Page 46 of Class Act

I kept conversation light as we waited, and a rush of relief flowed through me when my dad turned onto my street. He made fast work of loading their bikes into the bed of his truck, and then we were moving through the neighborhoods and up into the foothills.

I hurried and shot off a text to Ford, nearly slapping myself for not having done it the moment they arrived at my house.

Me: I have your kids. I’m bringing them home now.

His response was an immediate ringing of my phone.

“Hello?”

“They’re with you?” he said intensely.

“Yes, I have them here. They’re safe.”

“Thank goodness.” He paused, and I heard him take a deep breath. “You don’t have a car.”

“My dad happened to be here, and we’re on our way.” It was a slight fib, but I didn’t want him to worry that I’d inconvenienced my dad over this.

“Thank you so much, Hailey.”

My stomach dropped at the sound of my name and his genuine gratitude. “Of course. We’ll see you soon.”

We said goodbye, and I tried hard not to notice exactly how busy the streets were that these two kids had ridden their bikes across. I needed to be cool. I rubbed at my forehead and asked what they were going to be for Halloween, and we talked about how Hillary had been wanting a kitten, but her dad was allergic. My dad shared a few funny stories about kittens from his childhood, and by the time we pulled up to the Whittaker property, Hillary was her usual, bubbly self. Henry, however, had become more and more quiet. I was guessing it was nerves over what type of reception they were going to receive. I, myself, was a ball of nerves and had a full-blown migraine forming.

“Hailey, you’re looking pale. Why don’t you wait in the car, and I’ll walk them inside,” Dad said, putting a hand on my arm when I was slow to open my door. “The doctor said you were supposed to rest, and this stress is probably making it worse.”

My wrist ached where I’d accidentally bumped it when loading Hillary one-handed into the back seat. My stomach was clenched as I pictured Ford rushing outside to blame me for the entire incident. And I suddenly realized that I looked about as ‘Saturday morning’ as possible. But, even with all of that, it needed to be me who walked in with them. I owed it to Ford, and more importantly, I knew the kids needed an ally at the moment.

“I’m okay,” I said. “I’ll take them in. Thank you so much for bringing us up here. No need to wait. I can get home myself.” I gestured to where my car sat parked off to the side.

Dad’s eyes were still concerned. “Don’t stay long. I can see by how your eyes are pinched that you’re in pain again.”

I nodded, knowing better than to full-out lie to him. “I’ll be fast. I want to get back to that couch, too.”

We all climbed out and worked together to get the bikes out of the truck bed. By the time they were unloaded, Ford was walking down the large stone stairs toward us with purposeful strides. Hillary became subdued, matching her brother for mood as my dad nodded to him. Ford’s hand was outstretched as he approached, a smile on his face that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Conrad, thank you so much for bringing my children home.”

Dad took his hand, his expression relaxed and kind. “Not a problem at all. Kids are going to throw you for a loop here and there.” Dad looked to me, and I nodded, letting him know I’d take it from here. “See you later,” he said to Hillary and Henry, who showed almost no reaction to his words other than looking his way as he climbed back into his truck and drove away.

Ford had eyes only for his children, as it should be. I could see the way his chest rose and fell, his eyes flashing a mixture of anger and relief. Hillary and Henry shuffled their feet, still holding their bikes upright at their sides. Hillary sniffled, salty paths still on her rounded cheeks. I felt so bad for them and so bad for Ford and honestly a little bad for myself, because I hated being the reason they’d done something so dangerous.

“Hi Daddy,” Henry said in a glum voice.

“What were you thinking?” he asked tensely. “I’ve called all the neighbors, all your friends, and I had no less than ten people out searching for you before Hailey called.”

“We took cookies to Miss Hailey,” Hillary said.

He glanced toward me, and a thunder cloud passed through him. I felt it clear to my toes.

“Ford,” I began in a calm tone, intending to help ease the tension, but he held up a hand and shook his head.

“Why did you go to Miss Thomas’s house after I told you no?” he questioned his daughter.

She ducked her head. “Because I wanted to help her feel better.”

“And you went with her?” his eyes swung to Henry.

“I couldn’t let her go alone.”

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