I'm Yours (Sequel to "You're mine")

Chapter 116: Misunderstanding

Talia's POV

"Well, that's that," I said as the school bell rang, signalizing the end of the class. "Class dismissed."

As the students were leaving the class, I sat down at my desk. I was grading papers so I would have time tonight to spend with my family.

I stopped then as I thought about them. I wished I could do much much more for them. My wife was upset but wouldn't talk about it with me. My son is getting bullied and keeps it quiet while my other son is taking the hits.

I released a deep breath. 

"Well, that's a deep sigh."

I looked at the door of my classroom and smiled when I saw Charlotte and Mary. "Hey, come in."

They smiled back and entered. "Why the big sigh?" Charlotte asked.

I sighed again. "Jin is getting bullied," I shrugged. "Leah needs her therapist," I sighed again. "And Emil is taking the hits."

"Well, that's a lot." Mary exclaimed.

Charlotte nodded. "How about we tackle them one by one?" She suggested before taking a seat in front of my desk. "Why is Jin getting bullied?"

Before I replied, Mary also took a seat in front of my desk, seemingly getting more interested too.

I sighed yet again. "He's special," I simply replied. As they both nodded, it was sad that they understood immediately. "Kids can be so cruel."

"Does his teacher know?"

"Apparently not," I leaned back. "I called the school this morning to inform them. They seemed surprised to hear about it."

"That could be a good thing," Mary said, gaining my attention. "It means they'll look out for him more."

"Or they'll speak up in his class and make the problem bigger," I said out loud, seeing them look at me weirdly. "Leah said that was the case for her."

"You reported it," Charlotte said, leaning closer to my desk. "That's the first step, now it's up to the school to take care of it."

"The ball's in their camp." Mary added.

I nodded. "I hope they'll deal with it," I crossed my arms. "No child of mine will get bullied on my watch."

They smiled.

"Why does Leah need her therapist?" Mary asked after a few moments of silence.

Charlotte looked from Mary to me, seemingly wondering the same thing.

I looked away briefly. "She went through a lot, she has to talk about it."

"And she can't do that with you?" Charlotte asked carefully.

I shook my head. "She doesn't want to hurt me," I looked down. "I've tried explaining to her I'd rather have her hurt me than keep all of this inside, but..." I sighed. "It seems she prefers to spare me over herself."

"That's romantic," Mary exclaimed, gaining my attention. "In a way." She added as she saw we were both looking at her.

I sighed and looked away again. "It's just so frustrating that I can't help her," I shook my head. "And the only person she's ever felt comfortable opening up to," I huffed. "She just dropped her."

I heard them both sigh as I said this. I knew they hated the situation Heather and I were in. They didn't want to choose a side. They wanted to remain neutral. I appreciated that they wanted to be there for both of us, but I also just wanted to be understood.