Memory

Chapter 20

Jennifer P.O.V

"Isabella Brown," I repeat, finding that name oddly familiar. "Isn't her father's name David Brown?"

"Yeah, that's him. He's the one all the female teachers are fawning over."

"Oh, okay. Well, yeah, I can watch her. What does her dad look like? I don't want to let a stranger take her away?"

"He's about six foot five, darkish brown skin, medium brown eyes, a short beard, and as I'm constantly hearing, he's an absolute gentleman."

"He sounds like your typical dream guy," I chuckle, sorting out a few papers on my desk. "Now go on and tend to your family. I'll call you if I need anything".

"Ok, thank you. I owe you big time".

"Don't worry about it," I smile, waving him goodbye.

As Manolo walked out of the room, he stopped for a moment, ushering her inside.

The moment I laid eyes on her, my heart practically burst out of my chest because of how adorable she was.

"Hi," I beam, slowly approaching her. Manolo said she was quiet, but I didn't think she was this shy.

Hiding behind Manolo's leg, she slowly peeked her head out, looking at me and probably trying to determine if I was the wrong person.

For some odd reason, kids can sense that when it comes to adults.

"H-hi," she whispers, gripping his pants for dear life.

"There's no reason to be scared," I assure her, hoping this will calm her down. "I'm a nice teacher; I'll take good care of you," I say, kneeling to her eye level.

Sadly, she didn't budge, but I wouldn't give up. I didn't want her to be uncomfortable while she was here with me because I know how that feels all too well.

Thinking of other ways to ease her, I devise one idea that I pray works.

"Do you like music?" I asked, and she nodded yes in response.

"Would you mind telling me your favorite song? I would love to sing it for you".

Slowly coming into full view, she finally walks up to me and whispers her favorite song.

"My favorite song is Friends from the other side from Princess and the Frog."

"Oh my god, I love that song too," I say, excitedly clapping my hands. "I can grab my guitar, and we could sing it together. Does that sound fun?"

"Yeah," she exclaims, giving me the biggest and brightest smile I've ever seen.

"Ok, just go ahead and grab a chair, and I'll be there in a moment."

"Awight".

"I think she'll be perfectly fine here with me. You can go now," I say, hugging Manolo.

My other students were gone an hour later, but Isabella was still here, patiently waiting for her father.

What could be more important than picking up your daughter from school? I hope he isn't one of those fathers prioritizing work over his child.

Like how Nicolas has been with me lately.

As I was about to ask Isabella if she knew her father's number, a man walked in, and Isabella's face lit up so bright it would put the stars to shame.

"Daddy," she squealed, running into his arms.

"Hi, princess," he said, picking her up and holding her in his arms. "Daddy is so sorry for being late. Something happened to my car, so I had to ask Uncle Jackson for a ride here."

"It's okay. Can we go to McDonald's after this? I'm hungry".

"Of course, sweetie, you can get anything you want too."

Placing her back down on the ground, she runs over to the table where she sat to collect her things.

"Sorry about this. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble with my unfortunate predicament," he said, holding his hand out. "By the way, I'm David Brown."

"Jennifer Gonzalez," I replied, shaking his hand. "And it's alright. We never know when our cars just want to break down on us last minute".

"You're right, by the way. Are you new here? I don't think I've met you before?'

"I'm somewhat new. I started here a couple of months ago".

"Ohh, ok, that's nice. Do you enjoy working here?."

"Yeah, I'm still trying to learn the ropes, but I'm confident I'll have it down soon."

"I like a woman who's confident in her work," he complimented me as I sat at my desk.

Carrying on our small talk, I understand why Manolo said the other teachers fawn over him so much. He's tall and handsome, has beautiful, clear, dark skin, and a naturally deep and sexy voice that would make any woman fall for him.

To top it off, he has captivating brown eyes that look like a stream of honey whenever the sunlight shines over them.

"Jennifer," I heard a distant voice say.

"Jennifer, are you okay?" he asked, laying his hand on my forehead. "You're a bit hot, and your face is a little red.

"Huh...yea yea, I'm fine," I reply, removing his hand from my head. "I just spaced out for a bit."

Facing my head toward the ground in an attempt to avoid eye contact, I feel this wave of shame and guilt wash over me. I'm a married woman, and I am checking out another man.

After Isabella had finished gathering her items, she walked over to David and placed her hand in his.

"I ready to go now," she said, looking up at him.

"Ok, sweetie," he replied, giving her a bright smile. "Thank you again, Jennifer, for staying this long to watch her. I promise it won't happen again".

"I wouldn't mind it happening again," I mumble, finally making eye contact with him again.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing. You two enjoy the rest of your day," I wave as I walk them out the door.

"You too," he says, picking Isabella up.

"Bye, Ms.Gonzonlala. I hope I see you again," Isabella yelled as she and David approached the door to leave the building.

"I hope so too".I yelled back, waving them goodbye.