Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57726 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 289(@200wpm)___ 231(@250wpm)___ 192(@300wpm)
“It appears I received some incorrect information. My apologies for speaking harshly. I have appreciated all you’ve done for my daughter this year.”
“It’s not a problem. I’m glad we got everything straightened out and Taylor is in good spirits. She had a wonderful rest of her day. I’m amazed at how good she is at math,” Winnie complimented.
“She does love math. Who do I report the principal to?”
“I have no idea. The superintendent, perhaps, or the assistant superintendent in charge of elementary education,” Winnie suggested, crossing her fingers.
“Thank you. I’ll investigate,” Taylor’s mother said before disconnecting.
Winnie typed up the information and sent it to the faculty rep. She wasted more time making notes for herself and starting a file off the computer. After tucking the printouts of everything into her bookbag, Winnie double-checked her lesson plans for the following day. Lorraine would be back to evaluate her tomorrow. Her administrator wouldn’t give up until she found something to use against Winnie.
When Winnie reached her car in the parking lot, she checked her phone and saw a bunch of messages from Scythe. She didn’t have a few minutes to linger and read them. She barely had enough time to get home before Belinda would need to leave. Crossing her fingers, she hoped Scythe would understand.
Chapter 10
Things at home were not good. All the hassles from her day disappeared as Winnie sat by her mother’s bed, listening to her breathe erratically. She’d call the doctor tomorrow with her mother’s request to bring in hospice care. Winnie could understand her decision. Her mother was tired of fighting and didn’t have any more strength.
A tear ran down Winnie’s cheek. She would miss her mother so much. Evelyn Bradley had a heart of gold. Laughter and happiness had filled their home from Winnie’s earliest memories until her father had died suddenly of a massive heart attack. Evelyn had focused on comforting memories and the tasks she had to handle.
When her mother met Belinda’s dad, Winnie had celebrated. So different from her father, Niles Spencer had helped her mother laugh again. He was jovial and fun-loving at all times. As a child, Winnie thought his laid-back attitude was due to his blue-collar job. He hadn’t worn a strangling tie every day to work like her father had.
When Evelyn had fallen ill, Niles had gone to each appointment, treatment, and test. He’d been her rock. In fact, his fatal accident had occurred on his way to pick up a new dose of a trial medication.
With him gone, Winnie had tried hard to bolster her mother’s spirits, but the cancer defeated every treatment. She’d need to request a leave of absence soon from work. Winnie knew that would be a huge struggle to get approval from her principal. Hopefully, her request wouldn’t be one more reason for her to lose her teaching position. Surely Lorraine wouldn’t be that unkind.
Winnie jumped when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled out the device and checked the screen. Scythe. Seeing his name bolstered her spirits.
I’ve missed you today, Chipmunk. Is everything okay?
I’m sorry. I really wanted to see you, but Mom’s not doing well. I’m at her bedside now.
I’m sorry, Chipmunk. Do you want me to come sit with you?
She hesitated. Having someone with her would support her, but her mother would try to rally and interact with their guest. That would drain more of her energy.
I’d love that, but I need to concentrate on Mom. Can I have a raincheck for another day?
Of course, Little girl. You can have anything you want. Promise me you’ll call if you need me or change your mind. Time doesn’t matter.
I promise. Thanks, Scythe.
Daddy.
Thanks, Daddy.
I’ll text in the morning. Try to get some sleep.
Yes, sir.
Yes, Daddy, he corrected her again.
She smiled at the screen and messaged, Yes, Daddy.
A million kiss emojis floated across her screen.
How had she gotten so lucky to meet him? Winnie laid her cheek on the bed in front of her and closed her eyes. She’d stay here with her mother tonight.
A few hours later, she felt her mother’s hand brush over her hair. Sitting up, Winnie asked, “Are you okay, Mom?”
“Go to bed, Winnie. You need your rest too.” Her mother’s voice was feathery soft.
Winnie stood and grabbed the ice water off the bedside table. “I will, Mom, if you take a drink.”
“Okay, sweetheart.” She sucked the smallest sip from the bendy straw and shook her head that she didn’t want any more. “Go to bed.”
“I’ll see you in the morning, Mom.”
“I love you, Winnie. Thank you for being such an incredible daughter. You know I’m proud of you, right?”
“I know, Mom. I love you. You could write a book on how to be a phenomenal mother.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. Go lie down. You need your rest.”
She couldn’t argue with her mother, but she didn’t want to leave her alone, either. Winnie stood and walked out into the hallway. She listened to her mother’s light breathing and decided to go take a shower.