Sparks | (nolanverse AU)

FIVE - SCHOOLYARD WOES

Helena and I had just left the school grounds, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows across the parking lot. As we approached the car, I noticed her red cheek and the sniffling that accompanied her subdued mood. I opened the car door, and she climbed into the backseat, her small frame still tense.

Once inside, I turned to her, trying to gauge her feelings. "Helena, what happened today?"

She sniffled, her eyes welling up a bit. "Nigel hit me because he called me Lenny and I told him my name is Helena. Then he laughed when I told him it wasn't funny."

I tried to keep my voice calm and soothing. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. Did he apologize?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. "He just laughed and made fun of me."

I could see her frustration and hurt. "I'm really sorry he treated you that way. I know it's tough, but sometimes people don't understand how their actions affect others."

Helena looked up at me with a mix of determination and confusion. "But you always told me to be kind and caring to others. I didn't want to cause trouble."

I nodded, appreciating her thoughtfulness but also wanting to clarify. "That's right, Helena. It's important to be kind. But it's also okay to stand up for yourself when someone is being mean. You don't have to accept being hurt."

Helena seemed to take this in, though she still looked unsure. I decided to explain further. "Think of it this way. If you're driving and someone is blocking your way or being silly, you might honk the horn to let them know you need to pass. You're not being violent; you're just communicating in a way they understand."

Her eyes lit up with understanding. "So, I should tell them that what they're doing isn't okay?"

"Exactly," I said, smiling. "But it's important to do it in a way that doesn't hurt anyone or get you into trouble. Sometimes talking to a teacher or an adult can help too."

Helena's face brightened with comprehension. "Okay, Mommy. I'll remember that."

As we drove towards home, I saw Helena's gaze shift towards a group of kids playing soccer in a nearby field. An idea seemed to form in her mind. I mentally prepared myself for whatever might happen next.

Suddenly, Helena, with surprising determination, hopped out of the car as soon as I stopped and ran towards the soccer field. Before I could react, she grabbed a soccer ball lying on the grass, took aim, and threw it straight at Nigel, who was mid-kick. The ball hit him squarely in the head, causing him to yelp and stumble, clutching his forehead.

Helena, looking satisfied but also a bit nervous, turned and ran back to me, calling out, "Mommy, I'm ready to go meet my teacher tomorrow!"

I winced, knowing the soccer coach was likely less than pleased with the sudden disruption. I quickly followed Helena back to the car, not wanting to deal with any more angry confrontations.

As we drove away, I took a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts. I turned to Helena and said, "Sweetie, I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself. But remember, it's important to handle things in a way that doesn't hurt others or get us into trouble."

Helena's face showed a mix of understanding and lingering excitement. "So, I should talk to a teacher if someone is being mean?"

"Yes," I said gently. "Talking to a teacher or another trusted adult can help. And if you're ever unsure, you can always come to me, and we'll figure it out together."

We continued our drive home, and I planned to speak with Helena's teacher the next day to ensure everything was handled appropriately. It was a learning experience for both of us, and I was determined to guide Helena through it with patience and care.