Chapter 5 - Must Be A Bro Thing (If We Have Each Other Part 2)
=|=|=
Mrs. James POV
As I got the kids settled in the car, I glanced back at them, tired but smiling. They were excited about the day's adventures and seemed to be in high spirits. I hoped this would take their minds off the worries they'd shared earlier.
I walked up to Mr. Bell still leaning against the door zombified, my heart a bit heavy with the weight of what I was about to discuss. I called out to him, and he answered with a slightly confused look.
"Mr. Bell, how have you been?" I asked gently.
He sighed deeply. "It's been rough, Sarah. The divorce hit hard, and I've been struggling to keep it together."
I nodded sympathetically. "I understand. I know it's not easy. I wanted to talk to you about something that might help. There's a support group I know of that could be really beneficial."
He frowned and shook his head. "I don't know, Sarah. I'm not sure it's for me. I mean, it's just... what good would it really do?"
"It's natural to feel that way," I said softly. "But sometimes, talking to others who've been through similar things can make a huge difference. You don't have to go through this alone."
He hesitated, still not convinced. "But what about Crystal? I can't just leave her on her own."
I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "You don't have to worry about her. Those four kids—Micah and his friends—they're wonderful. They practically take care of themselves. I'd be more than happy to keep an eye on Crystal until you get back on your feet."
Mr. Bell looked at me with a mix of surprise and skepticism. "You'd do that?"
"Of course," I said, trying to smile reassuringly. "They're such good kids. They support each other so well."
He seemed to soften a bit, but his expression remained troubled. "I just don't know if I can manage all this."
I thought for a moment and then suggested, "What if you also had someone to talk to who understands what you're going through? Lehl-Anne's mother, Bianca, she might be interested in joining as well. It could be a good support network for both of you."
Mr. Bell's eyes brightened a bit at the suggestion. "That's a great idea, Sarah. I'll think about it."
He then leaned in, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you. I really appreciate this."
I put a comforting hand on his shoulder as he hugged me. I could feel his tension and sadness. "It's no trouble at all. I've been through my own share of struggles, and I know how hard it can be. After my own divorce, I had to find my own support system. It helped me so much, and I just want to do the same for others."
Mr. Bell's eyes welled up with tears. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I'm glad to be here for you," I said, gently patting his back. "I'll come by tomorrow after school to help clean up the place. We'll get things back on track."
"Thank you again, Sarah. It means a lot," he said, his voice breaking as he clung to me for a moment longer.
"It's really no problem," I reassured him. "We all need a little help sometimes. You'll get through this, and so will Crystal. We're here for you."
He finally stepped back, managing a small, grateful smile. "I'll see you then. And thank you for everything."
I nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and hope as I walked back to the car. This was going to be a long road, but I hoped with a bit of support, things could start to turn around for Mr. Bell and Crystal.
