Page 111 of When I Thug You Like That

“Hey, baby.” She crouched to hug him before taking his backpack and putting it over her shoulder.

“Hey, India,” I greeted.

“Hey,” she replied, dry as hell.

I still smiled. “He did really well with transitioning today. I didn’t get a chance to prepare him for leaving early, but once I assured him that he’d be able to take his activity home to finish and bring it back for the class to see, he was good. He’s getting a lot better at managing his emotions.”

India looked at me with a dead expression. It wasn’t the reaction I expected from a parent after hearing their child had been doing well.

Her eyes moved over my face before narrowing slightly. “Sounds like you’ve been talking to his father. That’s something he would’ve said.”

I wasn’t sure what one statement had to do with the other but smiled through it anyway.

“Well, yes. As mentioned during the tour, this is a partnership. So, whatever may be working at home, I’d like to use here when possible and vice versa. Consistency in both environments helps a great deal.”

“Yeah.” Her mouth curved slightly. “I just bet it does.”

My smile turned upside down quick, and I looked over at Ms. Woods, who looked back and forth between the both of us. Before I could decide whether her comment needed clarification, she took Jamison’s hand.

“Hopefully, he can apply those skills at his new school.”

Now that got my full attention.

“Oh.” I blinked. “I wasn’t aware that he’d be leaving us so soon.”

“Yep. As soon as I find an opening somewhere else. I don’t feel like he’s getting enough here.”

My surprise had nothing to do with the fact that India wanted to explore other schools. I was all for parents doing what they felt was right for their children. What had me a little confused was that there was nothing that indicated that Jamison wasn’t progressing. It was also the first time that I’d heard of any dissatisfaction.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” I maintained a pleasant and professional tone. “Have you been able to review the progress reports I’ve been sending through the app? If there’s anything on them that isn’t clear or something you feel we’re missing, we can absolutely discuss it.”

Her smile was immediate and fake as hell.

“It’s clear. I just think he’d be better suited elsewhere.”

I didn’t have any more professional shit to say to that because all I heard was that my teaching was ineffective.

“Understood. In the meantime, if there are any specific concerns you’d like to address while he’s with us, please let me know. I’d be happy to discuss them with you and Dad.”

Me mentioning Jay shifted something in her, and it was nothing positive.

“You ladies have a good night.” She looked down at Jamison, turning him around. “Come on, baby.”

“Bye, Ms. Jai.” He waved over his shoulder.

“See you later, Jamison.”

I watched the two leave before turning toward Ms. Woods.

“Girl, what was that all about? That was some nasty shade,” she whispered.

“Your guess is as good as mine. Let me get back to my class.”

I started to walk off without waiting for her response.

The truth was, I had an idea of what India’s problem was. I just wondered if Jay knew.

I made a detour to my office on the way back to the classroom. I needed to text Jay.