Page 42 of Love By The Falls

“Welcome back, Ms. Tanner,” says Simon.

“Thank you. It’s great to be back. I have an announcement to make before we get started on today’s math lesson.”

The class groans unanimously. Simon’s groan is the loudest, and he sinks lower in his seat.

“I’ve had a nice chat with Savannah this morning,” I say, and the little girl’s eyes widen with fear. “She convinced me to skip math today and play trivia with you all instead. If you answer the questions correctly, I’ll add extra free time at the end of the day, too.”

The classroom erupts in cheers and fists in the air. Simon turns to Savannah. “What did you say to her? You’re a genius. I want you on my team for Trivia.”

“Me, too,” says Sarah, and Caro glares in her direction.

“I’m making the teams,” I explain, and yes, Simon, you can be on her team.”

“Yesss!”

Savannah blushes and hides a smile with the back of her hand.

“Great, let’s get started.”

*

I’m gathering my things while the students pack their bags for the end of day and put their jackets on in the hallway. Savannah lingers in the doorway with Danielle. She’s new to the school and hasn’t spoken much to the other kids. Savannah’s showing her a picture she drew earlier, and the girl listens intently.

I’m not sure if it’ll turn into one of those genuine friendships I spoke to her about, but it makes me smile that she’s opening herself up after what happened this morning.

Charlie walks into the classroom, his backpack flung over one shoulder. “Ready to go?”

“Yes.”

“Can we stop for ice cream atThe Creamery?”

“Ice cream before dinner?”

“Yeah, Uncle Austin took us last week, and it was so good.”

I’m about to say no when I reconsider it. “All right, Charlie. Let’s do it.”

“For real?”

“Yes. Now let’s go before I change my mind.”

‘Opposite Charlotte’ doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. I enjoyed not always being the responsible one, and if it means Charlie grins like that more often, I owe it to both of us.

Despite it being the end of March, I tighten the scarf around my neck when a stiff breeze hits on the way to the parking lot. “Are you sure you want ice cream? It’s a bit cold out.”

Charlie looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “It’s never too cold for ice cream, Mom.”

“Fair enough.”

The dessert shop is only five minutes from the school, as are most things in town. I’ve been to every store, every park, every street, I think. Even if I hadn’t lived here my whole life, I probably would have done all that within the first year. Cedar Brook Falls is not very big at all.

“Hi there, Mrs. Elleroy,” I call out when I see the dress shop owner taking in her sign from outside. She waves back at me. “Hi, Charlotte, dear.”

I close the car door and hold Charlie’s hand as we walk upThe Creamery’smint green steps. “There are twenty-one flavors of ice cream, Mom.”

“Yes, I know, Charlie. This isn’t the first time I’ve been here.”

“Yeah, but did you know that they’ve added a new flavor?”

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