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Chapter Two
Moira
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IGRIP LEXIE’S HANDtight as we walk through the halls of her new school towards her classroom. I don't know if I'm ready for this.
It's been just the two of us for so long, for her whole life.
And I know this is good for her, giving her a chance to make friends, to learn, to live a normal life, but I'm going to miss her for the seven hours she's here every day.
Lexie is unusually quiet and her grip on my hand is as tight as mine, clearly nervous.
I stop in the middle of the hall, squatting down next to her and turning her to face me. "Hey, darling. You okay?"
She avoids my eyes. "What if no one likes me?"
My heart aches at the sad fear on her face and in her voice. "That's impossible. You are incredibly likable. You are a great kid and you will make a great friend to some very lucky person in there. If it doesn't happen right away today, it will eventually. You just have to be kind and patient and strong."
"Can I come home if I hate it?" She raises pleading eyes to mine.
What should I say? I want to say yes, but I don't know if that's the right call. Parenting is impossible sometimes.
"How about this -—you can call me if you hate it, and we'll talk about it. But you have to give this a real chance. You love books and art and learning, and there will be plenty of that here." I hope this is the right call.
"Okay. You think there will be a lot of books?" Interest is starting to replace the nerves.
"I do. And we have a date planned at the library this weekend, remember?" I remind her, hoping if I give her something to look forward to, it'll help shift focus from her fear.
Her face brightens. "For story-time?"
I nod. "Yep. And you can check out all the books you want and we'll spend the day reading them all."
She straightens her shoulders, putting on a determined face. "Okay. I'm ready."
I rise from my crouch with a relieved sigh. "You're being so brave. I'm proud of you."
Meltdown avoided, we finish our trip down the hall to a bright and colorful room at the end of it. Laughter and chatter already sound from inside the room and Lexie doesn't falter, marching along next to me with her head held high.
