Jump Then Fall

33.

Meredith couldn't help but laugh as she helped Trevor piece together his flyers. She wasn't the most crafty teacher, actually she wasn't crafty at all but Trevor had asked if he could spend recess in the classroom and work on his election flyers. Meredith agreed right away because this election motivated Trevor Shepherd and after everything, it was good to see him still so happy. "Oh you cut out stars."

"My dad and Mark helped me last night." Trevor replied, laying the patterns out on a few of the posters.

"Nicest cut outs I have ever seen." Meredith giggled, as there was a little knock at the door.

"'Scuse me?" A little voice came from the doorway, pushing the classroom door open just a little bit.

"Come in!" Meredith called not looking up.

"Meredith!" Leighton grinned, the sound of her giggle filling the room as she ran over to her.

"Oh...hi Leighton."

"Hi Trevor." The little girl smiled, standing in the classroom like she owned it.

"What are you doing?" Meredith asked, looking between the two kids nervously.

"I missed my bus." She shrugged, like it was no big deal.

"Is anybody coming to pick you up?" Trevor asked, putting down his scissors.

"Daddy....the old cranky lady in the office called him." Leighton leaned over to grab a star, the bow on her headband falling to the side as she walked over to sit on Meredith's lap.

"Um...Leighton..." Meredith breathed.

"He won't be here for a little while." Leighton tried to climb up on Meredith's lap.

"Why are you on her lap Leighton?" Trevor asked.

"Because...she's my friend." Leighton rolled her eyes.

"Well here at school...I see her sometimes..." Meredith muttered.

"And sometimes when she..." Leighton started.

"Leighton I have some gummy bears in my top desk drawer." Meredith said quickly. "And some crackers..."

"Gummy bears!"

"You're doing a great job Trevor." Meredith breathed, smiling as she saw Leighton dance next to her desk. She shook her head laughing, before looking back at Trevor.

"I'm going to put them up all over." Trevor smiled. grabbing a glue stick.

"Can I help glue?" Leighton asked, bringing the bag over to them.

"If you're really careful Leighton." Her big brother answered, glancing up at Meredith.

"You know what Leighton...I have a better idea." Meredith smiled at Trevor. "Let's play with the whole punch."

"Okay!" Leighton grinned. "They said they'd come get me when Daddy gets here."

"Oh that way Daddy doesn't have to come get you." Meredith breathed with relief. She couldn't look at him today, not when his two perfect children were sitting here making her feel...amazing.

"I want juice." Leighton bopped her head back and forth, making her brother laugh.

"I don't think I have any juice in here." Meredith breathed, as Leighton returned to her lap.

"I had a juice box in my backpack but it broke and my stuff got all wet!"

"That's because you stepped on it." Trevor laughed, shaking his head just like his dad.