The Secret Sister by M. M. DeLuca

Author:M. M. DeLuca [DeLuca, M. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2021-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

21

May sunshine streamed in through the window, throwing the lines on Robin’s face into sharp relief and revealing the frayed collar of his shirt. I told him I was leaving at the end of the semester.

“I’m disappointed, Anna,” he said, fingering the shark’s tooth necklace. His nails looked yellowy, scored with deep ridges. His face had the caved-in beaten look of a tired old man. “You know I’m on the way out here and I harbored a faint hope that you’d take over when I left. I’ve always admired your firm, unsentimental approach to the kids. You never patronize them.”

I studied the worn parquet flooring and the faded Persian rug, a relic from his pilgrimage to Marrakesh in the sixties. “I try not to.”

“It seems as if you know them so well, which makes me wonder about you.” He sipped his coffee and grimaced.

“I guess I won’t miss that vile brew we call coffee,” I said, but my poor attempt at humor didn’t deflect him.

“Anna, I don’t know much about your past, and I don’t want to pry, but I could swear I detect some deep wounds there. I’ve worked for many years with troubled kids and I can sense hidden pain. If you ever want to talk, I’m always here.”

That was my cue to leave. I could already feel him digging into my head, lifting the lid from my secret store of memories so he could peer inside. No way would I let that happen. That stuff was private. Guy didn’t even know about it. About Birdie. I stood up and searched my lexicon of niceties.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Robin. I’ve loved working here. I’ll miss you all and I’ll never forget the things you taught me.” All I could think of was how Gord would’ve been proud of the trite sentiments oozing from my lips.

Taken aback, he realized the moment of revelation was over. “Of course, Anna. Goes without saying and I’ll be happy to provide an exemplary reference should you need it.”

I backed out of his office muttering thank you and was almost clear when he stood up abruptly. His somber face lit up.

“Wait. Before I forget, I must thank you. Bringing Guy in for that in-service in February was a brilliant idea. For you and for us.”

I stopped dead in my tracks.

“Come again?”

“You recommended him.” His brows knit. “You told me you’d read some papers he’d written on education for homeless kids. Gave him a glowing reference. How could I say no when you were so persuasive? And now look. You’re married to him.”

I struggled to focus. The features of Robin’s face became blurred and fuzzy. The springs on the wall clock behind me whirred and clicked. “It must’ve slipped my mind,” I said, feeling my throat seize up. “I’ve been so busy with other things. Married life, you know.”

“I’m sure you have,” he said, attempting a grotesque wink. “After Guy’s inspiring presentation I put in a proposal to the board and we’re receiving extra funding for our street kids’ outreach program.

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