Page 72 of Forever Fickle

I was stuck in a parent-teacher conference…. And the first day of school did not go so well. I appreciate you asking, but wow. What a mess. I apparently have a little one that is dealing with some issues at home and had an ‘accident’ in his pants during class.

School just started and I’m already counting down the weeks until I get to see you again. I did just get an email from your mother, but I confess that I haven’t read it yet. I was so bothered that I missed your call that I wanted to reach out right away.

I hope you are doing well…

This is me, missing you.

Love,

Karen

* * *

Jace smiledat the photo of her kissing a picture of him that had been framed. He didn’t know when she did that, but his heart swelled in affection seeing that he meant so much to her, that she’d done something like that.

* * *

My beloved,

I wish I had thought to take photographs together earlier – and when we meet up at Thanksgiving? I want several of the two of us.

I’ll ask mom to get the Christmas tree up or have the boxes ready for us to help put things together, so we can have those moments to share. I love seeing your face, your breathtaking eyes so full of love, and needed that.

I will absolutely call again… Sunday evening, okay? That should be close to ‘lights out’ for me and you will probably be home by then, getting ready for bed.

I love you,

Jace

* * *

Hey Honey,

Let’s focus on Sunday evening – that sounds perfect. I will be waiting by the phone, so I don’t miss you. I can’t wait to hear your voice again!

Love,

Karen

CHAPTER21

KAREN

She was workingon her lesson plans for the month and had papers spread out all over the dining room desk, her phone beside her with the ringer turned up all the way. It was starting to get late, and she’d just taken a few minutes to get into her ‘jammies’ as Jace had called it, sipping on some hot tea.

Her most recent purchase had all sorts of excellent ideas to engage the children’s eyes, ears, and have them participate, honing all their senses to have them become involved. The more they could bond and befriend each other, the better off things would be for some of the children who hadn’t been able to make a friend yet.

Jace was right – there was always that frightened loner at the back of the class, and even though she couldn’t picture him as such a scared, shy boy? She could see it – easily – because of her own past. It only took one tough event to really break a person or bring them together.

Her phone rang – and she yelped, moving quickly to grab it and answering it, before it went to voicemail.

“Hello? Hello?” she asked twice in succession; afraid she was going to miss Jace’s call.

“Oh gosh, Tink, baby…” Jace’s voice was so full of relief, she couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her nor the way her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve missed that sweet voice.”

“Jace…” she breathed tenderly. “I’m so glad you called – and that I caught the phone in time.”

“Me too. How are you doing?”

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