Triggered

Part 2

It's been about a month since the incident at the restaurant. Things have gone back to normal pretty fast. I've been able to push that night out of my mind, pretending like it never happened.

"Ok, Trixie it's your turn on the balance beam." I called to the little 12 year old.

I got roped in to teach gymnastics because Chloe called in sick. I'm more comfortable as a dance teacher but someone had to fill in.

The lesson went as well as expected. Most of the kids knew me already from dance. So, they behaved quite nicely.

"Ms. Ross, you're single right?" Trixie asked. She has only been here for a couple of weeks but has already made herself at home .

"Yeah, why?"

"My uncles single."

"Oooo" the other girls snickered behind me.

"Well, that's great for him. Now can you show us your routine before class is up?" I tried to get her refocused on the task at hand.

"I'm only asking cause he's suppose to pick me up today." She explained before mounting onto the beam.

"As much as I love little girls playing matchmaker with my love life, I'm gonna have to decline." I tried ending the conversation.

"But Ms. Ross you're so pretty, you could get any guy you want." Olivia chimed in.

"Thank you, but like I said, no match making!" I warned.

Many of their little faces looked displeased with my answer. I'm sure by Monday they will have moved on to something else. So, I'm not to worried about it.

After Trixie finished, I dismissed the class for the night. They scurried away, eager to discuss their plans for the rest of the night.

This was the last class for the evening which meant I was incharge of cleaning and locking up.
After an hour of disinfecting and sweeping, I finally made my way to the front desk. I was already half way threw shutting down the computers before I realized Trixie was still here. She was sitting in one of the chairs looking out the window.

"Trixie, what are you still doing here?"

She checked her phone before answering.

"My uncle got caught up in a meeting, I guees." She shrugged.

"Is he still coming to get you?" I'd offer to drive her home but I dont have a car. The studio is only a mile from my appartment, so I never really got around to buying one.

"He should be here soon, I think."

"Ok, why don't we go get some hot chocolate at the coffee shop across the street and he can meet us there."
I stretch my hand out for her to take.

"Yeah!" She said excitedly jumping off her seat.
She grabbed my hand and swung our arms back and forth. Well, that seemed to cheer her up fast.
I quickly locked the doors and we sauntered over to the shop.
After we ordered, Trixie led us to a table in the corner. She took the chair by the wall so she could keep an eye on the entrance.

"Thank you for my drink."

"You are very welcome. Did you make sure to text your uncle where we are?"

"Yeah!" She pulled out her phone checking for a reply back.

"He says he'll be here in 20 minutes."

Good, I still have to walk home and there isn't much light left in the day.

We continued to talk about dance and how she was making new friends at school. I couldn't help but continually glance at the clock.  Fourty minutes has passed since the text and its completely dark outside now. Hopefully, I have my pepper spray in my bag. There was also some on the keychain to the studio. I think its expired though.