Yes, the man was hot. Smoking! He was definitely the hottest guy to ever land in Moose Falls, bar none. And she was falling for him like nobody’s business.
She looked away from Xavier. This talk was going to be important to Jaylen’s future.
“Hey, kiddo. I need to talk to you about something.”
Jaylen’s brown eyes grew large in his small face. “Uh-oh. Am I in trouble? Whatever it is, I didn’t do it.” He held up his hands. “I’ve been framed.”
True had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. This kid was always two steps ahead of her.
“You didn’t do anything. This time,” she said with apointed look. She loved her brother to bits, but she wasn’t naïve. She knew he got caught up in mischief from time to time. He wasn’t an angel. “This is about school.”
Jaylen frowned. He put his computer to the side, now completely focused on their conversation. “Did I get in trouble for something?”
She reached out and gently tweaked his nose. “You’re not in any trouble. Matter of fact, Principal Dandridge reached out to me about how well you’re doing in school.”
“Yes!” Jaylen said, raising his fist in the air. “That’s what I’m talking about,” he said, moving from side to side and wiggling around in a celebratory fashion.
“She said you’re academically gifted,” True said, tears pricking her eyes. If their parents were still around, they would be so incredibly proud of their baby boy. Jaylen was such a little rock star. She bit the inside of her cheeks so she wouldn’t burst into tears.
Jaylen frowned. “What does that mean exactly?”
“It means that you’re way above your grade level, and the administration is trying to figure out ways to make sure you’re being challenged.” She looked down at him. “So we have to make some decisions.”
“We do? I’m not sure that I like the sound of this.” Jaylen was trying to play it cool, but his lip was trembling.
She placed her arm around him and pulled him close to her. “There’s no need to worry. I’ve got you. The way I see it, promoting you to another grade or two isn’t in your best interest socially.”
Jaylen vehemently shook his head. His cheeks were flushed. “Nope. I do not want to jump grades. That’s not cool. I don’t want to lose all my friends.” He held up his arms. “I’m doing good right where I am.”
She winked at him. “We’re on the same page. Also, I’mnot sending you away to a private school in Homer where we can’t see each other every day. I need to lay eyes on you and know that you’re doing all right. I’m just laying out the options in case that’s ever something you’re interested in.” True drew in a big breath. “In the end I’m always going to do right by you. And you have a voice in this. This is your life.”
“I do not, I repeat, do not want to go anywhere.” He clutched her arm and rested his head on her shoulder. “I’m happy here with you, True. Please don’t ever send me away.”
She rustled his curls. “That’s never going to happen. Are you kidding me? I’d be lost without you, like a chicken with my head cut off. You’re the peanut butter to my jelly. The ketchup to my fries.”
Jaylen began to giggle so much, he clutched his stomach. “True! You’re so funny.”
“And you are my everything,” she said, squeezing him. “I’m going to look into getting you a tutor who can work with you on more challenging topics. In addition, I’m going to request that your teachers do the same and test you at a higher level.”
Jaylen slapped his palm against his forehead and let out a groan. “So my work is going to be harder?”
“Yes,” True said with a nod. “Answer this question honestly. Has the work been too easy? Have you been trying to blend in by not being too smart?”
Jaylen’s head dipped down. True grasped his chin and drew it up so that their gazes locked. She knew the answer before he even opened his mouth. Not making eye contact was his tell.
“Sometimes,” he answered. “I just want to be like everyone else. It’s not good to stand out, and I don’t want anyone calling me a brain. Or making fun of me. It’s already weird that I don’t have parents.”
“I get it, but you do have parents. And even though they’re not physically here, we carry them around with us every single day,” True explained. All kids wanted to fit in, so she completely understood his predicament. But, at the same time, as his parental figure she wanted Jaylen to be proud of his strengths. “First of all, your true friends aren’t going to treat you poorly because you’re a brainiac.” Jaylen made a face. “Secondly, being smart is a gift, and it’s something you got from Mom and Dad.”
“I did?” he asked, his voice radiating surprise.
“You bet. They were both brilliant,” she said. “So moving forward I’m going to need you to promise me something. Okay?”
“All right.” He looked at her solemnly. “What is it?”
“Never hide yourself, Jaylen. Hold your head up high,” she said, taking his chin and lifting it a notch. “You’re the son of Lou and Jessie Everett. They would want you to fly high and soar. Okay?”
He made a thumbs-up sign. “Got it. So, do I get a prize or something?”
