Teaching Aleck (The Last Hangman MC #2)(35)

I smile and flip the bacon and start on my scrambled eggs. Once everything is cooked, I take my plate and coffee with me and sit on the patio, enjoying the sunny weather. It’s not too humid or too warm. It’s just perfect.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt this happy or loved. I enjoy my breakfast and let the worry of the upcoming day slip away for the time being. Reveling in the knowledge that my friends and family are behind me and that I can do this. They are kids, sure they can be difficult, but I’ve got this.

Too soon, it’s time for me to get ready to head to school. I was asked to be there earlier to finish up the last touches on how I want the classroom to be. So I’m going to take this extra time to make it mine and hopefully the kids and their parents will appreciate it.

I head upstairs and get dressed in a dark navy pencil skirt that hits just below my knees, a light mint blouse and flats. There’s no way I’m going to be able to stand for hours with high heels. Besides, kids don’t care if you have heels or not.

I put on my lenses and a very light make-up and blow-dry my hair before styling them in a messy low bun and fluff up my bangs. I smile at my reflection and spray on some vanilla perfume. I get my handbag and head downstairs. I check my folder one last time before getting my phone and make sure everything is locked up.

I head out the door, lock the house and get in the car the garage is lending me.

The drive to school isn’t very long so I don’t have much time to really get nervous and once I park, I realize that bizarrely, I’m not nervous at all. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be and it’s such an amazing feeling.

All my teenage life, I wondered what I’d be doing for a living. It never crossed my mind that I’d become a teacher. It came to me when I was at camp in my last year of high school. I was helping out the younger ones and I had a blast. It was just amazing and by the end, I knew what I wanted to do.

And here I am.

A preschool teacher.

I still can’t believe it. I get out of my car, and walk to the main building. I smile smelling that distinctive preschool smell, a mix of paint and liquid glue. I’ve always loved that smell. It brings back so many memories.

I head to my classroom and start to set up. I found some DIY projects to make banners and decorations that are still blank at the moment, but I’m hoping the kids will enjoy helping me fill them in and make them livelier.

I take a look at the room I just set up, and even if it’s a little bit boring at the moment, it won’t be once the kids get to it. I set up a couple of pillows on the ground and a bigger one for myself. I don’t want it to be too formal today.

I hope they will like me.

I start hearing some noise outside the classroom. I open the door to let them in and greet the first parents and kids. So far, everybody is very nice and friendly. It’s so reassuring.

I have a list of fifteen kids. Only one hasn’t arrived yet. I look out the door to see if anyone is coming over. I’m not sure if I should wait a bit longer to start. It’s almost eight.

I smile and wave at the last few parents who are leaving class and go to a little girl who’s crying because she wants her mommy. I try to reassure her as best I can and manage pretty well. She does wipe her nose on my brand new blouse, but hey it’s just clothing…still a bit gross though.

I’m about to shut the door when the person I least expected to show up at my classroom door arrives. Face covered in bruises and busted lip, carrying a precious little girl.

“Aleck?” I look at him dumbfounded.





CHAPTER 14



Aleck

Well, f*ck me I didn’t expect this!

“Charline.” I can’t help but feel myself tense up and relax at the same time. She now knows what I’ve been hiding from everyone, and I’m afraid she’s not going to want me anymore.

“This is such a surprise.” She looks at me amused and confused.

“Trust me, the surprise is all mine.” I can’t help the humorless chuckle that escapes me.

“I bet.” She raises her eyebrow, but grins at me. “And who’s this little cutie?” She grins at my daughter.

“This is Alexandria, Ally for short.” I beam at my daughter.

“Nice to meet you, Ally, I’m Charline.” She beams at Ally and I melt. She’s perfect.

Ally squeaks a shy hello and hides in my neck.

“She’s a bit shy. Can you give me a minute with her?”

“Of course, take your time.” She winks at me and walks into the classroom to assist another kid.

“Charline is a friend of Daddy, I’ve known her for a long time and she’s going to take good care of you while you’re here, okay?” It breaks my heart to see her bottom lip quiver. “Don’t cry, Pumpkin. I promise I’ll be back in a couple of hours. It’s a very short day. We’ll go have whatever you want for lunch, okay? We can even go have pancakes or ice cream if you want.” I smile at her trying to cheer her up.

“Okay, Daddy.” She sniffs and wraps her arms around my neck.

“I love you, Pumpkin.” I kiss her head and hug her back.

“Love you too, Daddy.” She kisses my cheek and slowly walks to Charline.

I watch Charline kneel down and smile at Ally. It warms my heart that she’s being so sweet to her. I see Charline talk, but I can’t hear her. Whatever she said though managed to ease Ally’s mind and she joins the other kids on the pillows laid out.