Page 36 of His Wild Storm
It was kind of sweet.
But if I could have talked myself into believing that he got out of there quickly because he wasn’t sincere about trying with me and our date, he didn’t leave any time for those doubts to take root. They couldn’t have when he was texting me before he even pulled away from Safe Home.
And he hasn’t let up. Somehow, his communication doesn’t feel too far over the top and comes off sweet instead of creepy. I have no idea how he manages to pull it off, honestly.
Within a few hours of the art class being over, he had finalized plans with me for our date. And now, here we are. I’m dressed, but I’m not even a little bit ready.
Not for this. It feels big. Somehow, though, it doesn’t feeltoobig.
Knox has been so open, even though we were only texting. He’s put in effort to start to get to know me but managed to keep it light. I haven’t felt any pressure to share how I came to Safe Home, even though I’m sure he has to be curious.
No matter how comfortable he’s made me feel the last few days, I’m still all aflutter. It’s him. I’ve never felt this way about a date before.
“You look pretty, Mommy,” Wilde’s voice pulls me out of my internal freakout spiral of doom.
I smile at my son and find him looking at me in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s more than happiness. Pride maybe?
My heart clenches because it feels damn good, probably better than it should. He’s only four, but if we didn’t get out a year ago and we were still there, he wouldn’t have reason to look at me the way he is right now.
That matters.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, centering myself by being around Wilde. “Thank you,” I tell him honestly. “It’s not too much?”
He looks me over, a thoughtful expression on his face. The shaking of his head starts slowly. “No,” he sounds so sure, “you look just right. Not too much, not too little. And pretty,” he repeats himself.
After sitting down next to him, I bop his nose which has him swatting at my hand and giggling. “Thank you, kind sir,” my words and the horrible accent I attempt has him giggling harder. My shoulders drop and I admit to him, “I’m a little nervous.”
“About spending time with Knox?” He tilts his head slightly as he looks at me. “That’s silly, Mommy,” he sighs. “Knox is nice, and he likes you. He’ll make sure you feel safe, just like he does with me.”
I can’t help but swallow hard, my voice breaking a little when I ask, “He makes you feel safe?”
“Oh yeah, he’s an awesome teacher.” He leans toward me like he’s about to tell me a secret. “He’s the best teacher I’ve ever had. Sorry,” he adds on with a frown since I’ve been doing his homeschooling instruction for the most part.
I don’t take offence. Figuring out how to get him to school next year, safely, is on my to-do list. He needs it. I’ve seen how much he’s thrived with being able to spend time with other kids.
“I’m sure it helps that he’s teaching you art,” I point out, unsure if such a nuance is going to go over his head.
“It’s not just the art,” he insists. His eyebrows pull together as he admits, “But it doesn’t hurt. I love art and he always takes the time to go over things more than once if needed. He’s never mad about it.”
The way his voice goes all serious at the end breaks my heart. But I also know he’s being sincere and sees how important Knox’s behavior is and, hopefully, how abnormal and unacceptablehisbehavior was.
“I’m glad he’s your favorite teacher,” I tell him honestly before wrapping him up in a side hug.
He leans against me and chirps, “And I’m going to have the best time tonight. We’re having movie night,” he almost screeches which makes me laugh.
I’ve seen the movie lineup and I’m a little sad to be missing it. I will always take the time to watch an animated extravaganza of storytelling.
I can’t even express how grateful I am because Wendy and Laura put movie night together to help put me at ease about leaving Wilde here under their care for a few hours. As tempted as I was to take Knox up on his offer for his boss and his wife to watch Wilde, it felt like a lot. I already trust Wendy and Laura.
How could I not? The work they’re doing is so needed. Even if the protection from my ex wasn’t enough, the feeling of finding a new home is something that can’t even be quantified.
After a knock sounds on our door, Wilde runs over and swings it open. Wendy is standing there with a big smile on her face.When she looks at me, she gives me a thumbs up and whistles. All I can do is laugh and shake my head at her.
“I am here to pick up my date for the evening,” Wendy holds her hand out, “a one, Mr. Wilde. We have plans for movies, popcorn, and maybe a whipped cream treat cup.”
Wilde jumps up and down, his arms waving wildly above his head. He’s smiling so wide as he spins around. His excitement is palpable, and I get swept up in it.
“You have fun, Mommy. I’m going to have a wonderful time,” he giggles and grabs Wendy’s hand. “Let’s get going. Do we know what we’re watching first?”
