“I don’t think Leo would be my ‘loves school’ son. He’s not been away from me very much. Matteo, he’d probably hit the ground running and have the entire class following his orders in a matter of days. But honestly, they’re not yet registered inschool right now, and I’m toying with the idea of continuing to try to home-school them myself as long as I can.”
“Did they go to school where you used to live?” Valerie asked.
Giada shook her head, and smiled, but that smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “No, they’ve never been to school. I know they both should have been enrolled by now, but it wasn’t really a possibility, so I do what I can to try to teach them the skills I know they should be learning in school.”
“Oh, well, sometimes things happen and make the standard expectations not quite possible.”
“To say the least,” Giada said.
Valerie thought that was all she was going to say about it, but was pleasantly surprised when Giada volunteered more information.
“We were homeless for a while, and it was really tough. I thought about putting Leo in school at the time, at least he’d have a place to be with other kids during the day, and get lunch and breakfast and snack. But weighing the risks against the positives, perhaps it was selfish of me, but I just couldn’t make myself do it. I did teach him his letters and numbers, and his colors and shapes and all. I taught him all his sight words, and he knows how to read — very well actually. He knows basic math, one and one equals two and if you have two and take away one it equals one, and the simpler concepts of math. So, I’m pretty sure he’s not behind, at least not too far. And I’ve taught him history; we watch documentaries on the History Channel here on my off days, and while they do like cartoons and kids’ movies, I try to put on the Discovery Channel and nature channels, too, to teach them science and nature things while I’m busy. But we make it a point to study a little of everything. And Matteo, he knows all the same basics as Leo. It was actually easier to teach Matteo than Leo because he wanted to do all thethings Leo was doing. I think they’d both be okay to start in their true grades based on their ages, but I really don’t know if I’m ready to enroll them or continue to do it myself.”
As Valerie started to comment, Giada surprised her yet again with her next revelation.
“It’d probably be smarter to just continue teaching them myself. Definitely safer,” she added as an afterthought, not quite realizing she was speaking that last part out loud. Her attention snapped up to Valerie standing beside her and she seemed rattled that she’d revealed so much. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have rambled on Iike that.”
“Don’t apologize, Giada. Just know that whatever you’re facing, whatever it is that makes you think keeping your babies home rather than school would make them safer… isn’t going to touch you or them. Our families are very protective of our own, and you and your boys have become part of our lives and part of our facility here. We won’t tolerate anything threatening you or them.”
Giada smiled, but it was strained. “I appreciate that. But we’re fine. I’m just so used to being all they have that I’ve become suspicious of everything.”
“I get it. But just know, you’re not alone.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Valerie.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I better get in there before Avaleigh has everything done before I can pitch in.”
Giada smiled again and nodded as Valerie left the reception area to make her way toward the cafeteria.
“Lord, please help me keep my babies safe,” she whispered, sending up a prayer to the powers that be.
In the hallway just a few feet past the reception area, Valerie paused when she heard Giada’s whispered prayer. Right then and there, she made a silent prayer to herself, that no matter what this woman was facing, she would not face it alone. Valeriewould stand with her whether she accepted Ronan or not. Any woman fighting for the safety of her children deserved to stand with support, and Valerie would be that support.
~~~
“Mr. McCullen, I have to be honest. While we’d be thrilled to have you join our program, there’s just not time to have your official transcripts and all supporting documentation transferred to us from your current university. You’re only talking about two and a half weeks before the start of the new semester, and quite honestly, you haven’t even applied to this college yet. Most all of our students are registered, classes confirmed, their finances in order, and educational materials purchased. They’re just waiting for the first day.”
“I do understand that, and I’m sorry for the lack of notice and deeply embarrassed by my lack of preparation and forethought. But it wasn’t due to a lack of planning. I simply didn’t know I’d have to be transferring home until just yesterday. An unexpected situation has arisen in our family that requires me to come home. I don’t want to alter my educational path, but I just don’t think I’ll be able to return to M.I.T. to begin the spring semester. Is there any way we can arrange things so that I can start school here in two weeks? If not, I’m afraid I’ll have to sit out this next semester and I really don’t want to do that if there’s any chance at all.”
“Mr. McCullen, are you sure you have no other choice? Quite frankly, you were given quite a substantial scholarship, at a prestigious university. Are you willing to give that up?”
“Yes, sir. I am aware of what I’ll be stepping away from. But Tulane is a prestigious university, as well. And while I know it’s too late for any financial awards for the Spring semester, asTulane was originally one of many opportunities I was offered, I’m hoping that I’ll quality for some type of financial assistance with the fall semester.”
“I have to admit, I was disappointed to lose you to another university when you first graduated high-school, but I certainly understand the allure of finally getting a chance to be out of your parents’ home and responsible for yourself as you embark on the next phase of your life. I also recognize and respect the fact that you are attempting to restructure your education in an effort to be home for your family. It is admirable to put family first at the expense of long planned pathways.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“The problem I see is multi-faceted. First, the financial aid offices are not fully functional because as I said, they are between semesters just as we are. I have no way to access your financial records, which is required for your registration here. Any scholarship funding remaining there, will not be transferred here as that was provided by the university. It’s too late to apply for assistance for the Spring semester here — it’s only two weeks until it begins. It’s also impossible to request financial aid for the Spring semester, so any accommodations we may be able to offer will have to be funded by you.”
“I understand, and that won’t be a problem.”
“Secondly, the admissions offices are operating on holiday schedules as well. Which means that we are unable to request official transcripts — which are also needed for registration.”
Ronan thought about it for a second. “I can access my own student portal and show you my grades, my attendance, everything in it. I have no problem giving you full access. I’ll give you my user code and my password so that you can access it at will. If you have that basic information, could you possibly consider admitting me on a probationary basis, confirming me as a full time student after the official transcripts are finallyreceived? I will pay any fees necessary as a late registrant for your Spring semester, purchase any books, or fees for tablets or laptops, lab fees, anything.”
“I’m not even sure I can get you a seat in the classes that you need.”
Ronan was busy tapping away on his phone as the adviser of the Biomedical Engineering department spoke, then waited for him to put down his phone and reply.
