Ya ne znal

Chapter 21

Monday, September 22

"Maks, I'm worried."

"I know Meryl but it's going to be ok. We are just going to check the school out. If we don't like the school, we can keep looking. It's going to be ok."

"I'm not worried about that Maks. I'm more worried about how she is going to do. What if she totally freaks out and goes back to how she was when she came to us."

"If that happens, then we'll deal with it. It's going to be ok Princess. We have to do this. It's for her own good."

"I know. It's just, it's going to be so hard."

"We are in this together Mer. Now come on. It's time to get ready." He climbs out of bed and helps Meryl out as well. She quickly gets dressed and then heads to go get Adalyn.

"Hi milaya devushka. We have to get dressed because we have somewhere to go this morning."

"Where are we going?"

"We are going to a school. A preschool."

"School for who?"

"Possibly for you."

"I have to go to school?"

"Yes. All kids have to go to school."

"Do you and Papa go to school?"

"No. Not anymore."

"Will you come with me to school?"

"Today both Papa and I will but everyday we won't. You'll be safe. I promise."

"Ok" Adalyn says softly.

"How about you wear this outfit today. It will be really comfortable and it's cute." The outfit is a lime green top with a sheer clear and black chevron overlay. It is paired with a pair of jean shorts.

"Ok Mama." She gets dressed and then they go find Maks.

"Are we ready to head out now?" Maks asks giving a kiss to Adalyn.

"I think we are. Let's go."

~

When Maks pulls up to the preschool, he knows this is the school for Adalyn. He just knows it but isn't sure why. He looks at his wife and she gives him a weak smile. He looks in the rear view mirror at his daughter. She's looking out the window with and uncertain look.

"Alright moya lyubov. It's time to go in." He hears them both sigh. Meryl reaches for her buckle but can't bring herself to unbuckle it. Maks reaches over and unbuckles it for her. He then whispers in her ear, "You have to look happy or Adalyn will pick up on it."

She smiles and they both get out of the car. Maks helps Adalyn out and holds both Meryl and Adalyn's hands. They walk in and up to the front desk.

"Hello. How can I help you?"

"Hi. We um... we have an appointment with Dr. Stewart" Meryl says with a small smile.

"Oh yes. The... um... Ch..."

"Chmerkovskiy's."

"Yes. Follow me. I'll take you to her office now. Come with me."

"Great. Thank you" Maks says putting his hand on Meryl's back telling her to go ahead.

When they reach the door, the secretary knocks and opens the door. There is a lady, who seems to be in her early 40's.

"Dr. Stewart, I have the Ch...I'm sorry. I can't say your last name."