Page 41 of The Texas Hero's Homecoming

She thought about it for a second and shook her head. “No. For the time he’s been in school, he’s been a very good student. You can ask his other teachers so it’s not just coming from me.”

“I have looked at his past records. And you’re right. He’s done very well. No problems with other students; always turned his work in on time. But I sense something’s troubling him. He stares out the window a lot. Doesn’t always want to go to recess. When he does go out, he just sits on a bench and watches the other kids play.”

“Oh, that I didn’t know.” Mrs. Rendell swallowed and closed her eyes. “I think I know what’s wrong,” she said quietly.

“Would you care to share it with me?”

“It’s just that, ever since Mike was discharged from the Marines, things at home have been different. Mike is an amputee. Suddenly he lost a leg and his career. It’s all new to us. He’s only been home six months and I know we’re going through an adjustment period. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard. Dustin looks up to his father, that hasn’t changed. But Mike has. He’s a different man now, and well, we’ve all been struggling a bit. But Miss Messina, I didn’t realize how badly it was affecting my son at school.”

“That’s why we’re here. I felt you needed to know about Dustin’s performance in class. I know he’s a bright boy.”

“He really is,” Mrs. Rendell said. Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s been hard lately. Mike… won’t let us in. He thinks he’s a burden to the family.”

“Would it help if I had this conversation with him?” Autumn asked.

“No, please don’t do that. I’ll talk to Mike and just so you know, he’s really a wonderful man. He loves us both with all his heart. That’s why it’s so difficult. We’ll work it through, and I’ll have a talk with Dustin too.”

“Okay, that’s good and if there’s anything more I can do to help Dustin, just know I will.”

“Thank you, Miss Messina. You don’t know how grateful I am you brought this to my attention.”

“Of course. Oh, and there’s one more thing. We’re having our annual Messina Family Fall Festival this weekend. I think Dustin would love to come. Many of his school friends will be there. It might help for him to come and participate in the activities.”

“Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.”

After the teacher conference was over, Autumn walked down the hall to Nicole’s classroom. She was just clearing up her desk.

“Knock, knock.” She didn’t wait for a reply, she walked in and Nicole looked up.

“Hey there. How was your day?” Nic asked.

“It’s better now. I just had a conference with a student’s mom, and I’m feeling pretty good about it.”

“Something serious?”

“Trying to nip it in the bud before it gets really serious.”

“That’s all part of teaching,” Nicole said. “So, are you all ready for pie making tonight?”

“That’s why I’m here. Are you still up to coming?”

“Of course. We’re looking forward to it.”

“Oh, is Garrett coming too?”

“He would. But he’s not a baker. He feels he’d just be in the way.”

“Garrett could never be in the way. He’s been such a big help at the farm lately. I really appreciate it.”

“He knows. He’s happy to help. I’m actually coming tonight with my big brother.”

“Oh right, Sam.” Her voice took on a sweet melodic tone and Nicole immediately tilted her head and smiled.

“Maybe it’s none of my business, but I’ve seen you two together and I’m wondering… well… is there something going on between you two?”

She inhaled, not sure how to answer. Instead, she turned to the blackboard and picked up the black eraser. “Want me to clear this off?”

“Would you? Just leave up tomorrow’s assignment. Everything else can be erased. You can erase my question too, if I was prying.”

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