Chapter 3
M y heart was filled with pride as I looked around at my little nuggets.
Today was family day, and so many of them were extra hyper because their parents or other family members were here to spend a couple of hours with them.
We’d done a late Easter egg hunt and had a few tears from some students who didn’t get a golden egg with five dollars, but other than that, there weren’t any real issues.
Well, except little Miley’s family not showing up.
I’d begged all parents to find a stand-in if they wouldn’t be able to be in attendance, and everyone had done so except Miley’s dad.
He was at work and said neither of his siblings were able to come.
His mom was sick, and his father had never been in the picture, which was why though he seemed to have little time, Sonny was adamant about succeeding as a single father.
Or, at least, he was in the beginning of the schoolyear.
I appreciated his desire to work to provide for Miley and her older brother, but they needed his presence too, and I hoped he realized that before it was too late.
We were getting ready to paint noodle faces, and I’d already made up in my mind to do Miley’s with her. I looked around for my assistant to let her know she’d have to handle walking around and making sure all my nuggets had what they needed while I gave Miley a little extra attention.
“Okay, munchkin,” I said, lowering myself to my knee so I could be eye level with Miley. “Have you decided what you want to paint yet?”
With a pout, Miley shook her head as it hung. “No, ma’am.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to paint,” she whined with watery eyes.
“Why not, nugget?” I asked, wrapping my arms around her for a hug.
“Because Daddy didn’t come like he promised.”
“Aww, I’m sorry about that, but I’ll help you.
How about we make a heart that you can give him and tell him how much you missed him?
” Miley considered my words for a few seconds before huffing out her agreement.
“That’s my little munchkin.” I gave her another quick hug before walking her over to the small, oval table.
“Hey, Anderson,” Katie, my assistant, called. “You have a visitor.”
I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I helped Miley into her seat then walked the short distance to the class door.
At the sight of Kayne, my heart stopped.
At the sight of Miley’s older brother, Mateo, it started back up again.
Mateo was in the sixth grade and one of the sweetest, kindest little boys I’d ever known.
His issues with not having a present parent in the home were typical—having to grow up and care for his little sister too fast, suffering grades because he had no help, and often falling asleep in class or being too tired to fully pay attention.
Like I’d made Miley my little helper to keep a closer eye on her, Kayne seemed to show Mateo extra interest as well.
“Hey. What are you doing here?” I spoke.
“Well . . . We were texting, and you mentioned Miley’s dad not being here, so I kidnapped Mateo so he could come be here for his sister.”
“Is that okay?” Mateo asked hesitantly, looking around me into the classroom.
My eyes watered as I nodded. “That’s more than okay, Mateo. Go on inside. She’s going to be so happy to see you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He jogged in, then turned and gave Kayne a hug. “Thanks, Mr. Mathis.”
“You’re welcome, buddy. Remember we can’t stay long.”
“Yes, sir!” he yelled, running toward his sister.
We both watched as Mateo covered her eyes with his hands. She gasped and grabbed them, already knowing who they belonged to.
“Tae Tae!” she shrieked, hopping up from her seat so fast it fell behind her. “Oh, I’m so happy you’re here !”
Mateo smiled widely as he hugged her little body close to his. The sight made my tears fall. I brushed them away quickly before returning my attention to the man who made this possible.
“You’re amazing,” I muttered, wrapping my arms around him.
Kayne wasted no time returning the gesture as he kissed my neck. I shivered, like I always did, and held him closer.
“I couldn’t have baby girl lacking. I know Sonny is doing the best he can but damn. Some things need to take a higher priority.”
Sighing, I nodded my agreement. “Yeah, I said the same thing. I told him to try and at least make it to her graduation at the end of the month. If he doesn’t, I don’t know what I’m going to do.
I know he’s working to provide for them, so I try not to give him a hard time about not being present here.
I just wish there was someone helping him. ”
“Same.” Kayne sighed and tightened his grip around me.
I looked up at him, catching his Adam’s apple bob as he held back his emotion.
“I’m taking Mateo to the mall after this to get him more shoes and clothes.
He’s had a growth spurt, and his shit doesn’t fit anymore.
The kids have started to bully him, so I had him in my office today.
“He did a few rounds of five seconds in the bathroom and tore their asses up one on one, so they tried to jump him. Thankfully a teacher had come in. I know I’m supposed to tell the principal so he can be punished, but I don’t want him to get suspended.
He has enough going on. We’ve just started to make progress with him taking his studies seriously again, and now this. This shit is getting out of hand.”
“Oh no. I hate to hear that. Have you tried talking to Sonny?”
His head shook. “He won’t answer my calls. That’s why I’m taking Mateo home today. Sonny gon’ have to see me.”
“Oh Jesus. Well, be on your best behavior.”
“I’m on whatever he on.”
Turning, I kept my arm around him and his around me but looked at my nuggets.
They all either had serious expressions because they were paying attention or smiles because they were so happy.
This had been a great class, and saying goodbye to them would be bittersweet.
A few minutes passed before the nuggets and fries I ordered from McDonald’s was delivered.
I hated I let them choose what they wanted to eat, but if that was what they wanted, that was what they’d get.
Mateo asked if he could stay long enough to eat, and Kayne agreed.
He and I got everyone’s plates fixed before passing them out, and after they were done, the parents were able to fix themselves something at the taco and nacho bar. By then, Kayne decided it was time for them to go.
“Has maintenance come and changed your light bulb in the bathroom yet?” he asked.
“Not yet. They said it’s not a priority, so they’ll get to it this weekend.”
“How is you not being able to see in there not a priority? If your ass fall getting out that damn tub, I bet it’ll be a priority then.”
“Language,” I reminded with a smile as Mateo and Miley snickered next to him.
Sucking his teeth, Kayne nodded and pulled in a calming breath. “I’ll come and take care of it this evening.”
“Are you sure? You don’t have to?—”
“Of course, and I’ll bring dinner too.”
“Well thanks, pookie. I’ll see you then.”
Avoiding my desire to hug him, I watched as he directed Mateo to say goodbye to his sister.
The pair hugged before Kayne and Mateo left.
Sadness washed over Miley briefly before she hugged me and thanked me for letting her brother stay.
Days like today were exhausting, but moments like this made it all worth it.