Trust Me [Book 2]

Chapter 12: The Family Thing

Chapter 12 - [September 17th]

In the middle of a quiet hallway, my arms stayed tightly wrapped around my daughter's body. I couldn't let her go. Not yet.

My heart slammed against my chest. I bit my lip as I held back tears. The last thing I wanted was for her to start crying but it was so hard to keep calm.

I'd already missed out on so much time with her and now this. Why now? Why did my baby have to leave me now?

I'm not ready.

Rick loudly cleared his throat. I didn't budge. He didn't understand my pain. He could wait. They all could wait.

"Mommy," Rocky whispered. "I have to go."

"No baby not yet."

Who made the rule that four year olds go to preschool? How stupid. And Stupid Rick put her in a full day program. Other countries don't start schooling until age seven and those children are fine.

"Aww I'm gonna be late."

"Why don't we try this again next week?" I suggested.

Rocky squirmed around trying to push away from me, furthering my heartbreak. She's supposed to be my baby. Baby. Not preschooler.

Rick squatted down next to us. He placed a gentle hand on my back. "Elle we're already here. We'll see her after naptime. Everything will be okay." He spoke to me like I was the child.

"Please listen to Daddy," Rocky pleaded, stomping her feet.

My arms dropped away in defeat. Preventing a tantrum overrode my need to hold her forever.

Standing up, I straighten my skirt while taking a deep breath. Rick picked Rocky up and carried her in the classroom. I grabbed the duffle bag before following behind them.

The alphabet, shapes and numbers were painted around the brightly lit classroom. Aside from the teacher's desk, all the furniture was miniature. There were sectioned off spaces for blocks, arts, reading and a large oval alphabet rug in the back.

"Hi you must be our new friend Rocky. I'm your teacher Ms. Leslie," a woman greeted walking over to Rick and Rocky.

"You're pretty like Mommy."

The teacher's mouth gaped for a moment before she laughed.

I have to teach my child normal hellos. Ms. Leslie honestly had a face for Vogue and she did slightly favor my sister, Michelle but I wasn't expecting Rocky to say anything.

"Thank you. You're pretty too."

Rocky grinned sheepishly, playing shy for now. Rick put her down and helped her take off her Minnie Mouse backpack.

"Hey Leslie." Rick said. He opted for a side hug instead of a handshake. "Thanks for everything."

"It was my pleasure." They were looking real comfortable. Almost too comfortable for my liking.

Rick's hand found my lower back. "This is-"

"Oh I recognize her." Leslie smiled with familiarity as we shook hands. "It's nice to finally meet you in person. I've seen your face a thousand times in the shrine Rick has of you in his office." I looked over to Rick who was blushing. Rubbing his neck, he stared at the carpet.

"Alright that's enough," he said.

Leslie laughed as she took Rocky's hand. "I'll be right back. I want to show Ms. Rocky her cubby and set her up in a center."