As a gay man, I had always been cautious about revealing too much of my personal life in the workplace. Cautious, but not closeted. Everyone else chatted about their dating life and their significant others, but I’d kept all that talk close to my chest, sharing news about those occasional dates, few and far between, with Angie and Stella Brooks, my work bestie who taught kindergarten across the hall from me.
Maybe one day in the future—but right now, the smart move was to stay under everyone’s radar. I couldn’t let it distract me from the task at hand—welcoming Mia into my classroom and ensuring she felt safe, valued, and supported.
As we reached the classroom door, I paused. Mia gazed up at me curiously, her head tilted to the side, her braids brushing against her shoulders. “Ready?” I asked, my hand resting on the doorknob.
Mia bounced on her toes, her voice filled with eager anticipation. “Ready!”
Pushing the door open, we stepped inside, where the chatter and laughter of the children filled the air. I led Mia to the front of the class, already excited to have Mia meet the rest of my students.
“Class, eyes up here, please!” I called, my voice carrying over the din. The students quieted, their attention turning to me, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement. “We have a new friend joining us today. This is Mia!”
A chorus of “Hi Mia!” erupted. She waved. Mia’s new adventure was off to a great start, and no matter what, I was going to make sure she had the best kindergarten experience possible.
Even if that meant unsubscribing to my favorite website and saying goodbye to Magic Marco.
Chapter Two
Marc
Istood in the hallway, watching as Mia walked away with her new teacher, a skinny guy with reddish hair and a kind smile. The sound of their footsteps grew fainter with each passing second. Mia glanced back over her shoulder, her little hand raised in a wave, her bright smile filled with innocence and trust.
I forced a reassuring grin onto my face, though my heart clenched with worry, a dull ache settling in my chest.
The nurse’s voice cut through my thoughts, her tone gentle and professional. She glanced down at the registration paperwork that I’d completed a few minutes before, her pen tapping against the clipboard. “I noticed that Mia’s mother isn’t listed as an emergency contact.”
My jaw tightened, even though I had been expecting the question. “Mia is adopted. My—um, we’re divorced, and her other parent isn’t in the picture any longer.”For Christ’s sake, just say it. It isn’t like it's anything to be ashamed of, even in this small town.I took a deep breath, reminding myself that honesty about my life was the only way to teach Mia to be proud of hers. “My ex-husband and I adopted Mia as a baby, but I’m raising her alone now.” As the words left my mouth, a mix of reliefand anxiety washed over me—a constant struggle between being transparent and worrying about what other people thought.
The nurse’s brow quirked, a barely perceptible movement that spoke volumes. Her expression remained neutral, but I sensed the surprise, the unspoken questions lingering in the air between us. Instead, she said, “We will need an emergency contact. Is there anyone else you’d like to list, in case we can’t get a hold of you?”
Oh. Of course, that made sense. “Um, my brother, Alonso. He runs the garage where I’m working right now.” I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, wincing as the soles of my work boots scuffed against the clean floor. “And probably his wife, Elena.”
The nurse’s eyes lit up with recognition, a smile spreading across her face. “Mendez Automotives. Yes, he’s good. My husband takes our cars there to be serviced.” She nodded, her pen scratching against the paper as she finished up the paperwork. “Well, Mr. Parker is one of our best teachers. Mia will have a great time in his classroom.”
The rhythmic click of heels against the floor drew my attention. I looked up to see a woman approaching, gray hair styled in a neat bob. She carried herself with an air of authority, her crisp blazer and skirt a stark contrast to the bright, child-friendly decor of the hallway.
“Ah, Mrs. Hawkins,” the nurse greeted her, a note of respect in her voice. “This is Marc Mendez. He just enrolled his daughter Mia in Mr. Parker’s class.” She turned back to me. “Mr. Mendez, this is our principal, Mrs. Ginger Hawkins.”
Principal Hawkins extended her hand, her grip firm and confident as she shook mine. “Mr. Mendez. I wanted to say hello and welcome to Blanco Springs Elementary. I like to meet all our parents personally. Put a face with a name, you know.” She glanced between the nurse and me. “I trust that Nurse Chen hasanswered all of your questions and concerns?” she said with a strong southern accent.
I nodded quickly. “Yes, she’s been very helpful. I just—” I took a breath. “I need to know that Mia will be okay here, with her health issues and all.”
The principal’s blue eyes softened, and a gentle smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “I assure you, Mr. Mendez, that we take the well-being of all our students seriously. Mr. Parker is an excellent teacher, and he will make sure Mia feels safe and supported in his classroom.” She paused, her gaze drifting as the sound of students filling the hallway caught her attention. “Starting school can be daunting, especially for a child with unique needs. But I have no doubt that Mia will thrive here, and that she will make many new friends.”
Relief mingled with doubt as a weight lifted.Could Alonso be right?The simplicity of small-town life had always seemed a distant dream. Yet, here was a place where the principal of a school spoke to each parent like they were family.
“Thank you, ma’am. That means a lot.” With any luck, this move to Blanco Springs was more than an escape from the problems of a big city—it was a chance to rebuild.
She smiled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “Of course. And please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other concerns. My door is always open.”
With a final nod, she turned and strode down the hallway, talking to some students as they walked. I watched her go, a sense of relief washing over me. The sights and sounds of the elementary school brought a smile to my face, despite the pit of unease that settled in my stomach at the thought of leaving Mia here.
It had been years since I’d stepped foot inside a school like this, but the familiar sensations were comforting, even as they reminded me of how many things had changed.
This is what Mia needed—a normal life, a chance to make friends and learn and grow. I had to be strong for her, to trust that she was in excellent hands.
With a last glance, I turned and walked towards the heavy double doors and out of the school.
***
