Forgiving Love | rewrite

Therapy

"Do you have a minute, Vivianne?"

I turn on my heels to give a feigned smile at Kara and Aiden's preschool teacher. The twins have already gone to the playroom, and I hang back to watch them for a second, but I should've left when I had the chance.

"Yes, of course, Ms. Brown." I keep a broad smile on my face, not sure what to expect. I haven't had many chances to chat with her lately, but we've kept in touch via texts.

Ms. Brown gently guides me to the side, tugging her ginger hair behind her ears. A soothing smile appears on her face as she adjusts her red glasses.

"I know there have been some changes in your household this year," she begins, her typically overjoyed tone becoming concerned. "And Kara seems to be doing well."

Well, sometimes, I almost slip, but I chew my lip, my smile wavering. I hide it with a sip of my takeaway coffee.

"However, Aiden has recently started to isolate himself from the group. He is mostly by himself," Ms. Brown's hazel eyes regard me with compassion, but I wave my hand.

"Yes, well, the twins usually stick together. It's hard for them to let others in, but I'll talk about it with them," I convince Ms. Brown, who shifts on her feet.

"I'm sorry, but you misunderstand me. I'm speaking of Aiden. Kara is doing wonderfully. On the other hand, Aiden is very closed off," she presses.

Somehow, I manage to keep my mouth's corners pointed upward.

"Oh, I see." I nod, but Ms. Brown doesn't look convinced.

"I think there's more to it. Have you considered therapy for him? Many kids don't know how to handle their parents' separation. Usually in their age—."

"Thank you for your suggestions," I interrupt, my hand lifted.

Ms. Brown eyes me carefully, surprise lingering in her eyes.

"Yes, if you'd rather talk about this some other time, for example, in the afternoon after preschool, you can call me. It would be good if Liam attended the conversation as well." She just keeps having good ideas.

"Yeah, sure, we'll do that." I smile through my gritted teeth.

I approach the playroom door and glance at Aiden, who looks perfectly happy, as he does every day. His light curls cover his entire head, and his green eyes twinkle when he explains something to Kara.

Ms. Brown doesn't know what she's talking about.

"Okay then. I'll wait for the call," Ms. Brown says, intentionally misinterpreting my tone.

I barely acknowledge her wave before I storm out of the preschool, speedwalking across the parking lot. After I climb to my car, slamming the door shut, I start the car but don't move. I rest my hands on the steering wheel, but I can't change the car to reverse. Instead, I dial the only person I can think of, the only person who knows Aiden like I do.

My Aiden, my little baby.

"Hey, what's up?" Liam answers the phone almost immediately.

"I just had a chat with Ms. Brown," my foot taps on the gas pedal.

Liam is silent, waiting for me to continue, but when he realizes I won't, he lets out a loaded sigh.

"I assume something happened?" he draws out.

"Yes, Liam, something happened. She told me we should consider therapy for Aiden." I shake my head as I say this, thinking of her audacity.

"Okay, did she say why?" Liam asks, clearly worried but not as phased as me.