CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
After a quiet weekend, Misty was ready to get back to her kids at school. For the most part, they were an easy group. So far, all seemed eager to learn, and she intended to enjoy each day with them.
As she and Hazel walked into the school together, Hazel said, “I missed you this weekend. Maybe next one, we can do something together.”
“That would be nice. I’m sorry I’ve neglected you. I just needed some time to myself.”
They parted ways and went to their classrooms. Misty wanted to do more reading instruction with her students this week to see how and if she could set up a volunteer program for those who needed help.
After everyone had arrived, Misty noticed that both Brody and Violet were absent. She checked messages and saw that Violet was sick—nothing about Brody.
Trying to hide her worry, Misty began her day.
Mid-morning, Brody appeared with the school secretary.
“Brody was upset about being late and was afraid you’d be angry,” explained the secretary.
“Oh, no. I’m so happy you’re here,” Misty said, smiling at him. “You can go in and sit in your seat.”
“We overslept,” said Brody, handing her a check-in slip from the office.
“Well, I’m sure glad you came. I was missing you. Brody, you can work on math at Table 3 while those in the reading circle will continue to read with me.”
Misty went over to Table 3, saw that Brody had the right paperwork, and returned to the circle, aware that Brody must not have had a bath. His fingernails were dirty, and he smelled.
When it came time for recess, Brody was hesitant to go outside. Misty realized that without Violet befriending him, he felt insecure.
“Better hurry, Brody!” she said. She saw that he was outside, and then she stood with her former schoolteacher, who was supervising recess.
“How’s everything going?” Marilyn asked.
“Good,” Misty replied. “I’m thinking of ways I can use volunteers to help my students who are behind in reading. Have you done something like that before?”
“Yes,” said Marilyn.
“I haven’t asked my student’s parents yet. Most of them work.”
“Why don’t you start with the one?” Marilyn said.
“Okay, that’s what I’ll do,” Misty said.
Marilyn indicated Brody. “Is this the student you were worried about?”
“I’m keeping an eye on him. Nolan warned me not to rush to judgment.”
“It’s a sensitive situation,” Marilyn said, and Misty merely nodded.
###
After school, Misty sat outside on the deck of her cabin while Sugar ran and played in the woods, challenging a squirrel to come down from a tree branch to play with her.
Later, she went through her school papers and discovered her students were stronger at math than reading. Science was something she wanted to make full of fun lessons for them. Kids that age were so curious.
When David phoned that evening, she immediately picked up the call. “Hi, David. It’s good to hear from you. I’ve been doing some writing exercises my therapist gave me.”
“I’m glad,” he said. “I’ve missed you.”
“Me, too. Missed you, I mean. How are things going at work?”
They chatted about their jobs for a while, and Misty enjoyed their interaction. After their conversation ended, Misty smiled, grateful for David reaching out to her. It was a new beginning,
###
The next day, Brody appeared at school on time and had a bath. Violet was back and seemed to make Brody more comfortable. Misty silently blessed the little girl.
Misty spent time with each student for at least a few minutes, getting to know them better and determining their strengths and learning styles.
A few, like Brody, needed to keep busy and were rewarded with reading, puzzles, or math games, while others needed more time to complete tasks.
Some needed extra attention in reading and math.
She sent an email to Nolan letting him know she planned to get volunteers in her class.
He didn’t object to the idea but let her know all volunteers needed training, citing privacy issues and how to address various problems.
“Thank you,” Misty said, determined to follow through.
As luck would have it, Violet’s mother, Alesha Allen, was the President of the PTA. After speaking to her on the phone, Misty was encouraged. They arranged to meet for coffee at the Lilac Lake Café Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, Hazel waited for Misty to gather her things. “It’s been a while since we’ve been to Jake’s. Want to go tonight?”
“I do,” said Misty. “I need time to unwind.”
“Great. I do too,” Hazel said.
###
That evening, Misty headed to Jake’s with Hazel, wondering who in their crowd would show up. Misty couldn’t wait to see everyone and realized her time of wanting to be by herself was over. She had a stronger sense of who she was and how to react better to others.
As she and Hazel entered Jake’s, she saw that Dani and Brad were already there, along with Sarah Bullard, Aaron Collister, Dirk, and Samantha. Others would show up as they could.
She slid into a chair next to Sarah. “How’s the hardware store doing?”
“Okay. I have a little more time to help my parents now that my twins are in kindergarten. The girls also attend a playschool in the afternoons, and we all love it.”
Aaron and Sarah exchanged smiles, and Misty realized something was going on between them. She caught Aaron’s eye. He bobbed his head, inscrutable as always. She’d always admired his quiet ways, which was one reason he and David were friends.
She looked up as David entered the restaurant and felt herself warmed by his search for her. Seeing the empty chair beside her, David walked over and took it.
“Hi, Misty. Glad to see you,” he said, reaching for her hand.
She smiled. “As we talked about last night, I’d like to continue where we left off.”
“Me, too,” said David. He laced his fingers through hers and squeezed.
