Chapter Twelve #2
Getting her keys and coat, Cora locked up the house before going to her van.
She drove the five minutes to Livingston Academy, parking in her usual spot.
While the parents of students didn’t have designated spots, it always seemed like they parked by habit in the same places.
Heading into the school, Cora checked her phone just to be sure Henry hadn’t called.
There were no texts or phone calls, she noted in relief.
“Hey, where is the baby?” asked Kelly as she came forward to greet Cora. She had Jackson in a baby sling.
“I left Adam with Henry,” responded Cora. She tried to downplay her anxiety of leaving the baby and Henry together. Really, she was only five minutes away. Nothing should go wrong in that little amount of time. “Henry volunteered so I decided to take advantage of the offer.”
Kelly laughed as she and Cora joined numerous other parents in the foyer, waiting for their children. “Probably a good idea. Sometimes new moms need a little alone time. This is the first time I’m picking up the kids since I had Jackson. I’m happy to get out of the house.”
Cora had a smile as the bell rang, signaling the end of classes.
“Cora! What a delight to see you,” enthused Susan Hythe as she approached.
She deliberately ignored Kelly. “I hope to count on you for helping with the year end activities. The PTA meeting is at the end of the month and since you haven’t done any other activities this year, your presence is mandatory.
It’s fun how Livingston Academy makes certain the parents volunteer, isn’t it?
Plus, your Nick is having a birthday soon. I trust Phillip will be invited?”
“I haven’t spoken to Nick about what he would like to do.
I will have to ask him and get back to you,” Cora politely evaded Susan’s questions.
Somehow, the woman always set her teeth on edge.
However, Susan was right. Cora hadn’t been to any of the parent functions and the year was getting shorter.
Parents had a mandatory amount of hours they needed to volunteer at the school, otherwise their children could face possible disenrollment the next year.
Cora decided to change the subject before Susan could pry as to why Cora hadn’t volunteered yet.
“Have you met Kelly? She’s married to Nate’s cousin Dillon. ”
“Oh, Kelly! I didn’t see you standing there,” honey dripped from Susan’s voice even as her smile became a little fixed. She turned her attention back to Cora. “I hear your brother-in-law Henry is living with you. Isn’t that a little awkward?”
“Not at all,” slowly responded Cora, uncertain of why Susan was broaching the subject. “We are old friends and are helping each other out.”
“Susan, isn’t that really none of your business?” questioned Kelly pertly as she patted Jackson on the back.
“It was just a simple question Kelly. Why, you make it seem like I’m adding to the gossip about Cora and Henry,” mused Susan as she blinked in fake innocence. “I’m not the type to spread rumors around about Cora moving on with her brother-in-law when her husband is barely cold in the ground.”
Cora stared at Susan, shocked at what she had just said.
“Susan!” hissed Kelly. “That is entirely inappropriate.”
Susan shrugged unrepentantly. “It’s just a rumor. Besides, they’re ‘old friends’. Maybe Cora was moving on before Nate was even dead.”
Kelly took a step forward between Cora and Susan. “Go away.”
“Oh look! There’s Phillip. If you will excuse me, ladies,” said Susan as she ignored Kelly, waving and moving forward to greet her own son.
“Mom?”
Cora looked in horror to see Nick and Oliver standing beside her. Oliver’s nose wrinkled as he thought over what he had heard. “What did Mrs. Hayes mean when she said you were moving on before dad was even dead?”
Cora found she couldn’t speak. She wanted to, but she really didn’t have any words. Her lips moved but no sound came out.
“Mrs. Hayes is a mean and spiteful woman who doesn’t tell the truth. Don’t pay her any attention,” firmly stated Kelly. “She once almost got Bentley in trouble for things he didn’t do. He could have gotten kicked out of school or even worse because she lied.”
“It’s true,” confirmed Bentley as he and Avery joined the group. “Mrs. Hayes can’t be trusted at all.”
Cora swallowed painfully. Even though it was a lie, Susan was no doubt spreading the rumor all over the school. The other parents would be talking. Plus, what would the kids say to Nick and Oliver?
Anxiety churned in her stomach. Her inward thoughts were interrupted as Oliver gave her a hug.
“It’s okay mom,” he murmured against her, sensing she was stressed. Cora returned the hug, grateful for him.
“Mom!” Caiden came up to the group in a rush with his friend Cece in tow. “We have a question.”
Technically only Bentley and Jackson were Kelly’s sons. Caiden and Avery were her stepsons but they called her mom and Bently called Dillon dad.
“Could I come over for Easter weekend?” asked Cece.
“You know you are allowed to come over whenever you want, but don’t your parents want to spend time with you over the holiday?” frowned Kelly.
“Dad will be working. He always works and Mom has some charity thing,” Cece rushed to say. “Please can I come? You would be saving me from having to go to the charity event and wear heels and a dress. Pretty please? I can help in the kitchen.”
“It’s only one more person,” added Caiden. “I can help with dishes and stuff too.”
Kelly shrugged. “Okay, as long as your parents are good with it.”
“Yes!” grinned Cece. She gave Caiden a high five. “I better get going. The housekeeper is here to pick me up.”
Kelly gave Caiden the keys and the boys hurried out to the vehicle to wait for her as she and Cora walked along. Oliver and Nick joined Kelly’s kids, chatting while they waited for them.
“I worry about Cece a little,” admitted Kelly. “I haven’t met her parents yet and she’s constantly at our house. Not once has Caiden gone to her place.”
“Maybe she just likes your family. She’s an only child, right?” asked Cora. “I remember always wanting to go to my friends' houses to play with their brothers and sisters as well. My house was boring compared because it was just me and my parents.”
“Maybe that’s it,” shrugged Kelly. “Can I come by later? I can check on Henry while I’m there.”
Kelly was a nurse and often was available to help with family health issues.
“Henry seems to be doing okay with his appointments, but if you could give me your opinion and how I can better help him, I would appreciate it,” confessed Cora.
“We can text each other to set up a time,” agreed Kelly. She looked at Cora in concern. “And don’t mind what Susan said. Everyone at Livingston Academy knows she’s a grasping harpy. No one is going to believe her.”
Cora had an uncomfortable nod. In the distance she could see Susan chatting with a group of other women. The entire group looked Cora’s way and she had the sinking feeling Susan was helping the gossip make the rounds.
Collecting Oliver and Nick, they drove home with Oliver chatting blithely about his day as Nick stayed silent, looking out the window. At the house, Nick went straight upstairs.
“What’s up with him?” asked a curious Henry from the sofa as Oliver petted Daisy.
“I’m going to take Daisy for a quick walk,” said Oliver as he found Daisy’s leash.
“Don’t be too long. Dinner will be ready soon,” replied Cora as she checked on Adam who was still sleeping peacefully.
Henry sat up and yawned as Oliver took Daisy outside. “See, everything was fine. You were even gone longer than the normal ten minutes and we both survived.”
Everything was not fine, reflected Cora. There may have been some small truth to what Susan Hythe had said. While they weren’t in a relationship, Cora was moving on from Nate. Technically, she had moved on years ago, she just hadn’t had the courage to physically leave.
“So, what happened with Nick?” frowned Henry.
“I think he had a bad day at school,” evaded Cora. “Perhaps we should just let him be for now.”
She turned, heading to the kitchen to check tonight’s dinner.
She wasn’t ready to confront her feelings for Henry or to talk to Nick to find out how he felt about the rumors swirling around.
Cora knew she would have to talk with Nick soon, but she just wasn’t ready when she didn’t know her own heart.