That Pale Host by L. G. McCary

Author:L. G. McCary [McCary, L.G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Monster Ivy Publishing

Twenty-Five

“Good morning, Charlotte!” Greg’s voice startles me in the school hallway. I didn’t expect to see him in the elementary school since he’s over the high school STEM program. It’s Rylie’s first day of second grade, and I was hoping to get to her room early to talk to her teacher one more time. He rushes up to me, his hands in constant motion. I’ve never seen him so energetic.

Rylie grabs my knee and buries her head in my jacket as if she’s much younger than eight.

“Hi!” I smile. “Congratulations! Is this your first day?”

“No, I came in last week. Meetings with the faculty and such.” He kneels down next to me and grins at Rylie. “Hey there. You ready for school today?”

Rylie buries her face again, and I pat her back. “I think she’s a little nervous.”

“Nothing to be nervous about, missy. You’re a smart girl, and you listen to your teachers, right?” he says.

She nods.

“Of course that’s right,” Greg says, standing tall again and putting his fists on his hips like a superhero. “You’ll be a model student.”

I snort at that phrase. I’m not under any illusions about my daughter. Greg pats her on the shoulder and turns to face me.

“I can walk with you to her class,” he says. “It’s on the way to my office.”

“Thanks. She’s in Miss Preston’s class.” I appreciate the gesture, but I wish he wouldn’t. Rylie is nervous enough already.

“I know you will learn a lot from Miss Preston, Rylie.” He strides ahead of us and opens the door to the classroom.

The room is covered in a jungle theme. There’s even a bookshelf in the corner transformed into a tree. Only two other kids are here so far and both are sitting in bean bag chairs with books. Rylie’s teacher has added some extra touches since “Meet the Teacher” Day.

“Hi!” Greg says to the short, slim blonde arranging chairs. “This is Rylie Madsen and her mother, Mrs. Madsen.”

“We’ve met, but it’s Charlotte, please,” I say. I’m sure she remembers me after Rylie pirouetting around the room last week. Miss Preston shakes my hand again and leans down to see my daughter where she’s hiding behind my leg.

“Hi, Rylie! I have a brand new book about ballerinas to show you. Do you want to hang up your backpack and help me find it?”

Rylie nods but doesn’t answer.

“Say ‘Yes, ma’am,’ Rylie,” Greg prompts. I kneel down next to her and tip her chin up to look me in the eyes. She doesn’t resist, but she looks angry. She frowns at Greg and looks back to me. I wink. It’s all I can do without making Greg look bad.

“You’re going to have a great day, honey.” I put all the cheer I can muster into that sentence, and she tries to smile back at me.

“Here, let’s find your name.” Miss Preston offers her hand with a smile that is pure sunshine. “I like your backpack. Purple is my favorite color. Is it yours, too?”

Rylie takes her hand and follows her to the row of cubbies.

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