Only Time Will Tell...

Cooper's first day of Kindergarten

5 months later

Cooper ran downstairs, excited for his first day of kindergarten. He had lazily gotten dressed, and Ashton forced him to brush his teeth, but now he was ready to be in school.

Ashton quickly packed his lunch, and gave him his little Monster’s INC. lunchbox. She was just as excited as him for his first day.

After getting Shawn and Kendall, they headed out. The elementary school was only a couple miles away, and parents were required to come their first day.

When they got to the school, Cooper jumped out and ran to see all the other kids. Liam was there, but was left to take care of Shawn and Kendall, so Ashton could get the schedules.

She walked in with Cooper to this wonderful classroom, decorated with all kinds of cute frogs and the alphabet read across the board. Ashton thought this was a wonderful environment for Cooper and was so excited for him to meet his teacher. A tall man came up to them.

“Hello, my name is Mr. Trevis Williams. I am the kindergarten teacher. I can’t wait to see these busy bees learn!” the man said to Cooper and Ashton.

Ashton remembered the name, and quickly stepped back.

“Who’s this little fellow?” Trevis said, smiling to Cooper.

“My name’s Malik. Cooper Malik.” Cooper said, with pride.

“Well, Cooper, I look forward to this year with you!” Trevis said, and then looked up at Ashton. “Would you like to introduce me to your mommy?” he added.

“Ashton…Payne…” Ashton told him. Just to clarify, the teacher was the kid that bullied Ashton in high school.

“Ashton. I like the name. Reminds me of this really sweet girl in high school…” Trevis said.

“Oh, Trashy Ashy?” Ashton asked, already knowing the answer.

“Um…” Trevis slowly stepped back. “Wait, Ashton? Is it really you?”

Ashton nodded and called Liam into the classroom.

“Liam, you know who this is?” Ashton asked him.

“I’m guessing the kindergarten teacher…” Liam said.

“Yes, but his name’s Trevis. Trevis Williams. He used to go to my high school…” Ashton said, hinting to Liam.

Liam understood. “So this is the guy that abused and bullied you?” he said, pounding his fists together.

“About that, I’m so sorry. I was a complete idiot and I’ve learned from my mistakes!” Trevis said, cowardly.

Liam popped his knuckles. Ashton pulled him back.

“Ok, maybe he really is sorry. I mean look at him. He’s a kindergarten teacher. People change, Liam. I did…” Ashton whispered to him.

“But the thought of him ever hurting you makes me sick!” Liam said, angrily.

“Um…sir…I can understand why you’re mad, but I am truly sorry for what I did to your wife!” Trevis said.

He was nothing like high school. Imagine Ashton as a nerd in high school. Now Trevis was the nerd.

“I think Cooper should find another kindergarten to go to…” Liam said, and Ashton grabbed Cooper’s hand as they walked out. She did believe in forgiveness, but she wasn’t ready to forgive Trevis yet.

Cooper yelled, “I want to STAY!”

“I don’t trust your teacher…” Liam said.

“Let’s just sleep on it…” Ashton suggested.

“You want me to sleep on my teacher?” Cooper asked, confused.

“No!” Liam yelled.

“I meant, let’s sleep on the thought!” Ashton said.

“I can’t sleep on my thoughts, mum!” Cooper laughed.

“Honey, daddy and I will think about you staying here!” Ashton explained.

“Oh, well, decide wes!”  Cooper said.

“OK, sweetie, how about we go get some ice cream?” Liam suggested.

“Wes!” Cooper said, jumping in the car.