She gazed into his face, loving the sight of him. She’d needed clarity and now knew he was exactly what she needed in her life. It might take time for their relationship to grow even deeper, but like a little seedling, she’d give it a chance to bloom.
More and more of their group arrived, increasing the noise and teasing among them. Misty was happy to feel part of the group again. Tomorrow, Crystal and Emmett would return home. Misty could hardly wait to see them.
JoEllen arrived and pulled up a chair to Misty’s table.
“Where’s Harley?” Sarah asked.
“He and I had a big fight. I found out he has a little boy when he mentioned that Misty was his teacher. I told him it was unfair to keep that to himself, that I’m not ready to be a mother.”
JoEllen turned to Misty. “You should have told me. We’re friends.”
Misty shook her head. “I just teach his son in school. I had no idea you were dating his father until I saw you together. Frankly, it’s none of my business.”
“But you knew. And you had to know he was still married!!” JoEllen’s face got bright red. “School records would show that.” She burst into tears. “You’ve ruined everything. It’s all your fault.”
“I don’t know how you can blame me,” Misty said, horrified by the implications.
“Stop it, JoEllen,” said David, coming to Misty’s defense. “None of this is Misty’s fault.”
JoEllen got up and went into the bathroom.
Whitney and Nick arrived as JoEllen returned to the table, red-eyed.
After David explained the situation to Nick, Nick turned to JoEllen and said firmly, “Misty is not to blame. If anyone is to blame, it’s yourself.”
JoEllen dabbed at her eyes and nodded.
After the conversation among the group slowed, Misty turned to David. “I’m going home. It’s been a long week. I’m glad we had the opportunity to see one another tonight. I meant what I said. I hope we can continue our relationship.”
“We can. How about letting me take you out tomorrow night for dinner?”
Misty smiled. “I’d like that.”
“Let me walk you to your car. It looks like Hazel will be here a while longer.”
“She told me earlier that Mike was going to take her home.”
Misty and David left the restaurant and walked to Misty’s car, which was parked behind the commercial strip.
David waited while she unlocked the door, and when she turned to face him, he asked quietly, “May I?”
Smiling, she lifted her face to his.
As his lips met hers, she let out a soft moan. This was what she wanted. This is what she needed.
When they pulled apart, David smoothed her hair away from her cheeks and stared at her. “I know it’s early, and maybe you’re not ready, but I’m falling in love with you. I have been for a long time. I’ll be patient, but I need to know if you want this, too.”
“Yes,” she sighed happily.
“Then, that’s what we’ll do.” He hugged her. “I’m good at growing things, even relationships.”
She chuckled. “I’m counting on that.”
###
As Misty pulled into her driveway, she was still floating with happiness. David was the man she wanted in her life, now and in the future.
Her cell phone beeped, and thinking it might be him saying goodnight, she clicked on the text message: “ You’re going to pay for your nosiness! I’ll make sure of it!”
All romantic thoughts fled as fear wove through her.
She didn’t recognize the number, but she was pretty sure it was from Harley.
She surveyed the area around her and looked up as a truck sped away.
The thought that it might’ve been Harley had her running to her front door and working fast with the alarm to get inside.
Sugar, excited as always to greet her, helped to steady her nerves as she let the dog outside and then quickly reset the alarm.
She got into her pajamas, and feeling a bit silly, she practiced some of the karate moves David had shown her.
###
The next morning, Misty awoke with a sense of anticipation. Crystal and Emmett were coming home from Paris, and later, she was going out with David. It was bound to be a nice, full day.
She snuggled with Sugar and then sat on the back deck while Sugar spent time in the woods. Braver now, Sugar drank water from the creek and then went back to sniffing and exploring.
Sipping her coffee, Misty was content to sit and watch her.
Her cell phone rang. Hazel.
“Hi! Did you have fun last night?” Misty asked her.
“I did, but it’s a good thing you left. JoEllen got into a big fight with Harley at Jake’s.
Harley was furious that JoEllen had dumped him, and he blamed you for interfering in his life.
Dani and Brad convinced Harley to leave, and Mike dropped JoEllen off at her cabin before taking me home.
I thought you’d want to know to stay clear of them both. ”
“Thanks for alerting me. The situation between them is a mess. I’m going to stay out of it. Now, what are you doing today?”
Mike and Ross are going into Portsmouth, and Melissa and I are going with them. We’ll have lunch and look around while they take care of some business. How are things with David?
Misty felt her lips curve. “He and I have decided to grow our relationship.”
Hazel chuckled. “Very appropriate. You two are great together.”
“I’m happy that we’re working on it,” said Misty. “Thanks for the warning about Harley. I got a text message last night that I’m pretty sure came from him. So, believe me, I’m on the alert.”
“Do you think you should mention it to Nick? As police chief, he might want to know about it,” said Hazel.
“Maybe later. Right now, I don’t want to escalate it.”
“I understand,” said Hazel. “Guess I’d better go.”
“Thanks for the call,” said Misty. “Have a fun day!”
“You too,” said Hazel, ending the conversation.
Misty set down her coffee cup and stared out at the water rushing in the creek below.