Change My Mind (Liam Payne Fiction)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

"I hate history!"  Aria looked at Hailey Sanders and tried to cover her laugh with a cough. 

It was a well-known fact in Nathan Hale-Ray High School that Mr. Harrison, their History teacher, severely disliked tardiness more than any other academic vice.  So when Hailey casually sauntered in that morning, fifteen minutes into Harrison's lecture in American Society in the Industrial Age, she learned a very valuable lesson she will never forget. 

"Miss Sanders," Mr. Harrison began.  He was only 53, but his face was so wrinkly and his voice so raspy, as if he was actually old enough to have lived through the entire history book.  "Thank you for deciding to grace us with your presence."

"No problem, Mr. H!  It's my pleasure."  Sassiness was one of Hailey's strongest points.

Unfortunately, tolerance was not one of Mr. Harrison's.  So instead of having to give her oral report 2 weeks from today, he informed Hailey that she was to give it next Monday.

"But that's only five days from today!" Hailey looked at Aria who wasn't quick enough to mask her amusement. 

"Ouch!" She was also not quick enough to avoid Hailey's book hitting her shoulder.  "That's plenty of time.  You can come over the ranch after I do my chores on the weekend, so you can finish."

"Er, thanks for offering, Aria, but no thanks."  There was hesitation in Hailey's voice.  "I don't function at a human level before 11 am on weekends, remember?"

"I'll make coffee!"  Aria was the type of person who would bend backwards until she broke her spine trying to help other people. 

Plus, she remembered the time when Hailey volunteered to be one of the riding instructors at the ranch.  She'd stayed out very late on a date the night before, and because she didn't have time even for a quick shower, she just doused herself with Chanel's Allure.  She completely forgot that the smell attracted insects, which spooked the horses, which scared the children, so Aria had to spend almost an hour trying to coax them into participating in the program again.  So, yes, she knew that Hailey operated on an almost zombie-like level before noon on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. 

"Maybe," Hailey conceded.  "But I really don't want to hassle you.  I know you have tons of chores to do at the ranch, with the spring riding program about to start.  And let's not avoid the Max issue forever, okay?  We all know what's going to happen if he climbs that darn tower again."

Aria looked at her friend but didn't say anything.  Chief Boynton may not have called Child Services, but they received a visit from them anyway.  When she got home from school yesterday, after the water tower incident, Aria found her grandparents and Max in the living room, speaking with the social worker. 

"I'm sure you know why I'm here."  Aria glanced at the card on the table.  It said Sabrina Dexter, Director of Social Services in Special Needs.  "Max has climbed the tower twice this month now, and it's not adding up to a very promising picture."

Aria's grandmother, Aine Byrne, was the first to speak.  "We've had our difficulties, but we always, always get through them."

"Unfortunately, in cases like this, it comes down to resources, commitme -"

Aria was on her feet in an instant. "You do not get to talk to us about commitment, Miss Dexter." 

The social worker ignored her and continued, "It doesn't seem like Cloverleaf Ranch is able to generate enough profit to sufficiently provide -"

It was her grandfather Patrick that interrupted this time.  "With all due respect, Miss Dexter, we have provided for Max for the last 6 years."

"With decreasing success, apparently," was the woman's reply. 

Aria was losing her temper so she kept her mouth shut.  She didn't want to say anything that would surely reflect poorly on her family, or negatively affect Max's situation. 

"The financial challenges will only increase as Max gets older, so we're here to offer solutions," Sabrina continued.  "We want to help.  We really do."

A scoff escaped Aria's lips.  Not even bothering to hide her sarcasm, she told the woman, "Sure.  Fire away.  We're all ears."

Sabrina Dexter smoothed her skirt then stood up.  "I know it's very presumptuous, but you have such a vast property that's worth a lot, even in today's market."

"This ranch has been in our family for years and is paid off," Aria's grandfather informed Sabrina.  "The money it makes goes to its upkeep, our bills, necessities, and sometimes, even a little luxury.  When their parents passed, we put the money in a trust for the children to use when they are of age so we need not worry about them."

Aria looked over to her grandmother who was now holding Max's hand while looking at a photograph of their parents on the fireplace mantle that was taken a couple of months before they passed away. 

Gramps kept talking, "If it comes to drastically increasing the care for Max, we would like to keep trying before we come to you asking for help, or accepting what you have to offer.  For now, there is no way we're letting Max live in a home for special needs children." 

Sabrina Dexter did not get to where she was by being stupid.  She knew when a cause is lost - for now anyway.  So she took what Patrick Byrne had said as a cue to make a graceful exit. "Well, thank you for your time." 

She started gathering what seemed to be a portfolio of the services that the state provided children like Max who had special needs.  Then she shook their hands, and looked at Max, who, naturally, is incapable of eye contact.  "We'll keep in touch."

"Yoohoo!  Anybody home?" Hailey asked, clapping so close to Aria's face that she actually felt more than heard it.

That broke Aria's reverie and she gave her friend a sheepish smile.  "Sorry.  I tend to space out when I start thinking about Max and my grandparents."

Hailey put an arm around Aria's shoulders, and gave her a gentle squeeze.  "You're going to be fine.  I promise.  You'll see."