Every Breath She Takes [CURRENTLY ON HOLD]

Chapter 34: Hopeful Starts

Sighing to myself, the events of the previous day still replaying in my mind, I went outside. All five of the kids were playing, Buddy barking happily as she joined in. Caliana was the one who noticed me first, but she only grinned at me. I felt a rush of pride towards her. She’d come a long way over the past few weeks. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched them play, not really wanting to interrupt them. Pixie ran over to me, though.

“Are you going to come and play, Mummy?”

I smiled at her, ruffling her hair. “No, sweetheart. I just want to talk to Cali when she’s ready.”

Pixie nodded, and ran inside. I continued watching the game, enjoying the laughter.

“Are you okay, Ro?”

I turned my head, meeting Jack’s worried eyes. “I’m fine.” Experimentally, I rolled my shoulder, trying not to wince at the pain. “It only hurts a little.”

He put his arms around my waist, offering support. “You’re sure? You had a rough day yesterday.”

I sighed, closing my eyes briefly. “I did what I had to do, Jack,” I said quietly. I didn’t want the children to hear. “I’ll be fine. It’s only a strain.”

“You don’t want to get it checked?”

I shook my head and kissed him. “No. There’s no need.” I stepped around him, heading for the kitchen.

It wasn’t long before Caliana joined me. “Is anything wrong?”

“No, honey. I just have a question for you.” I glanced over at her in time to see her fear.

“Yeah?”

“Would you like to go to school”

I smiled to myself at her shocked silence as I concentrated on the cake I was making, the familiar movements calming me.

“School?”

“Yes.”

“But…why? I haven’t done anything for you.”

I sighed. Biding my time for a moment, I spooned the batter into the pan before sliding it into the oven.

“There’s no need for you to do anything for me, honey. I’ve seen how much you enjoy reading. You have a bright mind.”

“Is it scary?”

“It can be,” I said honestly, cleaning up. “You can sit down, Cali. You’re not in trouble.”

She did, slowly, not taking her eyes off me.

“You’ll get to learn a lot, Cali,” I explained. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“Would I have to write?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“But I don’t know how to!”

I looked at her, my hands stilling in the hot water. “Come here a moment,” I said gently. She did, silently picking up the tea towel to dry the dishes I was cleaning. “There’s no rush, Cali,” I explained. “I can teach you here, if you want me to. It’s completely up to you.”

She nodded, her hair hiding her face as she thought. “Can I think about it, please?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Take all the time you need.”

We worked in a companionable silence. I could see her thoughts whirring, trying to find the hidden catch. After a while, she spoke slowly.

“Would I have to stay if I didn’t like it?”

“No. I promise. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

She looked up, smiling at me. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

I  hugged her quickly, disregarding the water dripping off my hands. “You don’t need to. You should be happy, my dear.”

“I’ll do it,” she told me, her gorgeous blue eyes shining. “I want to learn.”

“You’re a brave girl, Caliana.”

The oven beeped, and I pulled the cake out. Like magic, my four appeared in the kitchen, covered in dirt and grass.

“Cake?”

I laughed. “Leave most of my garden outside, and you can have some.” I picked one of my wild violets out of Cam’s hair, raising an eyebrow. He only grinned at me sheepishly and pointed to his brother. Mark had similar floral decorations in his hair.

“Do I have any flowers left?”

“Ah…we’ll plant some more?”

Somehow, they managed to make it sound like a question, and I laughed again.

“Go on. Eat your cake.”

They all did. Quickly. As they carted their empty plates to the sink, I dashed their good mood.

“Homework.” Four groans answered me, but I was unmoved. “Yes. It will be quick. Out here, kitchen table. All of you.”

They vanished sulkily, and Caliana looked at me. “What can I do?” she asked quietly.

“Would you like me to start teaching you now?” I offered. She nodded, relief and eagerness chasing each other through her eyes.

“Yes please!”

“Reading Room,” I decided. “It’s quieter. Take a book you like reading, and I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”

I was true to my word. Once my four were settled and working, I joined her.