by K. C. Lynn
“What?” I ask tiredly, trying to hold on to my very thin patience.
“I was wondering what kind of marker you use?”
“Marker?” I ask, my brows drawing in confusion.
“Yeah, for the tattoos on your arms.”
I stare back at her and know without a doubt that I have landed in the fucking twilight zone.
“It’s not a marker. They are real.”
“How many do you have?” Tommy asks.
“Lots.”
“Are they—”
“No more questions,” I snap, then feel like shit when they all flinch. My guilt escalates when Trinny’s lip starts to tremble.
Jesus, I can’t deal with this.
“No, no. It’s okay. Don’t cry.”
Latisha puts her arms around her shoulders and glares at me. “You’re a real grouch, Mister.”
Letting out a breath, I dig deeper for more patience. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m not mad. I just want to move on. How about we pick the song that we’re going to sing for the town fair?” I grab the notepad and pen on the small table next to me then take a seat on it, praying it will hold my weight. “What are you guys thinking? Trinny, any ideas?” I ask, hoping it will distract her.
Sniffling, she looks up at me. “What about ‘The Farmer in the Dell?’”
“Uh, yeah. I’m thinking something more modern. We have at least two minutes to fill. We need something longer and more upbeat for our instruments.”
Katy raises her hand.
“Yeah?” I point at her.
“How about Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off?’”
Tommy scoffs. “I’m not singing no girly song.”
“Why?” I ask him. “Some of the best musicians in the world are female artists.”
“My dad says the only place a woman belongs is in the kitchen.”
I raise a brow, knowing the poor bastard has no chance in hell of getting laid when he’s older with his head being filled with shit like that.
“Your dad is a fool!” Latisha snaps.
“He is not!”
I jump back in before things get more out of hand. “Everyone, calm down. Listen, in this class we appreciate all music whether it is sung by females or males. Majority will rule the decision. I’ll write down ‘Shake It Off,’” I add, giving Katy a pointed look. “Anyone have anything else they want to contribute?”
“How about something old school?” Latisha speaks up.
“Like what?” I’m curious what the hell ‘old school’ means to her considering she’s only seven years old.
“Like Motown. Diana Ross, the Temptations, Four Tops.”
“Huh,” I muse, impressed. “You know your music, kid.”
“I sure do, Mr. Grouch. My mama has all sorts of records.”
I smirk at the jab. “I’ll write down Motown, too. Anyone else?”
They toss out a few more suggestions and some are really good. After I write down the last one, my attention is drawn to the door where I find a few women standing together, watching on.
A quick glance at the clock and I realize our time is up.
Fucking perfect. We got nothing done.
“It seems we’re out of time. We’ll pick this back up on Wednesday,” I say, dismissing them.
All the kids scatter to the door, except for Trinny. She comes over to me and pats my shoulder in sympathy. “I’m sure you’ll be a better teacher next class.”
At least I can count on them to be honest.
“Thanks,” I reply dryly.
She skips away, clearly not bothered by my earlier outburst.
Standing, I ignore the lingering moms who continue to hang by the door, whispering about me. Unfortunately, they decide to make their way inside.
“Hi,” the blonde one says, extending her hand to me. “I’m Rochelle, Katy’s mom.”
I accept the gesture then shake the other lady’s hand when she offers hers.
“And I’m Corrine, Madison’s mom.”
“Christopher,” I tell them, being civil even though it’s the last thing I’m feeling at the moment. Not after the clusterfuck I just finished.
“We weren’t aware that the teacher would be male,” Katy’s mom says. She doesn’t seem all that bothered by it but it’s obvious there’s a reason she’s bringing it up.
“I don’t think the original instructor was but that person had to back out last minute and Faith needed someone. I’m fully qualified,” I assure her, more for Faith’s sake than my own because after today, I’m not so sure I am.
“Of course. We were just curious since Faith never mentioned it. How is it that you know her?” She tries to be nonchalant but she fails miserably at it.
“She’s family.” My answer is clipped because how I know Faith is completely irrelevant and none of her business.
I also have a hard time explaining who she is to me. It’s easy for Ruthie to say Cade and Faith are her parents because she was so much younger when they came into her life; there is a big age difference between them. Not so much when it comes to me. They have been there for me like parents but their age puts us closer to siblings. In the end, they’re family and that’s all that matters.
“I see,” she says.
Again, I have a hard time deciphering what the problem is or if there even is one.
“Well we just wanted to introduce ourselves. We’ll see you on Wednesday.”
After my nod, they turn and head out the door.
Faith enters not long after them, looking stressed as she tows Mia behind her.
“Kistipher!” Mia pulls from Faith’s grasp and runs up to me, her cowgirl boots clicking on the tile floor.
I scoop her up, her small arms locking around my neck. “Hey, kid. What are you doing here?”
“She just finished her riding lesson,” Faith explains. “Cade was supposed to come pick her up but he’s been stuck at the school with Ruthie. It sounds like she got into another fight.” She sighs, concern evident in her voice.
I grunt, wondering what kid pissed her off. My sister would never hit someone unless they deserved it. We all know that.
