One Shots 'The nursery nurse'

It all fell down Part V

The car came to a halt in front of the Nursery. Today was one of those days, where he just wanted to stay at home.

He played with the ring, that hung from a necklace around his neck. Autumn's wedding ring.

Every year, as the date approached, he felt uneasy. Mother's Day. He always tried not to work on this day. But unfortunately it wasn't possible to take the day off this year.

"Dad?" His daughter's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "Are you coming?" He just nodded and got out of the car.

Jennifer realised that her father wasn't feeling well. She also had to prepare herself for what to expect at the Nursery today. But she tried to distract her father a little.

"I've booked a table at the Italian restaurant for tonight," she said with a smile.

"Very nice, I'm looking forward to it."

"And after, we visit Mum...." she murmured.

The two of them walked down the corridor in the Nursery. Winter walked on, he was in the Preschool room today.

While Jennifer stopped at the manager's office. "Dad, I need to see Marjorie..." she said sheepishly.

Winter knew exactly why, he smiled slightly at her and walked on.

When she opened the door. Marjorie was already typing away on her PC.

"Oh good morning Jen! Just in case you want to know where you are today. You're in the Toddlerroom."

"Yes, I know... I actually wanted to give you something...". The girl stepped up to Marjorie's desk. She rummaged around in her bag and then pulled out a bottle of wine and a wine glass.

"Happy Mother's Day."

Marjorie jumped up from her chair and hugged her tightly. " Thank you. But like I'll tell you every year. It wasn't necessary."

"But you were always there when I needed you," Jennifer whispered. The manager cupped her face and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"At least my niece is giving me something nice. Not like my son." Marjorie sat down again.

Jennifer couldn't help but laugh. She knew how forgetful Nate was. " Oh no! What did you get?"

" My son! Who's finishing school this year! Gave me a voucher for a free hug!"

" Oh well. At least he didn't forgot, like last year."

The Toddler room was already working hard on the Mother's Day card. Some of the children where also working on cards for their fathers or grandparents.

Sorscha was helping some of the children, while Jennifer was still doing handovers.

"Good morning! Good morning Mandy!" shouted Jennifer. The little girl immediately ran past her to the table, where the other children were already sitting. "Oh, she's in a hurry."

Her mum smiled. "Yes, she can't wait to make me a card. And what are you doing for your mum today?"

Jennifer had to swallow.
It wasn't her fault. She couldn't have known. "Unfortunately, nothing. My mum died very young..."

" Oh sorry.... but at least you have the memory of her..."

Another stab in the heart for the girl. "I was very, very young. I only know her from pictures..."

"Oh well, then it's not as bad."

Sorscha, who was sitting nearby, immediately looked up.

"Excuse me?" Jennifer only managed to get out.

"Well, I mean, you didn't know her. So it's not that bad."

Jennifer clenched her fist. "Oh yes, it's not bad at all! I mean she wasn't there when I started school! Or when I graduated! Oh and she'll never be there when I get married! But what am I supposed to miss? I didn't know her!"

"That's not what I meant," said the child's mother embarrassed.

Sorscha jumped up. "Ok, that's enough! You'd better go now!" she told her sternly.

Mandy's mum quickly left the room.

"Are you all right Jen?"

" I'm fine..."

Sorscha looked after her as she sat down with the children. Poor girl, she thought to herself.

Carly entered the room. " Good morning!" She noticed the tense voice around the room. "Has something happened?" she asked Sorscha.

"Oh, Mandy's mum just said something she shouldn't have!"

"Mandy's mum? Well... she already got her karma..."

Sorscha looked at her questioningly.

"Well, when I got here. I saw Mandy's mum tripping over nothing in the car park, falling flat on her face! Like I said, karma..."

Sorscha crossed her arms and looked at Jennifer. " Or a really angry guardian angel..."

As the day drew to a close, Winter and Jennifer walked through the cemetery.

The girl placed a candle on her mother's grave. Winter placed a bouquet of flowers next to it. Dark wildflowers. Like the kind Autumn had at thier wedding.

"Happy Mother's Day," said Jennifer.

"Sorscha told me about Mandy's mum."

"It's okay, Dad."

Winter put his hand on the girl's shoulder.
" I know you're strong. But I just wanted to tell you, that she paid a price for her words.... Apparently she kissed the ground of our car park... Seems like your mum got justice right away..."

Jennifer looked at him critically. "I don't believe in the paranormal."

"You don't have to. But still, your mum is always looking out for you."