Chapter 15
Just after evening self-study ended and I walked out the school gate, I saw Mom waiting at the front, with Uncle Anthony following
not far behind her.
Neither Mom nor I acknowledged Uncle Anthony. He didn’t get angry, just followed behind us, escorting us mother and daughter
home.
After we went inside, he left.
I could see the hesitation in Mom’s eyes, so I took the initiative to ask: “Mom, between you and Uncle Anthony…”
Mom rushed to explain: “Sienna, there’s nothing between Anthony and me.”
I sighed, knowing Mom had misunderstood my meaning and thought I was blaming her.
I said sincerely: “Mom, it’s okay. Whether you remarry or stay single, I can accept either.”
“As long as it makes you happy-Uncle Anthony, or Uncle Larry, or Uncle Whatever-your happiness is most important.”
“Be brave and do what you want. I’ll be your strongest armor, always standing on your side.”
Mom was moved to tears.
Then she caught what I’d said about “Anthony or Larry or whatever” and tapped my forehead with her finger: “You little rascal.”
Many days later, in our class.
“Sienna Cohen.” Mr. Sterling stood at the classroom door calling me.
Charlotte, afraid I hadn’t heard, nudged me and pointed toward the door where someone was waiting.
“Come to the office with me. Someone’s looking for you.”
Mr. Sterling spoke loudly and slowly, afraid I couldn’t hear.
I nodded to show I understood.
When we got to the office, I saw the haggard Quinn.
She looked much more ordinary now, with the gray hair and wrinkles appropriate for her age.
Seeing me, Quinn stood up eagerly, but Mr. Sterling blocked her from getting closer.
“Madam, keep your distance. Come any closer and don’t blame me for throwing you out regardless of courtesy.”
Quinn looked at Mr. Sterling pleadingly: “I won’t get close to her. Sterling, can you let me talk to her alone?”
“I refuse.”
“I agree.”
Mr. Sterling looked at me in surprise-he was the one refusing, I was the one agreeing.
I nodded at Mr. Sterling confirmingly: “Mr. Sterling, I agree to talk with her alone.”
Chapter 15
Mr. Sterling stood guard at the door. The office door remained open-at this distance he couldn’t hear our conversation but could quickly come protect me if I was harmed.
Quinn said leisurely: “Sterling really values you.”
“Mr. Sterling cares for every one of his students.”
“Yes, he’s a good teacher-a good teacher who would give up even his lover for his students.”
Tetting
I looked at her in surprise. The resentful tone in her voice suggested she and Mr. Sterling had history too.
Seeing my expression, Quinn relaxed: “Don’t overthink it. I came to find you today about Lincoln’s case.”
I looked at her belly and nodded: “You want me to write a letter of understanding?”
I’d heard that if I wrote a letter of understanding, Lincoln Cohen could get a lighter sentence.
Unexpectedly, Quinn shook her head: “No, I hope you won’t write a letter of understanding.”
Thinking of the story she’d told me about herself, I instantly got her point.
“What about the baby?”
From my observation, Quinn also had no job and depended on Dad for support.
Quinn placed her right hand on her abdomen and shook her head with a bitter smile: “I won’t keep this child.”
When I left the office, Quinn and I had reached an understanding.
I wouldn’t write a letter of understanding for Lincoln Cohen, and she would sell the house he’d bought her and give me half the
money.
Money was far more important to me now than dignity or revenge.
Mr. Sterling stood in place watching Quinn walk away…
I pondered-I needed to change my surname. Mom’s surname Parker would be perfect.
As for what specific name to choose, I’d probably need to let Mom decide.
In any case, the future looked bright.
