“Everything is set and we’re ready,” Vanessa added as she tucked her phone into her bag.
“Okay, let's do this.” I smiled and laced my hand through Adelaide’s.
We pulled up outside the House of Lords. The weathered stone shone as the early May sun peeked through the clouds. Paparazzi lined the walkway and their cameras began to flash as we exited the car. I intertwined my fingers with Adelaide's and tried to shield her from the camera flashes as much as I could.
Entering the building, we followed a side corridor to a small room at the back of the Council’s chambers, where we would be joined by the people Adelaide had asked to testify today.
Adelaide and I both stopped short when we found Knox and Birdie waiting in the room.
“Oh, hi!” Adelaide greeted, as surprised as I was to see them. “What are you doing here?”
Birdie rose as Knox strode toward us, clasping me in a hug. “We’re family, Adelaide. We’re here to support you! We know how important today is for you.”
Adelaide hugged Birdie, murmuring her thanks.
A few moments later, a knock on the door preceded Veronica and Skylar escorting a small group inside. Tadashi and his mum were at the front, the pride evident on Ms. Hayakawa’s face.
A little girl with long black braids who I guessed to be about six years old darted to Adelaide and wrapped herself around her waist.
“Ms. Levy!” the little girl exclaimed. “I’ve missed you so much!”
Adelaide squatted down so she was eye-to-eye with the child. “I’ve missed you too, Sienna! How has school been?”
“It’s fun. I can read whole books now! But Mrs. Dowdy doesn’t sing the days of the week like you do.” Sienna stuck her bottom lip out, her hands perched on her hips.
Adelaide’s mouth twisted as she suppressed a smile. “Well, that’s a bummer. But you know what? I bet Mrs. Dowdy does some fun things that I didn’t do, right?”
I watched as the girl sifted through her thoughts about her new teacher.
“Shedoeswear some fun outfits, and she always has snacks in her desk if we’re hungry. And sometimes at break time she will play four square with us!”
Adelaide smiled warmly, squeezing Sienna’s small hands. “See? That sounds like a lot of fun. Speaking of snacks, would you and your family like to get some refreshments?”
“Yes, please!” Sienna answered enthusiastically.
I loved watching Adelaide with her former students. I didn’t get to witness this side of her often enough, but she was so attentive during her conversations with them, making them feel special in a way that adults often forgot to do with small children.
As everyone helped themselves to tea, coffee, and pastries, I made my way around the room, introducing myself. I made sure to remember each person’s name and asked Skylar to get their contact information from Vanessa so we could send thank-you baskets for giving us their time today.
I observed as Adelaide stood in the corner talking to Dash and his mother. I didn’t miss the way that Adelaide held her hand over her lower stomach and fidgeted with her jacket sleeves, pushing them up like she was hot.
Glancing at my watch, I noted that we had about fifteen minutes before we would make our way to the Council’s chambers.
I sidled up to Adelaide, placing a hand on her lower back. “Everything all right?” I asked quietly.
“Yeah.” She cleared her throat. “I think the nerves are justgetting to me. And so many people in this room has made it a bit stuffy, don’t you think?”
“I agree. Do you want to step out into the hallway and get some air?”
She met my gaze and smiled. “You’re amazing, you know that? But it’s just nerves. I’ll be okay.”
I placed a quick kiss on her temple and went to grab myself a cup of tea.
We entered the Council chambers, and I escorted Adelaide to the front row of the viewing gallery. I kissed her on the cheek and made sure she was settled before exiting the room again. By tradition, the Council members would file in, standing by their seats until I entered and took my own place at the front of the chamber next to the head councilwoman. I noted a handful of journalists in the press gallery, though the bulk of the media were required to remain outside.
A few minutes later, the Council entered and I followed, taking stock of the two rows of Council members flanking me before nodding and taking my seat. The Council members followed suit, and for a moment the chamber was filled with the rustling of papers as the members arranged their notes in front of them.
Head Councilwoman Banks spoke, bringing the room to silence again. “Members of the Council of Lords, thank you for being here today. Today’s agenda includes a vote on the marriage law, which has been previously discussed. Prior to that, we will be hearing from Ms. Adelaide Levy regarding the free meal programs in our public schools. Before Ms. Levy takes the floor, are there any additional agenda items to add to thedocket?”
