HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 45

DYLAN

Jason's school isn't far from the hotel. As we arrive, I instruct the driver to wait in the parking lot while I walk Jason to his class. I want to check out the school and meet his teacher to get a sense of his environment. As we walk, I notice other parents glancing at us. Their whispered conversations and sidelong looks make me aware for Jason, but I push the feeling aside. 

When we reach his classroom, his teacher is at her desk. She looks up with a hint of confusion. "Good morning. How can I help you?" she asks, her tone polite but uncertain.

"Good morning," I say, extending my hand. "I'm Mr. Campbell, Jason's father. I'd like to discuss his progress and performance."

"Oh, of course," she responds, her demeanor brightening. "Jason, go on in and join your classmates."

Jason looks up at me with a trusting smile. I kneel to his level and hug him. "Have a great day, champ. I love you."

"Bye, Dad. I love you too," he replies, heading into the classroom.

The teacher then invites me into her small office. As she takes her seat, I notice her outfit is a bit disheveled, which is distracting. I try to maintain my focus.

"I'm Miss Agnes," she introduces herself, emphasizing "Miss" in a way that makes me uncomfortable. I choose to ignore it and proceed with my questions.

"Mr. Campbell," I begin, sitting across from her. "I'm here to discuss Jason's academic performance. How is he doing?"

"Ah, I know who you are," she says with a knowing smile. "Jason is one of our top students. He has occasional setbacks, but I think they're often deliberate."

Her casual attitude and the way she plays with a pencil, seemingly flirtatious, irritate me. "Does he get into trouble?" I ask, trying to keep the focus on Jason.

"Sometimes," she answers with a shrug. "But nothing major. He's an excellent student."

Her responses seem evasive, and it's clear she's more interested in flirting than discussing Jason's progress. I'm frustrated and decide Penelope should handle this next time for a clearer picture.

"I need to leave now," I say, standing up. "Thank you for your time."

As I head for the door, she steps in front of me, touching my chest. "Mr. Campbell, would you like to stay a bit longer?" she asks, her voice lowering.

I'm taken aback. "What are you doing?" I ask, pulling away.

"It's just a bit of fun," she says. "I can tell you're interested."

"No, you're mistaken," I say firmly. "I'm leaving. Don't do that again." I walk out, feeling a mix of anger and disbelief. I'm back at the hotel. I enter the lobby and notice Penelope isn't around. Had she left despite our agreement? I find Rachael in the kitchen.

"Where's Penelope?" I ask.

"She went to the bedroom after you left," Rachael replies and walks to me. "Dylan, why are you doing this?"

"Rachael, we discussed this," I say, stepping away from her. "We agreed to keep things professional."

"Okay, but don't just act like I don't exist," Rachael says, looking hurt.

"I told you, the arrangement we had is over. I am married and I found her again. You knew what you signed up for, I told you what you signed up for when we started the arrangement. Don't you try anything again, especially not in the presence of Penelope or my son," I head to our room and find Penelope asleep on the bed, her hair damp from a shower? She looks peaceful, which adds to my frustration. Last night, she had pushed me away during a moment of closeness. I'm confused and hurt by her sudden shift. I wanted to make love to her. to show her that I was capable of being gentle to show her how much I wanted her and not just her body, to make her feel precious...but she had closed off, wanted me to get aggressive, to get detached, to be the man I was.