Clalec: Single Life (Book 4)

Chapter 7 - Back to school

Alec POV

I was in the car taking Tom and Flo to school when Flo handed me and letter. I quickly took it from her and placed it on the front seat not wanting to take my eyes off the road. I dropped off Tom first before parking up at Flo's school.

I scanned my eyes over the letter. Parent teacher conference next Friday. Great.

It had been a few months since Clary had gone and the news spread around the schools like wildfire. For me that meant the swarm.

Single mothers.

They were the worst. Every day when I dropped the kids off at school and picked them up it happened. Every. Single. Day.

They always asked how I was, or they offered brownies or whatever other food they had made. During the first few week or two I accepted. I was still grieving and appreciated the kind gesture.

But then I started healing. I found out Clary was alive. Yes I had slight relapse a few months in, but I was better now.

That didn't stop the single mothers though. They swarmed like vultures. Trying to flirt with me. Trying to help with kids. That was the worst part. When they acted like a mother towards Tom and Flo.

Every time it happened I gritted my teeth. They were not the mother of children. They never would be. I would wait for Clary to return no matter how long it took. I knew the moms were starting to get in the kids nerves as well.

Especially during the first month.
..................................................................
Alec POV Flashback to the first month after Clary's death

Tom broke down right in front of everyone once. He was screaming at a woman and I quickly rushed over to him

"YOU'RE NOT MY MOM!" He screamed again as I scooped him into my arms. One of the teachers kindly invited us into her classroom so I could calm down Tom and keep an eye on Flo

The teacher played with Flo while I gently rocked Tom in my arms. It reminded me of the first time I held in my arms. Mine and Clary's first little bundle of joy

My eyes welled up slightly as his tears slowly stopped and he fell asleep. I knew he was struggling a lot but he didn't like talking about his feelings much. I guess he was like me in that sense

"I'm sorry monkey" I whispered, gently stroking his hair

"I know Tom didn't like it last time" the teacher interrupted "but the school therapist still said she'd try again with them if you like"

I nodded

"I'm Maya by the way" she introduced herself "Maya Devi"

"Nice to meet you Maya" I gave a small smile

"I know its hard now. But it does get better" she said. I gave a confused look

"My husband died 2 years ago. Brain hemorrhage."

"I'm sorry" I said without thinking

"Its fine" she smiled "I learnt to handle the pain. I did what you're doing now. I focused on my little boy and we're okay now"

"Really?" I asked. I wanted to believe her but honestly I had a hard time believing in anything at the moment

She nodded

"I haven't seen you around here before"

"I just started a few weeks ago" she explained "my son Jaden is in the same class as your son"