Page 83 of Love's Bloom
Misty stood, poised to strike again. Exhilaration filled her. She’d never felt this strong, so unafraid. In her mind, she knew if she ever had to face Vince again, she could do it.
Keeping watch over Harley, Misty punched in Nick’s number and asked him to send someone over to take care of Harley, who lay sprawled on the ground.
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A few minutes later, Nick arrived in his police car and hurried over to her. “Are you okay?” He glanced at Harley on the ground.
“I had to do a few karate moves on him, but I’m fine,” said Misty. “David’s lessons and my practice paid off.”
Nick clapped her on the back. “Good job. We’ll put him in jail and let him sober up.”
“Thanks.” She realized Sugar was still in the car and let her out. Her friendly, sweet dog growled at Harley as he was taken to the police car, and then Sugar ran back to her.
Trembling now, Misty picked up Sugar and hugged her.
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Later, giving David the news, she said, “It was as if a gray cloud blocked out anything else and I remembered all the moves you showed me. And best of all, I finally feel free from the past. I have you to thank in more ways than one.”
“You deserve it,” said David. “I love you, you know.”
“And I love you, David,” she said, delighted to be able to tell him at last.
“I’m coming over.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The next morning, Misty stood inside her classroom, anxiously anticipating the arrival of her students. She could hardly wait to see Brody.
Even before he reached the door, she could see a difference in the way he walked, with more confidence than usual. It looked as if he was wearing a new shirt and pants, and his hair was combed.
When he saw her, he came forward to hand her a note. He stood by as she opened it and read:
Dear Ms. Owens,
I want to thank you for caring so much about my Brody. I’m told your concern for him at school helped get my family involved in making better changes for him. I’m back home now, and Harley, Brody’s father, has agreed to get some help so he can stay in contact with his son.
Sincerely,
Karen Kirk
“Thank you,” Misty said to Brody.
Brody looked up at her and studied her with big brown eyes. Then, after pausing a moment, he quickly hugged her and hurried away.
Misty’s vision blurred. She’d do anything to help keep a child safe. This was proof of her efforts.
Later, when Nolan called her to his office, all she cared about was having Brody safe and loved.
Nolan greeted her at the door. Instead of asking her to take a seat, he closed the door behind her and stood facing her. “I heard from Brody’s mother, and though I certainly don’t approve of you getting overly involved in a student’s family, I’m pleased Brody’s family is making some changes, and Brody is staying at this school.”
Misty stared at the floor, remembering how Susie had told her to take a deep breath and quietly state your position. “Are you okay?” Nolan asked. “I must ask if you’re going to be comfortable having Brody in class after his father attacked you.”
Surprised that he’d asked, Misty said, “Definitely. I really believe Brody’s place is in my class.”
“Okay. That will be all,” said Nolan.
Misty studied him. After listening to him sound so self-important and noting his thin, lank figure, she was pretty sure she could take him down.
