“I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Hold on…” she mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. After a moment, her face brightened. “I have an idea! Let me call my cousin.” She pulled out her phone. “Hey, Lisa!” Gabriella greeted cheerfully. “Quick question: Do you know of any full-day summer programs for ten-year-old kids around here?”
I held up a finger to stop her because I’d already been down that road.
“Actually, yeah,” Ana replied loud enough for me to hear the full conversation. “There’s a recreation center on the rich side of town that has a great program. It’s expensive, though.”
“Really? That’s fantastic! Thanks, Ana!” Gabriella beamed before ending the call.
“What do you think?”
“I’d already looked around—how did I miss that one?”
“I’m guessing you only looked for activities, not all-day stuff.”
She had a point.
“But do you want him with the rich kids? Probably Mrs. Maine’s grandkids. Ulk!”
“You have taken Mrs. Maine too far. Anyway, Elijah’s parents are from the suburbs,” I mused. “He’ll be fine there. We just need to figure out the logistics.”
“Let’s do it,” Gabriella said firmly, her eyes shining with determination. “For Elijah.”
After getting details about the program via the internet, I texted Terri.Would you be able to cover the cost of a summer program for Elijah’s summer day camp here?I sent a link to the program that showed the weekly cost and enrollment fee.
I hit send and waited for her response, my stomach twisting with its own brand of anxiety.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed with a reply from Terri.I can cover it, but I am sure he will want to stay longer if he makes friends.
That’s fine. Thanks. Let your dad know.I sighed in relief. I was sure this was what my daughter wanted all along. For EJ’s sake, I was on her side.
As we sat down to breakfast, I decided to broach the topic with Elijah. “Hey, buddy,” I began, trying to sound casual, “how would you feel about staying here in Robin Creek and going to a summer program?”
His eyes lit up like fireworks. “Really, Grandma? I can staywith you all summer?” He beamed, his excitement contagious.
“Absolutely,” I said, grinning at him. “Your mom agreed to pay for the day-camp program as long as you stay the whole summer. Are you up for it?”
“Thank you, Grandma! Thank you!” He hugged me tightly, his happiness pulsing through the embrace.
“Looks like we make a pretty good team, huh?” Gabriella chimed in, her smile matching Elijah’s enthusiasm.
“Definitely,” I agreed, tousling Elijah’s hair affectionately. “Now, young man, it’s your turn to do the dishes after we eat.”
Elijah groaned for good measure, but the smile on his face said he’d wash dishes every day if it meant he could stay with us.
So much for putting myself first. And I was glad about it.
Chapter 13
I led an excited Elijah into the recreation center, his feet skipping with glee from the car to the front door. The children’s reception area was a hub of activity, with vibrant murals of sports icons. Colorful chairs and a fish tank completed the ambience, promising all who entered that this place would be fun.
Really, the whole scene stoked nostalgia for my teaching days and how the first day of school had brought a renewed sense of hope to children, parents, and teachers.
The staff greeted us with warm smiles and friendly hellos, immediately putting me at ease about my decision to enroll him in their youth day camp.
“Okay, Elijah, you go have breakfast with your new friends.” I gave him a gentle nudge toward the bustling cafeteria. “I’ll take care of all the paperwork and catch up with you later.”
“Thanks, Grandma!” he called over his shoulder before disappearing into a crowd of children.