“Anyway, I was hoping you could take Mia home with you. If not she can stay with me. My lesson will be done in a half hour.”
I look over at the cute face next to me. “Do you want to stay with Mom or come with me?”
“You,” she answers, hugging me tighter.
My eyes shift back to Faith. “I got her.”
“Thank you,” she says, flashing me an appreciative smile. “Okay, really quick, how did it go?”
“It sucked,” I answer truthfully.
“It couldn’t have been that bad.”
“Not that bad? Faith, not one of them has ever played before.”
“What did you expect? They’re only seven.”
“I expected at least a few Mias,” I counter. “Speaking of which, why the hell isn’t she in here?”
“Because she has her riding lesson at that time.”
I look over at my sister. “Want to drop your lesson and come here with me instead?”
“No tanks. I’d miss Sparkles.”
Figures.
“They can’t be that bad,” Faith says, pulling my attention back to her. “I’m sure once you get started you will see their talent.”
“Oh yeah, one kid could win a gold medal for picking his damn nose.”
She and Mia burst into laughter but I find none of it funny.
“You must be talking about Arnold,” she says, her laughter softening into a smile. “He’s a sweet kid.”
I grunt. “Yeah, real sweet.”
“Come on, give them a chance.”
“How the hell am I supposed to have them ready to perform in three month’s time?”
“If anyone can pull it off, Christopher, it’s you.” She steps closer, her hand finding my jaw. “Everyone is good at something, find out what theirs is.” Pushing up on her toes, she drops a kiss on my cheek then one on
Mia’s. “I need to get back to my class. Thank you for taking her home.” She walks out of the room, taking all her positivity with her.
“She always sees the good in everything,” I grumble. Though, I guess that’s not a bad thing, otherwise Ruthie and I would have been screwed all those years ago.
“Mama says there’s always something to smile about, you just have to find it.”
I would disagree since smiling is something I do less of every day but the argument would be a lie. Because no matter how shitty life can be, Faith is right, there is some good out there. The little girl in my arms right now proves just how right the world can be.
“Come on, kid, let’s get out of here.”
The cadence from Faith’s violin class fills the hall as we head for the main doors.
“Can we stop by the bakery?” Mia asks. “Hope is there and I want to say hi.”
“Sure. We can make a quick stop.” I push through the double doors, my steps faltering when I see one of the kids sitting on the stairs. The one who doesn’t like to talk. His chin is tucked tight to his chest as he stares at his shoes.
“Hey, uh…” I pause, trying to remember his name. “Ralph.”
He looks up at me, his nose wrinkling, but there is no missing the sadness in his brown eyes.
“It’s Rafe,” he corrects quietly before dropping his head back down.
Rafe. That’s it.
“Are you waiting for your parents?”
“My mom,” he mumbles, offering nothing else.
I take a seat next to him on the steps, bringing Mia down on my lap.
“You don’t have to wait with me.”
I ignore the brush-off, refusing to leave him alone. I would never have let him leave the classroom if I’d known his parents weren’t here. From now on, I will have to be more careful about that.
“Have you thought about which instrument you want to play?” I ask, hoping to strike up a conversation.
He shakes his head.
“The drums are fun,” Mia offers, not deterred in the least by his lack of communication skills.
He lifts his face again, curiosity sparking in his eyes. Just as he opens his mouth to say something, a small blue car pulls up to the curb.
“That’s my mom,” he says, climbing to his feet.
Something in my gut tells me to follow. Keeping Mia in my arms, I stand and catch up to him.
His mother steps out of the car, a kind smile on her face. “Hey, sweetie,” she greets Rafe, pulling him into her arms. “Did you have a good time?”
His response is a single nod.
She swings her attention to me. “Are you the instructor?”
“Yeah, Christopher,” I say, shaking her hand.
“I’m sorry I’m late. I got stuck at work.”
“It’s fine. Rafe and I were just discussing what instrument he wants to learn.”
I leave out the fact that I was having the conversation with myself. Rafe, however, drives that point home when he remains silent.
She looks down at her son, sadness pinching her expression. “Honey, why don’t you wait for me in the car. I’ll only be a minute.”
Nodding, he reaches for the door handle.
Mia bids him a good-bye. “See ya, Rafe.”
“See ya,” he mumbles, disappearing inside.
His mother looks back at me, a sympathetic smile on her face. “I’m sure you can tell by now that Rafe is quiet.”
That’s a fucking understatement.
I refrain from speaking my thoughts and nod.
“He’s having a hard time right now. His father passed away a few months ago.”
That explains the grief in his eyes. If anyone can understand the pain of losing someone, it’s me.
“I’m praying this class will be good for him. He loves music, and I hope it will give him something to smile about again.”
“I’m sure it will.”
If there’s one thing I know, music can offer a small reprieve. Even if it’s for a short time.
“Well, thank you for waiting with him.”
“No problem.”
I step back as she walks around the front of her car and crawls back in. My gaze shifts to Rafe in the passenger seat, the slump in his shoulders reflecting a pain I know all too well.
