Fostered by their teacher

Chapter 10

Harper's POV

I wake up to the soft light coming through the curtains. My bed is warm, but I'm not sleepy anymore. I blink a few times and sit up, hugging my blankie tight. Trey is still sleeping, all curled up like a ball, and I can hear Taylor breathing quietly in his bed. It's still early, but I want to find Y/N. She always gives us hugs in the morning.

I slide out of bed, dragging my blankie behind me as I tiptoe down the hall. It's quiet, and the house feels big when it's like this. I peek into Mason's room, but it's empty. Lincon's door is closed, but I don't feel like going in there. I just want Y/N.

When I get to Y/N's room, the door is a little open, so I push it gently and peek inside. Y/N's lying in her bed, her back turned to the door, but I can tell she's awake because her breathing sounds different.

I pad over to her bed and crawl up beside her, wrapping my arms around her waist and snuggling close. She feels warm and soft, like she always does.

"Y/N?" I whisper, my voice tiny in the big quiet room.

She stirs a little and turns over to face me, her eyes tired but gentle. "Morning, Harp," she says softly, brushing some hair away from my face. "You're up early."

I nod and hug her tighter. "Wanted to be with you."

Y/N pulls me closer, holding me for a minute, and I feel safe. I like it when Y/N holds me like this.

After a few moments, she sits up and glances at the clock on her bedside table. "It's still early," she says, rubbing her eyes. "But Mrs. Lewis will be here soon to take you and the triplets to preschool."

I wrinkle my nose. I don't want to go to preschool. I'd rather stay home with Y/N. But I know Mrs. Lewis is nice, and she always gives us snacks.

"Can I stay with you instead?" I ask, looking up at her with big eyes.

Y/N smiles softly but shakes her head. "Not today, Harp. I've got some things to do, but I'll be here when you get back, okay?"

I pout a little but nod. "Okay."

Just then, I hear footsteps in the hallway, and Trey and Taylor come running into the room. They climb up on Y/N's bed, both of them giggling and talking at the same time.

"Morning, Y/N!" Trey says, bouncing on the bed while Taylor hugs her pillow close.

Y/N laughs softly, and I can see her trying to hide how tired she looks. "Good morning, you two," she says, ruffling Trey's hair.

Mrs. Lewis arrives not long after, her cheerful voice filling the house. "Good morning, everyone!" she calls as she steps inside, her bag slung over her shoulder. "Ready for a fun day at preschool?"

Trey and Taylor are excited, but I stay quiet, holding Y/N's hand as we head to the door. I don't really feel like going, but I know Y/N needs us to. Mrs. Lewis helps us put on our shoes and jackets, and soon enough, we're outside, climbing into her big car.

Y/N waves at us from the doorway, and I wave back, clutching my blankie in my lap. The car ride is always fun with Mrs. Lewis, but today, I just want to be with Y/N. I'll see her later, though. She promised.

We get to preschool, and Mrs. Lewis parks the car in front of the big, colorful building. Trey and Taylor are already excited, bouncing in their seats, but I feel heavy. I don't want to get out of the car. I don't want to go inside.

Mrs. Lewis opens the door and helps Trey out first. He's already talking about the blocks he wants to play with, and Taylor is holding her hand, skipping along beside her. I sit there quietly, holding my blankie tighter.