Page 141 of Enzo

Mama was being driven out of her home.

It all lands like a punch to the gut.

And Molly’s life has been exposed.

She left here smiling. She had no idea. And she was heading straight to school.

Straight into the lion’s den.

Chapter 38

MOLLY

I wipe away my tears and blink a few times, then I look in the rearview mirror at my reflection.

My eyes aren’t red. I smile, but don’t feel it. I force myself to make a wider smile, but I close my eyes and sink back in the driver’s seat and stay there a bit longer. My insides are hollow and I’m left feeling numb all over.

I’m not ready to go back into my apartment.

The entire way back my mind flip-flopped between two thoughts: How would the children react when another teacher walked in?

And how do I face Enzo? What do I tell him?

I sit inside my car for the longest time replaying the conversation with Miss T. She cares for me. She really does.

I could see it in her face. Hear it in her voice. This hurt her too. But she has an entire school to protect, and she can't treat me differently just because she cares about me. I understand that, and it doesn't make me love her any less.

I’ve lost everything. The life I tried to create for myself. The safe haven. My happy place. It will soon be gone. And not through any fault of my own.

The thought is enough for me to leave the car. This morning I couldn’t wait to get back home, to Enzo, and now, I’m afraid to face him.

Not afraid in the way I was of my father. The key turning in the front door signaling that he was home. Or knowing from the way he shut the door, what sort of evening mom and I would have.

I’m afraid to face Enzo because I’m ashamed.

How do I tell him that I’ve been placed on administrative leave?

But I’d better get it over and done with. I don’t know how he’ll react, and maybe that’s what I’m afraid of the most.

I find the courage to leave the safety of my car and head towards my apartment. I shuffle my feet on the doormat outside, put the key in the lock and open the door. Only to walk in just as Enzo springs to his feet.

He looks nothing like the relaxed man I left in bed this morning.

He knows.

I set my bag down, heart sinking further into my belly, but as I turn to look up at him, he’s by my side. His arms wrapping around me. Making me feel safe and protected.

I sink into him.

He kisses the top of my head and strokes my hair. His other hand is firmly around my waist. I can’t bear to look at him. I don’t want him to see how broken I am inside.

“I know about your father.” His voice is soft, just like his expression. There’s no judgement. No anger. No accusation. “I’m sorry.” He presses another kiss on my head. “Know that I’m here for you.”

Everything I’ve been holding back, or trying to, now comes flooding out. Tears cascade down my cheeks as I sob into his chest, letting his arms bracket me.

He lets me fall apart in the safety of his embrace. I try to tell him what happened at school, but the words come out between sobs, barely making sense. He smooths his hand over my hair, holds me closer, and waits.

I sob, unable to stop, and the whole time Enzo is patient and comforting. When I finally calm down enough to breathe, and stay silent, I lift my head and see the big white wet patch I’ve left on his shirt.