 by Bella Jewel.jpg)
Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
I get it, okay.
You didn’t sign up to become a fill-in father, uncle, biker dad, or whatever it is you want to call yourself.
But the hard truth is, you don’t have a choice.
I don’t want to have to be the one to point out that you can’t send your niece to school with no food.
Have you met kids?
They eat a lot.
I’m trying really hard not to get involved, trying not to let her sweet little voice sway me into calling you and telling you that I don’t like how you’re handling things.
But it’s really hard.
Because dammit, she’s a good kid and I can’t sit back and let you send her to school with no socks on for a single second longer.
Seriously. No socks?
And if you turn your back on me when I’m talking to you one more time…
Dammit.
I can’t get involved with people like you.
Not when I’m hiding my own demons.
God, if he found out that my eyes watch you leave my classroom every day and I wonder how it would feel to be beneath you…
No.
I can’t.
I won’t.
He’d kill me.
He would bury me six feet under, and I know it.
But you’re making it really hard for me when I’m constantly having to chase you.
So, if you could do me a solid, and just take good care of your niece, then I won’t have to talk to you again.
Please and thanks,
Alexis Parker.
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
PROLOGUE
Dear Fury,
I get it, okay?
You didn’t sign up to become a fill-in father, or uncle, or biker dad, or whatever it is you want to call yourself.
But the hard truth is, you don’t have a choice.
I don’t want to have to be the one to point out that you can’t send your niece to school with no food.
Have you met kids?
They eat a lot.
I’m trying really hard not to get involved, trying not to let her sweet little voice sway me into calling you and telling you that I don’t like how you’re handling things.
But it’s really hard.
Because, dammit, she’s a good kid, and I can’t sit back and let you send her to school with no socks on for a single second longer.
Seriously. No socks?
And if you turn your back on me when I’m talking to you one more time ...
Dammit.
I can’t get involved with people like you.
Not when I’m hiding my own demons.
God, if he found out that my eyes watch you leave my classroom every day and I wonder how it would feel to be beneath you ...
No.
I can’t.
I won’t.
He’d kill me.
He would bury me six feet under, and I know it.
But you’re making it really hard for me when I’m constantly having to chase you.
So, if you could do me a solid and just take good care of your niece, I won’t have to talk to you again.
Please and thanks,
Alexis Parker.
1
Leaning down so I’m eye level with the beautiful new child in my class, I notice that she’s shy and withdrawn. Her head slightly tipped forward and tilted to the side ensures that she won’t make eye contact with me unless forced to. I’m not going to force her to, no, because I understand children like her. She’s scared, nervous, and from what I was informed by the lady that brought her in, she’s come from a rough world.
I need to be gentle with her, show her that I’m a safe space.
“Hi, sweetheart,” I say, my voice soft and steady. “My name is Miss Parker, but you can call me Alex if you like.”
She doesn’t look up; her fingers remain firmly fixed in front of her, so tightly wound that her flesh is turning white. She’s terrified, and it breaks my heart to think about what it is she might have gone through to feel this way. No child should ever feel like they’re not safe, and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure she never feels that way in this classroom.
“It’s scary, isn’t it? Starting a new school. I had to come here just last year, and I had no friends, but the good news is, everyone here is super nice, and I just know that you’ll make so many friends.”
Her fingers loosen just a bit, but she doesn’t look up.
“I’m told your name is Hope. That is my favorite name. If I ever have a daughter, that’s just the name I’d pick.”
She glances up at me through those beautiful long lashes. She’s a stunning little girl, with soft blond hair and olive skin. Her eyes, as blue as the sky, are framed with thick lashes. Her dress, on the other hand, looks as though it needs a good wash, and I’m not going to pay attention to the lack of socks today. No, today is just about showing her that she is safe here.
“If you’d like,” I go on, “you can sit up the front, right beside me today. I know it’s scary being in a new place, but I promise you’re safe up there. Would you like that?”
A small nod.
A hell of a victory.
“That’s wonderful, come on. I’ll get you a seat and then we’ll get started.”
She follows me up to my desk at the front of the room, and I set her up with a small chair which she promptly sits down on. The class slowly fills, and I smile and welcome all of my students. Teaching first grade is my favorite part of the job. There is something about the kids, they’re just so innocent and sweet, their souls so pure. It makes me feel safe just being around them, and, in turn, they receive the same feeling.
“Good morning, class.” I smile, raising my hand so they know it’s time to sit down. They do so, without hesitation. “Today is a special day, because today we have a new student. I’m sure you all remember just how scary your first day of school was, so let’s make sure to be kind, compassionate, and caring toward her on her first day. Would you all like to welcome Hope?”
The class sings out a happy “Welcome Hope”, and out of the corner of my eye, I see the little girl lift her head and peer at them.
I’d say that’s a good start.