Wanting Mr. Barkley (Book 2)

Chapter Four . . . Past and Present

Chapter Four . . . Past and Present

Karen's POV

"So I'm guessing the date didn't go well last night?" Asked my nine almost ten year old son, as  he acted like he was my twenty year old best friend.

We were on our way to his school. My plan was to drop him off, warn his principle about the threat I got during my date, and go to work with hopefully having the whole situation under control.

"What makes you say that?" I asked him with a smile.

"Well, you came home pretty early last night and today you look like you are on a mission for the police." He said, almost like he could read me like an open book.

"Wow, very observant, and I thought you were asleep last night when I got back?" I watched as his pink cheeks turned red.

"Well, I heard you, Dylan, and Derek talking last night, but I rolled over and went back to sleep." I laughed at that one. He was the sweetest and most innocent young boy a mother could ask for. "And mom, I've known you all of my life, I can read you like the back of my hand."

I bit my lip as I stared at the road in front of me and began thinking. Due to my past, I had to keep Garrett under my watch since he was born. I thought I was doing the right thing, but now I wondered if protecting him caused him to become too attached to me. What if he become like me? Untrusting, unloving, almost worthless.

***Flashback***

"You're fucking worthless Karen! Why do I even keep you around for, huh?"

I instintivly grabbed my ribs with one hand.

***End Flashback***

"Mom are you crying?" I heard Garrett's voice ask and it brought me back to reality.

"No baby. I'm fine. I just had something in my eye." I quickly wiped the tear away as I pulled into the school's parking lot. "Are you ready?" I asked and he nodded excitedly.

Together we got out of the car and walked to the jungle gym outside. "Go play." I told Garrett.

"Are you sure you are going to be okay?'" He asked, such a protector that boy is.

"Yes, Garrett. Now get going." He turned to go, but turned back and hugged me before running off. I covered my mouth and tried to stop the tears from falling. How did I get so lucky?

"Hello Karen." I turned towards the voice and found that the voice that was calling me was Garret's principle.

"Hello Mrs. Shwartz, how are you?" I greeted with a smile.

"Good. I got your call and you said there was some sort of issue with Mr. Ramsey?" I nodded.

"You know, I really do hate to be a pain but there has been an issue with Mr. Ramsey and I, and I'm afraid that it is going to effect my sons schooling".

"Oh that, Karen, I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I feel the need to." I watched as she debated with herself before starting.

"Derek Barkley came to the building early this morning, and had a few words with Gus Ramsey before coming and talking to me." She told me before sighing.

"Derek came here?" It was a disbelief for me to believe that, but he has always said that Garrett was like his own son, so who knew.

"There was a lot of arguing and then I heard a crash, he came to my office after that and told me about your situation. I'm sorry Karen." I shook my head.