Chapter 46 A visit to the kindergarten
DASHIELL
With my hands in the pocket of the black slacks I threw on, I stared at the school, wondering what I was supposed to do. I didn't think things through when I visited the school. I even thought it would be like a walk in the park, with my legs taking me down the path with no destination in mind, but it wasn't so.
Standing in front of the school humbled me. I could only stare at the structure, with no idea of what I was supposed to do. I needed to visit the kids, but couldn't think of how to do it. The security man who opened the smaller gate for a parent didn't look that friendly. With his lips in a thin line, and his gaze flickering around like that of a hawk, he didn't seem approachable.
I leaned on my car and held my arms, my thoughts back to the kids and how to meet them. Leaving wasn't an option, not if I wanted to get to Nova's heart. Being free and friendly with the kids, and getting close to them will make everything easy for me, which was why I took the first step towards it.
"Sir," the security man said, walking over to me with a frown as his gaze took me in like he was sizing me, to know if I was a better opponent. "What are you doing out here? Do you need help?" "Yeah. My children are in there," I nodded towards the school, lying through my teeth as I kept a smile on my face. I had learned, for a long time, to conceal my thoughts. "Your kids?" His gaze was dubious like he could smell my lies despite my obvious attempt to keep my facial expression frozen. "Can I have their names?" Thankfully, River already told me his sister's name, or else they have caught me. "River and Willow Anderson," I answered smoothly, hoping I was right about this. It was a gamble.
His gaze didn't ease a bit as he stared. "Who are you to them?" His tone wasn't friendly either. With the way he looked at me, almost like he was trying to intimidate me into submission, you would have thought Nova asked him to be on guard for me. But did she? There was a massive possibility. I wouldn't rule it out.
"I'm their father," I responded, mirroring his gaze, and letting him know he wouldn't intimidate me like he hoped to do.
"Can I see your ID?" He demanded, pushing his hand forward, waiting for me to put the said ID in his palm, and I did. Fishing it out of my wallet, I passed it to him, while hoping my gaze wouldn't give me away. Not only that, but my gaze kept on darting around, praying to God that Nova didn't show up.
It would bring to a crash my plans to get close to her niece and nephew.
"Mr Dashiell James?" He gasped, his expression changing drastically. For the first time in a long while, I was proud of my name. "I apologize for the scrutiny. I was only doing my job," he said, passing my ID card to me, his gaze softening as he spoke.
"It's nothing. You are just doing your job." Smiling, I tucked my wallet back into my pocket. "Is there anything else you wish to confirm?"
"No, nothing at all," he said immediately before his face morphed into a thoughtful frown. "Pardon me for my inquiries, sir, but Miss Nova said nothing about a father. Aside from Mr Brion Marshall, no one else comes over to pick up the kids. And you said nothing in your posts -"
"I wanted to keep this a secret," I interrupted, still keeping the smile. "That was why I asked Nova not to change their names. You get it?"
Though he looked like he didn't, he nodded his head anyway, while gesturing for me to walk towards the gates. "You are in luck. The kids had just gone out for their break period," he told me, checking the time on his wristwatch. "You have just 20 minutes to spend with them before they are called in."
"It's more than enough." Grinning, I patted him on the back before striding towards the gate, my heart thumping loudly against my chest the nearer I got to it. I was so nervous. It was as if I were meeting my biological kids for the first time.
They will be yours soon.
A voice in my head said, trying to justify my reactions to the meeting, but I waved it off. Having them as my kids will all depend on Nova.
The security man rushed over to the gate and opened it for me, ushering me into the warm building. My eyes immediately went to the building, and I felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The feeling almost knocked me off my feet. Tears pricked the sides of my eyes as I imagined how it would have been if Nova hadn't run away from home, and our baby survived, but I didn't let my thoughts dwell on it for long. Instead, I focused on what I came over for. Inhaling, my gaze fixed on the building.
The exterior was vibrant and welcoming, with bright yellow walls, large windows, and a cheerful entrance. Colourful murals of animals, flowers, and smiling children adorned the facade, setting the tone for a playful atmosphere. It was inviting, enough to make any kid fall in love. I bet that was what they were aiming for with such a beautiful artistic display.
"That's the entrance," the security man said, interrupting my thoughts as he gestured to a door a few distances from where I stood.
Blinking, I thanked him and headed over to the door. Upon entering, the warmth and energy inside immediately struck me. The reception area was cosy, with comfortable seating and engaging displays of children's artwork. The floors were polished, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of paint and the hum of gentle chatter.
It was as if I had stepped into another realm, one that promised warmth and love as it lured me into a space I knew I might never willingly wish to be let out of.
As I walked through the hallways, I noticed classrooms buzzing with activity. Each room was meticulously organized, with learning stations, toys, and materials carefully arranged to foster curiosity
and exploration. They adorned the walls with alphabet charts, number lines, and whimsical decorations, creating an immersive environment.