Page 27 of An Unexpected Chance

I rubbed my eyes. I did want to talk to him. To find out why. Have him explain to me what happened.

But was I ready for it? Was he?

I picked up my phone and sent him a text.

Simon,

Thank you for the flowers.

They are beautiful.

Busy at school with open house.

Perhaps a conversation can happen after it is done.

I had hardly set the phone down when it buzzed with a reply.

Amy,

Not as beautiful as you.

When you’re ready, if you’ll listen, I’d like to talk.

I’ll wait.

I smiled at his words, unsure how to reply, then decided it was best not to. I had to concentrate on the task at hand. Simon and his pretty flowers would have to take a back seat for the time being.

* * *

It was a busy, productive afternoon. I met some of the children who would be in my classroom, talked with their parents, sat with the little ones and did an easy craft so they would be excited to come back. I answered questions, soothed the nerves of a few parents and children alike, and thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them. My heart had raced when a familiar set of shoulders walked past my door, the deep cadence of Simon’s voice catching my ear as he led Mia toward her classroom. I should have known he’d be there. It was Mia’s first time attending this school, and he was very involved in her life.

He glanced over his shoulder, and for a second, our eyes locked. He said so much with one brief look that it stopped me, and I stared after him, feeling off-kilter. It took me a moment to find my voice again and carry on acting as if everything was normal.

The flowers on my desk were admired, most people thinking I had brought them in to brighten the room. The sender and the reason, I held close to my heart. I smiled at the compliments and never elaborated.

The afternoon wound down, the halls emptying and the building getting quiet. I tidied the classroom, putting away the craft supplies, smiling as I cleaned up glitter and markers, glue and paper bits. It was rare I allowed glitter in the classroom since it got everywhere, but today was a special day. I stood, ineffectually wiping down my skirt, when a soft knock made me look up.

Framed in my doorway was Simon. In front of him, Mia stood, small and sweet, smiling at me. Simon looked nervous, his anxiety showing as he gripped the edge of the doorframe and waited for me to speak. Our eyes locked, emotions flowing between us in a silent river of unspoken words. I stood, clearing my throat.

“Hello.”

Mia bounded in, happy and at ease. “Hi, Ms. McNeil!”

I crouched in front of her, meeting her eyes. “Hello, Mia. Did you enjoy your introduction to your classroom and the school?”

She bobbed her head. “It was terrific! I met some new kids, and we’re gonna be great friends—I just know it,” she enthused. “They never did this at my old school. It’s awesome.”

“I’m glad you had a good time.”

“I know where the lunchroom is and the bathroom. I won’t have to worry about it now.”

I nodded in agreement. Kids settled better if some of the unknown was removed. I liked the idea of the open house for the day.

Simon followed her in, standing behind her as she spoke. I rose to my feet. “Hello, Simon.”

“Amy,” he replied. “I hope your day was a good one?”

“Busy.”