“Can we go see Hope now?” Mia asks.
“Yeah, let’s go.”
Main street is busy when we arrive at the bakery, forcing me to park a little ways down. A market has been set up, drawing in quite the crowd. The sidewalk is littered with tents and vendors eager to sell their merchandise.
Climbing out of the truck, I come around and help Mia down. Just when I reach for her hand, she gasps and bolts for the booth ahead of us.
“Kistipher, look!” She picks up a pink cowgirl hat from the table, her eyes dancing with excitement.
“Cool. It looks like the other five you have at home.”
“Nuh-uh. I don’t have a pink one yet.”
Smirking, I look over at the lady. “How much?”
“Twenty dollars.”
For a fucking kid’s hat?
Reaching into my back pocket, I retrieve my wallet and hand her the cash.
Mia squeals and wraps her arms around one of my legs. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Best twenty bucks I ever spent.
She plops the hat on her head, completing her outfit of skinny jeans, a plaid tank top and brown cowgirl boots. “How do I look?” she asks, doing a little twirl.
“Exactly like your mother.” Her dark features might take after Cade but there’s no denying she is Faith through and through.
“Yes!” she cheers, taking it for the compliment that it is.
“Come on.” My hand engulfs her small one as I push through the throng of people, hating the feel of so many bodies surrounding me. I’ve never liked crowds but I like them even less now.
Thankfully, we make it through the chaos quickly. The moment I pull open the bakery’s door, I’m greeted with a blast of air conditioning. The small reprieve is short-lived though when I spot the beautiful girl standing at the counter, waiting for her order.
A girl I haven’t seen since leaving her in the hospital a week ago.
“Alissa!” Mia heads straight for her, leaving me to stand at the door like an idiot.
Alissa turns in surprise. Our gazes lock for a fraction of a second before she bends down with open arms and picks up an excited Mia. “Well hello, little miss. Long time, no see.”
“Look at my new hat Kistipher bought me!”
“It’s beautiful and suits you perfectly,” she compliments with a smile. Her striking eyes come back to mine, punching me in the chest.
The powerful blow, gives me the kick in the ass that I need to get my feet moving. I make my way over to the counter, stopping just in front of her. “Hey.”
“Hi,” she greets me back softly.
There’s an awkward moment of silence that’s broken when Hope comes running out from the back. “Mia!”
Alissa places my sister back on her feet and Mia wastes no time running up to Hope, their arms wrapping around each other in a tight hug.
“Look at my new hat Kistipher just bought me.”
“It’s so pretty. Look at my new apron my auntie made me.” Hope does a little spin like Mia did outside for me.
“I love it,” Mia gushes.
“Thanks. Wanna come in the back and see what I’m makin’ with Mama?”
Mia turns to me, her eyes hopeful.
“Just for a few minutes. Okay?”
She pumps a fist into the air. “Yes!”
The two run hand in hand into the back, leaving me alone with the one girl who has invaded my every thought this past week.
More like five years, Walker.
“She’s pretty excited about her hat,” Alissa says.
“Yeah. It was the easiest twenty bucks I ever spent.”
She smiles, the simple act almost knockin
g me off of my feet.
My eyes pass over the faded bruises on her face. “You’re looking much better.”
“Thanks. I’m feeling better.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Our eyes remain locked, a current passing between us before she tears her gaze away.
“So, how long are you back for?” she asks.
My muscles tense, the question igniting a storm of emotions inside of me. Pain being the most prominent one. “For good.”
Her eyes snap back to mine. “You’re not in the Navy anymore?”
“No. I finished my last tour before Christmas and I’m not re-enlisting.”
Her questioning eyes search mine, as if she can see everything I’ve been hiding for the past several months.
Before she can ask anything, I change the subject. “What about you? Here for good or headed back to Baltimore?”
My chest tightens as I wait for her answer. Derek said she graduated but that doesn’t mean she’s moving back.
“How about another question?” she delivers on a laugh but the beautiful sound doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Why? What happened?”
She shrugs. “Nothing really. I’m not sure if you heard but I finished my nursing degree.”
“I did. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. But I’m far from done. I’ve decided to enroll into medical school. I want to specialize in pediatrics.”
My brows lift in surprise. “Wow. You weren’t kidding. You are far from done.”
“Tell me about it. That’s why I’m taking a small break before I start the grueling process. It’s one of the reasons why I was in Kenya,” she tells me, a darkness entering her eyes at the mention.
“You don’t seem very happy considering this is something you want.”
“I am,” she rushes to assure to me. “About the pediatrics part that is. It’s just…” She pauses, a soft sigh escaping her. “My mother and I have a difference of opinion on where I should enroll.”
I should have known it had to do with her mother. She’s always been the one to dim the light that surrounds her. One that used to guide my way.
“I want to enroll here,” she tells me. “But my mother thinks I should go back to Baltimore.”
“It doesn’t matter what she thinks, Alissa. It’s not her life. It’s yours.” My words come out harsher than I intend for them to.
Her eyes fall to the floor but not before I see the flash of pain in them.
