Page 59 of The Curve
“Yes, definitely. I’ll tell her you’re going to contact her.”
“She may have already met them. It’s a requirement that every freshman or new student stop by their booth on Orientation Day.”
“Mrs. Wagner, I just had a great idea. What if I arrange to work with the kids, you know, try to spread their message to kids in other schools in Memphis?” Atticus says. “The Mavericks are always looking to support local kid’s clubs. I think they’d love this idea.”
Mrs. Wagner looks as if Atticus just gave her a winning Lotto ticket. By the time we say our goodbyes, the plan’s in motion.
We don’t get ten feet out of the building before we start talking.
Hope.
That’s what we both feel, real hope.
“That went in a direction I didn’t expect,” he says.
“But it’s a great one. This is her best chance, surrounded and supported by her peers. And thank you for offering to work with the kids. You didn’t have to do that I know.”
He stops and takes me in an embrace. “I’m not letting you go. I don’t care what you say, or Mallory says, or anyone else. This is your home, right here in the crook of my arm.”
I melt into his body, for the first time in a while believing everything could work out.
* * *
Atticusand I wait like expectant parents for my front door to open. Will Mallory be wearing a scowl? My heart will break if she is. For us all.
“Damn it. I’ve got to leave in fifteen minutes. Fucking baseball.”
He starts chuckling at his words, knowing the order of things he finds important has changed. But he quickly rewords his comment, lest I think he really means it.
“No that’s a little harsh. The game’ll take my mind off things. Wish you could be there.”
“I’d love to be there for your first home game. You know I would if I could.”
“I know, baby.”
Before the key’s in the door, we hear the voices. They’re getting closer. I almost start crying because it’s a sound I’ve never heard before when Mallory came home from school - laughter.
Atticus and I look at each other and he reaches for my hand. The door opens.
“Oh good! He’s still here!” Mallory says.
She and Paige are surrounded by six other kids, four girls and two boys. I recognize the cheerleader and I’d say the beefy boy next to her must be the quarterback. Their young friendly faces are looking at Atticus.
“Come in!” I say waving them inside.
“Mom, these are my new friends. Carol, Barry, Dakota, Jen, Debbie and Amy.”
“Hi. Welcome.”
Atticus stands and approaches the group. “What about me? Don’t I get to meet them too?”
Star-struck faces can’t hide their excitement. The football player speaks first. “Mr. Swift, it’s an honor to meet you. I’m a Mavericks fan.”
“We all are!” says the other boy.
Atticus shakes hands with them all, and when he’s asked for a picture he doesn’t hesitate. That begins the picture taking.
As the rest of the group is distracted, Mallory whispers in my ear, “It’s gonna be okay, Mom. I’ll tell you all about it tonight, but these kids are part of an anti-bullying club and they’re gonna help me. We’re going to stand together. Paige and I have backup plans for Jeffrey if that doesn’t work.”
