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I believed her when she said I was a part of the group.
It’s like I knew her.
She felt familiar.
It was you.
“That’s an exaggeration, Piper.” The boy playing with blocks rolled his gray eyes.
“Time is different for everyone, Seth.” You shrugged and walked toward me.
I swallowed hard, wondering if I should hide behind my dad.
“Hi.” You curtsied and said, “I’m Piper Christine. It’s nice to meet you.”
You grabbed my hand. “We’re running late for our first day. You should be the one playing the maracas since your parents don’t know music.”
“Piper, you just can’t be ordering people around,” a lady who squatted near the shelves said before straightening up and walking toward us.
I recognized her immediately. She was the teacher who had played with me a week before. I solved puzzles, colored, and even read her a story.
“Ainsley,” Mom said. “I had no idea you were going to be around.”
Ms. Ainsley smiled pleasantly. “The teacher just quit. Until I find a replacement, I’m going to be the one in charge of these monsters.”
You scoffed. “We’re not monsters. We’re just misunderstood youth.”
Dad laughed. “How old is she?”
“She’s almost four, going on forty,” Ms. Ainsley answered, trying not to laugh along with my parents. “These are my niece, nephews, and son. The boy who’s walking toward the piano is Jude. One of Jacob’s oldest sons. His twin brother is Gabe and the kid playing with blocks is Seth, my son. You already met Piper, the spokesperson for the quads—as we call them at home.”
“It’s nice to meet you all,” Mom said.
“Who are you?” You stared at my parents.
“They’re Mr. and Mrs. St. James,” Ms. Ainsley answered. “You already met Archer.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. St. James.” Piper smiled. “You can leave. We’ll take it from here.”
“Piper, why don’t you show the classroom to Archer while I speak to his parents.”
“Follow me. Where do you want to start, the instruments, the animals, or the toys?”
I shrugged.
“It’s okay to talk,” you whispered. “You’re among friends, I promise.”
“You’re new,” I argued.
I can’t forget the way you almost deflated with frustration. You’ve always been funny and expressive. I love that about you. The way you welcome others and make them feel safe is one of the reasons I adore you.
Never lose that.
Never.
“This is harder than I thought,” you complained.
“Don’t overwhelm him,” Seth warned you. “He’s not used to you.”
