at David meaningfully.
“We’re doing well,” David says quietly. “Thanks to you. The way you’ve handled everything—I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“It’s my job to keep these kids safe.” Her voice softens. “But I’m glad Michaela has so many people looking out for her. I’ve heard so much about all of you. Michaela is quite the talker.”
“Only good things, I hope,” Layla interjects, breaking the tension. “About this extended family, I mean.”
“Mostly. Although I did hear an interesting story about someone named Dominic and a karaoke incident involving?—”
“And that’s enough of that,” Dominic interrupts, shooting Michaela a betrayed look. “What happened to attorney-client privilege?”
“You’re not my attorney. Uncle Caleb is.”
“I didn’t agree to that.”
“You don’t have to agree. I gave you a dollar. Money exchanged hands. It’s binding.”
Caleb’s mouth falls open and Dominic grumbles something about him being the client, not the attorney, since he doesn’t even have the qualifications.
Principal Harrison laughs—a warm, genuine sound—and I watch David watching her, his expression somewhere between terrified and transfixed.
“Well, regardless of who’s attorney to who,” David starts, finally finding his voice, “I think I can safely say we’ve all enjoyed the showcase this evening. Thank you for putting it on. Michaela’s been talking about it for weeks.”
“She’s a remarkable student. One of the most intellectually curious children I’ve had the pleasure of working with.” Principal Harrison smiles at Michaela. “Although she does have a tendency to raise objections during class discussions.”
“Objections are important,” Michaela says solemnly. “Uncle Caleb says so.”
“In court, yes. In second-grade literature circles, perhaps less essential.”
“Literature has interpretations. Interpretations can be challenged.”
David sighs. “We’re working on knowing when to pick our battles.”
“Aren’t we all.” Principal Harrison’s eyes meet David’s and hold.
Michaela catches my eye and gives me a look that says, very clearly:See? Stars.
“I…I should go check on the other presentations,” Principal Harrison says, composing herself. “But it was wonderful to meet all of you. Michaela, excellent work tonight—I’ll be recommending your project for the Lower School showcase at the spring assembly. And Mr. Kingsley—” She pauses, something flickering in her expression. “Perhaps we could schedule a meeting to discuss Michaela’s placement in the accelerated program? I have some thoughts I’d like to share.”
“Of course,” David manages. “I’ll call your office.”
“I look forward to it.” She walks away, and the entire group turns to stare at David.
“What?” he asks defensively.
“Nothing,” Caleb says, grinning. “Nothing at all.”
“I look forward to it,” Dominic mimics in a dreamy voice. “Oh, Principal Harrison, I’ll call your office?—”
