Page 68 of Forbidden Secrets
“Me and Olivia told the yard duty teacher, and she made Liam sit on the bench.But when the bell rang, he ran over and said he was going to beat me up after school.”
She looked at her mom.“I didn’t want to get beat up.”
Melanie kept her voice even though Gage could see she was as angry as he was.
“I don’t want you beat up either.But, Addy, grown-ups can help only if they know what’s going on.If you told Mrs.Delgado that Liam threatened you and you were scared of getting beat up, she would have helped you.”
Gage rose to his feet.“What was your plan after you got over the back gate?”
“To hide until the bus came and then sneak on without Liam seeing me.”
“Didn’t you remember that I was meeting you at school for our appointment with the principal?”Melanie asked.
“No.”She shook her head.“I forgot.”
Gage rubbed a hand over his face.This beautiful child shouldn’t have to devise plans to avoid getting beat up.
He caught Melanie’s gaze.“I’ll drive you around to the front of the school.If you give me your keys, I’ll go home and bring back your car with the car seat.”
“Me and Pancake want to come with you,” Addy pleaded.“Please.”
“You and Pancake, huh?Sorry, sunshine.The farthest I’m willing to go without you in a car seat is around the block.”
Melanie was giving him a measured look.He raised his brow in question.“Good with you?”
“If we’re holding you up,” Mel said, “Mom has a car seat and can come get us.She’s at the animal shelter for another couple hours but Addy and I can hang out here to wait for her.”
He shook his head.“It’s not a problem.”
“Okay,” she muttered.He knew she had an independent streak a mile wide, and he had the feeling she didn’t like relying on him.Or maybe men in general.
Addy took Melanie’s and Gage’s hands and they walked together back to the car.
The little girl looked up at him and gave him a sly smile.“Can Pancake stay with Mom and me until you come back?She can keep me company when Mom talks to Mrs.Majors.That would make me happy.”
He barked out a laugh.“No doubt, but I don’t think your principal is ready for Pancake-level mayhem.”
***
Melanie closed the book and set it on the nightstand.Gage had brought over a stuffed penguin with a purple bandana to replace the one Pancake had mauled.Addy was tucked under her blankets with the penguin curled in her arm.Pancake lay on her back in the middle of the floor, paws hanging in the air.
Gage leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed over his chest.
It was unnerving to admit how much they felt like a family.How much Gage had become central to their lives.It felt right and that scared her senseless.No man had ever been a reliable presence in her life.Feeling like she was waiting for the other shoe to drop was making her antsy.
Addy rolled onto her side.“Can we read another chapter?I don’t want to go to sleep.”She may not want to go to sleep, but heavy eyelids and a big yawn gave her away.
“We’ll read the next chapter tomorrow night.”Melanie straightened the comforter.“It’s been a tough day.But you know what?I’m proud of you.You told Mrs.Majors everything Liam has done.You stood up for yourself.”
“Is he going to jail?”
She caught Gage’s quick grin.“No, they don’t put kids in jail.”Melanie weighed how much Addy needed to know.“Mrs.Majors called a little while ago.She’ll make sure Liam doesn’t bother you anymore.”
Melanie had found Mrs.Majors fair-minded and empathetic.She’d assured Melanie that Liam would be evaluated and receive the services he needed, including counseling and mental health support.Liam’s parent was informed that any further incidences of bullying would result in more serious consequences.Mrs.Majors had also stressed to Addy that any adult on campus would help her and she was not to run away from school ever again.
“If Liam does anything, Addy, and I meananything,” Melanie emphasized, “you’re to tell a grown-up immediately.”
Addy plucked at her blanket.“He’s sneaky.But Jordy said he’s gonna tell Liam to knock it off or he’ll clobber him.I think clobber means beat up so maybe that’s not a good idea.”
