This Love: A Frank Adler Story

Eleven

I walked into Mary's school with frank. I found her sitting in a chair in the office. Frank bent down.

"You okay? You hurt?" He asked.

"I'm in big trouble." She said.

"Mr and Mrs Adler."

Mary's principal Ms Davis. I looked at Mary and smiled.

"Stay there. Be good."

I walked in with frank. We both sat down. Mary's teacher, bonnie, was in there too.

"So, your daughter broke a child's nose today. A twelve year old boy was taunting a seven year old in her class so she went up and broke his nose."

"She did what?" I asked.

"What did the kid do?" Frank said.

"Frank." I scolded.

"Mr. Adler this is no joke. Your daughter could be expelled because of this."

"Well if that happens to all first offenses than by all means do the justice." Frank said.

"That is not the point."

"Are you not proud of her for standing up to a twelve year old bully?"

"Mr. Adler."

"Look okay I know I know. You're not supposed to hit people. But she stood up for what was right? And you're just gonna push that away and blame it on her? That's unbelievable."

I sighed and looked at Ms. Davis. I set my hand on franks knee to stop him from talking.

"Ms Stevenson has told me that Mary is not working quite well in her classroom. She believes your child is exceptional."

"Well yeah."

"Frank." I said.

Frank rested back. I listened in.

"It just so happens that I am good friends with the headmaster at the oaks academy for gifted education."

Frank rolled his eyes.

"How much is that?" I asked.

"$30,000. Which is more than what we have so thank you but-"

"Mrs. Adler I can get your daughter a full ride scholarship."

Bonnie smiled and nodded at me. I looked at frank.

"I realize that putting that little girl in a setting like that, well ninety nine times out of a hundred that's what you should do. But...but my family had a history with those schools. And those schools can also corrupt a young girl. So I would have to decline."

"Frank-"

"Avery. Stop. She needs a school like this to be a kid."

"Our curriculum is gonna get her nowhere in life." Ms Davis said.

"Then you two can work on dumbing her down into being a decent human being. She needs this socially more than anything."

I looked at frank. I felt like this could be her opportunity to shine. I was not happy about his decision. She's cooped up in learning nothing.

I sighed. "Well, is she suspended? Because I'll need to call work off if she is."

"No. Just take her home today." Ms. Davis said.

"Perfect. Frank go put Mary in the car. Ms Stevenson can I talk to you?"

Frank left and grabbed Mary. I walked out to the hall with Bonnie.

"I don't know if we have formally met. I'm Avery I'm franks wife. I Uhh..I'm sorry about all of this. I promise I didn't raise her to hit." I said.

"No. She is fine. I'm in franks side on this. I'm proud of her for standing up too. I just...the attitude sometimes."

"I know. I'm sorry I try."

"It's okay. But franks right. She probably does need more of the social emotional learning."

I nodded. "She's got a temper and anger issues and..and she swears cause she heard it from me. And I think she's hitting that age between independence with doing things herself and she still wants to be loved and cared for."

"Yes she is. You've gotta just take it day by day. Your daughter is wonderful. She's bright and she can be sweet when you get on her good side. I honestly think she's just shy and tries to hide it by being tough."

I nodded. "And I can work with her at home too. I just.."

"Day by day." She said. I nodded.

———

I walked to the car, getting in. Mary was between frank and I.

"No math books when you get home. And no toys for the next three days." I said.

"But-"

"You do not hit. I know you were doing the right thing, but you do not hit another child. That kid has a broken nose. What if that was you?"

"Well I wasn't an asshole!"

"Mary. Listen." Frank said as he drove off.

Mary pouted between frank and I. I sighed and shook my head, rubbing my temples.

"I'm sorry for hitting him. And making you have to leave work." Mary said.

I nodded. "Thank you for saying that. I forgive you just- there's other things you can do."

She nodded. Frank pulled up to the apartment.

"Hey frank?" Mary asked.

"Yup."

"Why is there someone at our door?"

"Who is it?" Frank asked. I looked over.

Oh no.

"Mary...that would be your grandmother." I said.

"Holy shit."