No Shame (Book 2 - No Regrets)

Chapter Twenty-Seven - Team Toddler

DOMINICK'S POV

Ms. Maxwell starts the meeting telling Tyde and I about how sweet Mollie is, and what a joy she is to have. Smart move, ease the tension that comes with having to ask two parents to meet with you to discuss their child's problematic behavior. However, after pouring out praises for Mollie, she begins to ease us into discussions the concerns Mollie's teachers and her have.

At the top of the list, Mollie's sudden disengagement with the other children and her teachers. Mollie has begun resisting joining the other kids during play time, craft time, and story time. Instead, she will linger at her seat or somewhere in the corner playing alone. "She has such a bubbly spirit that we miss seeing." Ms. Maxwell says. "Have you two noticed any changes in her behavior at home?"

Tyde and I look to each other, neither of us have noticed anything. "No, we haven't." I answer for the both of us. We both turn our attention back to the daycare director. "She is her usual self at home. We had a stressful incident occur over the weekend that left her a bit moody for a couple days but she is back to herself now." I answer.

Ms. Maxwell nods, "I see." She says. She flips through a couple papers she las laid out in front of her on the desk. "That would explain if the changes in her behavior were a recent development this week, but as you know, we have had concerns for a little over a month."

I nod my head listening. Ms. Maxwell goes on to explain that aside from a couple tantrums and a few incidents of Mollie hitting either a classmate or one of her teachers, Mollie's behavioral concerns are less about her acting out and more about her social withdrawal. I search my memory for any indication at home, any moment, any hint that Mollie was bothered or distressed. However, I find nothing, aside from the aftermath of our encounter with them. "Mollie is the happy fire-pistol she has always been when she is with us." I say.

"Most of the time." Tyde chimes in. She leans forward a bit, "She's been a little more bashful, but I read that some toddlers go through a stage or sometimes become introverts naturally."

I want to ask Tyde what she has noticed that I missed, but Ms. Maxwell starts to speak. "Interesting. Yes, I agree that some children merely become introverts, a completely normal and natural. I am not ruling that out regarding Mollie, as you two know her best. What concerns her teachers and myself most is how sudden these changes have occurred." She looks up from the papers to look at us both. She folds her hands and sets them on her desk. "I know I already asked you once Mr. Benji if Mollie had been exposed to anything that she might have difficulties processing or if there have been any changes in her routine or life. However, it is my responsibility to check again to allow us to move forward and devise a plan that will be best for everyone, especially Mollie."

"Beside what happened over this weekend, she hasn't been exposed to anything that may be troubling her." I answer. I look out the corner of my eye to see if Tyde may have a different perspective or answer. She nods her head and echos in agreement with me.

"Okay." Ms. Maxwell says writing a quick note on a piece of paper. "Then let us discuss ways to potential help Mollie." She says.

"Do you think she needs to be moved to a new class, maybe she is being challenged too much or not enough." Tyde suggests.

"That is an option, however, I would strongly advise that be a last resort. That would be a big change for a toddler." Ms. Maxwell replies.

"I agree." I say speaking up.

"We have been thinking," Tyde says, she pauses and glances at me. She places a hand on my arm, "that we want Mollie to see a doctor or specialist. I know you mentioned that there were some you could recommend."

"Tyde." I whisper quietly to her. I subtly shake my head. She gives me a determined look.

Ms. Maxwell types a little on the computer, "Here are a couple specialist, I can personally recommend." She says. The printer behind her roars to life, a minute later she places a paper in front of us on the desk.

"Thank you." Tyde says taking the list. She folds the paper and places it in her purse. "Thank you for being so understanding about schedules and patient." She adds.

"Thank you both for meeting with me." Ms. Maxwell says standing up. I stand up and shake her hand, I echo my appreciation for the meeting.

Tyde pulls out her phone as we leave the daycare center. I open the door for her and say goodbye to the ladies at the front desk. "Are you going to explain why you have made such a big decision without talking with me?" I ask as we approach the car. I unlock the doors and we both get in.

Tyde, still looking at her phone, buckles her seatbelt. "We did talk about it." She points out.

"We didn't agree to take her to see anyone." I counter, buckling my seatbelt and starting the car.

"Nothing has been decided yet, I wanted to get us all the information." Tyde says. "You know where I stand." She sets her phone on her lap.

"And you know where I stand."

"Yes, we agreed to do whatever was in Mollie's best interest." Tyde says. Her phone buzzes, she picks it up. She lets out a sigh.

"We didn't agree that taking her to see anyone was in her best interest." I argue.

"And as I said, nothing has been decided. I only wanted to have as much information as possible." Tyde argues back. She types something on her phone.

"You know very well this forces my hand and- okay, if you're not going listen then I'm going to stop talking." I say frustrated.

Tyde sets her phone back down on her phone annoyed. "I am listening, Dominick." She snaps. "Believe it or not, but I may have other priorities than repeating the same argument with you." Her phone buzzes again. She looks and lets out a loud scoff. "That is rich." she comments.

We get to a red light. "Oh, forgive me for thinking Mollie's well-being is top priority. Please share what else is so important."

Tyde looks at me angrily. "Take a look." She angrily hands me her phone. I look and see a picture of a newborn baby swaddled and laying in a hospital cot.

"Okay, who am I looking at?" I ask confused.

Tyde crosses her arms, holding them tight against her chest. "Linkon and I's new little brother. Born early this morning." Her lip curls with anger. "Link Henry Krauki."

I let out a curse at the same time the driver in the car behind us lays on his horn. "Lights green." Tyde says taking her phone back.

"So yes, making sure my brother doesn't explode, kill our father, and ruin his life does take priority over repeating the same argument. " Tyde states.

***AUTHOR'S NOTE***

Fun "behind the scenes" information, I wrote this chapter sitting in a coffee shop drinking a hot chocolate.

I have been planning this for a while. Things are going to be picking up pace from here. I hope you all enjoy the wild ride.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED!

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