Before I knew it, I had somersaulted backwards, and what then was really worst came next.
Finn didn’t put back the itching powder and when I ran backwards over the chair, my head hit a table coming up and a puff of white dust surrounded me.
The itching powder had gotten onto my skin, and then Keola was holding back laughter. The powder covers more exposed skin.
“Son of a…” There were little eyes on me, “biscuit eating dog.”
Finn poked his head around the corner, the guilt on his face. He knew he was going to get an earful. Not about the prank.
But about cleaning up the evidence.
My skin started to become on fire and all I wanted to do was scratch it.
I headed out the door, stumbling over my feet, Keola watching my every move. I headed towards the employee shower and bathroom. And immediately turned on the water, reaching over for the new bar of soap that was on the ledge.
There I was standing in the shower fully clothed. Frantically trying to get all the itching powder off of me.
The door creaked open and there stood Keola, holding up his hands like a doctor prepping for surgery.
He walked over to me, my eyes following his movement. He took the bar of soap out of my hands. His eyes roaming over my wet body. The clothes clinging to me, knowing it wasn’t a thought out plan.
Ill-prepared.
A small curve of his upper lip, a deep breath, released. “Need help?”
I shook my head and yet part of me wanted to say yes. “Too bad. I wouldn’t mind lending a helping hand.”
I quickly turned around, avoiding him.
Later that night, Finn learned his lesson.
There has been a sense of calm since the beginning of November and all I could think about was the other shoe dropping. Causing even more chaos itself.
Thankfully, we have our library trip after the students arrive. We try to take them to the library down the street to get the experience and any of our older students that need to do research can use the place as well. It’s something to teach them about community and resources.
Not everyone goes, but most of them do. Half my staff and volunteers come along and others stay behind.
Library days are my favorite. It was one of the few escape and safe places I had. Seeing others using it as their safe place, warms my heart.
Finn bounces towards me, “Lottie.”
“Hey kiddo.” I pack up my bag, knowing that once we get done with the library and get everyone back, him and I will be heading home.
“Can we talk later tonight?” Something is on his mind.
I jerk around from my bag that is sitting on my chair. “What’s wrong?”
He looks down at the floor, “Nothing. We can talk later.”
I won’t push him but we’ll talk later. I nod my head, acknowledging him, knowing that we’ll discuss more later. But I’d be lying if I said my interest wasn’t piqued.
The students’ voices start to echo more and more through the hallways. I can hear Layla and Cedric redirect the students between those who are staying and those who are leaving with us. There is one volunteer that is looming near the doorway. Leather cut on. Does he ever take it off?Do you want to take it off?
Cedric rushes in, breathing hard. “They’re ready, boss. Volunteers are lined up and kids are ready.”
“Alright. Let’s go. Finn, come on.” I grab my bag and usher my boy out the door.
The kids one by one rush out the door. All of them anxiously wait for whatever comes their way.
