Chapter 47 Willow is with the nurse
I fixed my gaze more on the number on the door as I strode down, trying to locate room 13. The security man was kind enough to point out their classroom, letting me know most of the teachers were in the building behind the colourful one I stepped into. Only a few stayed back to take care of the children as they went for their break. Though most of the kids were seated in their classes, I could hear sounds coming from the end of the hall.
"How may I help you, sir?"
I almost jumped out of my skin at the question. With my heart thumping loudly in my chest, I turned to see a young teacher smiling up at me, her brown eyes shining with mirth. She seemed amused by my reactions to her question.
"Who are you?" She asked, forgoing her initial question. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as she gave me an appraisal, the mirth in them vanishing the more I kept silent.
Clearing my throat, while mentally beating myself for being shocked by a youngster, I smiled down at her, noting how young her actions seemed. She didn't seem to be older than 18, something I couldn't quite wrap my head around.
"I'm here to see my kids" I responded, hoping my voice was as calm as I looked. "Willow and River," I supplied when the suspicious look didn't fade at all.
"Willow and River?" She echoed. "Who are you to them?"
"Their father." This time, the lie came out more solid. Having lied about it to the security man, it wasn't that difficult to do the same to the teacher.
"Oh, I see." Her face broke into a smile. "The kids are out in their playground. Come, I will show you."
"Thank you."
Making a fist bump in the air, I followed her towards the door I heard the noises coming from, as more children ran out of their classrooms and headed towards the said door. For a moment, I was lost in the sea of different hair and skin colours, admiring the radiant smiles on their faces as they hastened over to play.
"You came at a very busy time, sir," the teacher reported, only to pale as she came to an abrupt stop. "Forgive me for my negligence. I'm Sarah." She brought her hand out for a shake. "Sarah Will."
"Dashiell James." I took her hand in mine, swallowing my grin when her eyes widened at my response.
Yeah, they all knew my name, but not my face. However, that sounded. I mentally palmed my face.
"You are 'Mr Dashiell James?" She gasped in shock. She looked like she might faint at any moment. Nodding, I kept the smile on my face. "Wow!" Covering her mouth with her palm, she turned her back to me and hastened to the exit. She opened it and gestured for me to step out. "The kids are out here. Have fun with them!"
Before I could thank her, she was already halfway down the hall, running like one who was being chased by a legion of demons. Sighing, I stepped out of the door, to the playground, and my eyes widened with delight. The outdoor space was a wonderland, designed to spark imagination and physical activity. Vibrant play structures, including a climbing wall slide, and monkey bars, settled amidst a sea of lush green grass. Swings, seesaws, and sandboxes completed it all.
More than all, I was stunned by the number of kids out here playing. Three teachers stood by, watching them, their keen eyes on every kid. I was wondering how they did that. I heard one of them yell to a girl, who didn't seem older than 4, who was trying to climb a swing. She rushed over and carried the girl out, taking her to the slide, where the others were happily climbing on.
A sturdy fence surrounded the playground, ensuring the children's safety, something I noted with a smile. It was always good to learn that your kids are in safe hands. There would be no need to
worry about them.
I spotted a designated area for gardening, where tiny hands could nurture plants and watch them grow. A shaded section with benches and picnic tables offered a peaceful spot for snacks and story
time.
It was on the picnic table I saw River, peering down with a frown at his book. My legs took me there before I realized where I was heading. It wasn't until I stood in front of him, my shadow casting over him, did I realize I had stepped without knowing it.
He glanced up with a frown at me, only for his eyes to widen. "Mr Dashiell???" He looked as if he had seen a ghost. Almost as if his mind were making everything up.
"Hi, little munchkin." I smiled at him as I walked over to his side and sat on the bench, grateful it was sturdy enough to hold my weight. The management must have made it this way, for any teacher who might wish to sit with them. "What are you doing?" I peered into his drawing book, marvelling at how neat his painting was.
"Painting the sun."
"That's great. You are good at this," I commented, not lying about it. "His painting didn't seem as childish as mine was when I was a kid. Looking at it, you might assume a child of ten painted it.
"I guess I followed after mum." He smiled at me, showing off his missing front teeth. "Mum said I will grow up to be the most handsome painter in the entire world!" He boasted, his cheeks tinging with a tint of red as he looked at me, his gaze searching.
"Of course you will be." I patted his hair, which seemed as tousled as mine. "Why aren't you playing with the others?" I motioned towards the kids climbing on the swing and those sliding.
"I don't want to. Willow went to see the nurse. Playing will be like betraying her."
My ears picked up at his words. "Willow? What happened to her???" I was alarmed.
"It's nothing serious. She lost a tooth, so the nurse asked her to come over to take some sweets. She will be back before you know it," he said, almost as if he were trying to cheer himself up.