Page 8 of Dangerous Desires
He sighed, “You leave too late. I don’t like it.”
She shook her head, “You know why I leave late. I have to get this ready. These kids deserve it.”
“You are right. They do. And I love how dedicated you are, but, next time you leave this late, at least text me. I’ll walk you out to your car.”
She walked over to him, “I don’t need you to protect me. I’m okay. This was the first time it happened. I swear.”
His eyes were doubtful, but he nodded. “Okay. Fine. But if this ever happens again, let me know. I don’t want something to happen to you.”
She hugged him, “I appreciate it. But you don’t need to worry.”
He hugged her back, “I will always worry about you.”
She kissed his cheek and then walked into the kitchen, heating up some of the food Harrison had made earlier. It was really good, and she loved that he could cook like he did. She wasn’t the best, and as it was, she worked longer hours anyway.
He came in a few minutes later, “Don’t forget about Gunner’s Halloween party tomorrow.”
She nodded, “I haven’t.”
He smiled and she walked upstairs to finish her costume. She was going as Belle. From her favorite movie. She hoped the kids would love it. She finished sewing up the apron she had made and her eyes felt heavy. She put everything away and got ready for bed.
* * *
The next day at school, the decorations were a hit, as was the small party she had planned for the kids. Ashley had allowed each of the classes to host a small party and Farren loved it. She had made games that the kids could play. Ability or not and the kids were all excited about it. The girl that helped her in her classroom sometimes, Rowen Waverly helped some of the kids who struggled. She was much like Farren herself. Patient and kind. Farren had felt an instant connection with the woman.
They had different lives, but Rowen was as excited about teaching as she was. Ashley had hinted to Farren that she was thinking of assigning Rowen to her class full-time and Farren actually loved the idea. She knew she needed help sometimes and with Rowen here as her second set of eyes, no one would be left out of anything.
Rowen came over to her, “Lord. Aren’t they all cute in their costumes today?”
Farren nodded, “So cute. We need pictures for sure.”
Rowen nodded and grabbed her phone, “On it.”
Farren laughed and when one of the little girls in her class wheeled up to her, her smile on full display, Farren knelt to talk to her better.
“Ms. Anderson? I want to hear a story.”
Farren smiled, “Okay Haylee. We can do that. The games are almost over and then it’s story time and rest time. Is that okay?”
Haylee nodded and wheeled away. She was one of the kids in Farren’s class that knew everything that was going on, but her mom wanted her to be in this school and not the mainstream school. Farren understood it and made sure that Haylee and the two other kids in her class that understood it all were learning on target. Haylee was smart as a whip and wasn’t afraid to let everyone know it. Farren walked around the room and helped finish up the games like she had promised Haylee. When everyone was settled in their spots, she and Rowen sat at the front of the class and read a few stories and then it was rest time.
Some of the kids had fallen asleep while they had read and Farren loved seeing their faces so peaceful. She made sure they were comfortable and checked on Aliza before she went onto the next thing on her list. By the end of the day, the kids were all worn out, but had a blast. When the parents came and grabbed their kids, they all thanked her and Rowen and when it was just the two of them, Rowen looked around the room.
“You did so much work on this. Can I help you take it down?”
Farren took off her shoes, “Oh my gosh. You would be a lifesaver if you did that.”
Rowen laughed, “You know if you had asked for help putting it up, I would have done that.”
“I know. I just get in my head that it’s a lot and I don’t want to overwhelm anyone. So, I just do it all.”
Rowen walked over to her, “You don’t have to worry anymore. I want to help. It’s so much fun in your room and I love the kids so much.”
Farren hugged her, “I appreciate it. I want to have you in my room with me so badly.”
Rowen smiled, “You might get your wish.”
They took the rest of the decorations down and put them in the small closet Farren had.
