Page 116 of Forfeits

“May I say something? As an objective third party and an elementary teacher.”

Annie rolled her eyes, but Brian gestured for Aiden to continue.

“Of course,” he said, ignoring the look Annie gave him.

“I think,” Aiden said, choosing his words with care, “that regardless of who might be a better parent objectively to Lucy—and, so there’s no confusion, I think that would be Fletcher—but regardless of that, don’t you think that Lucy’s had enough upheaval in her life?”

Annie blinked at him, thinking that over. When she started speaking, she seemed calmer, and I had some renewed hope for the evening.

“I don’t think it would be an upheaval for Lucy to come and live with us. She already has space in our home. She’s used to staying with us for lengthy periods over the summer.”

I couldn’t let that rest.

“Yes, when she’s on vacation. But Lucy has her regular life here,” I said, putting my hands in my pockets to keep me from walking over and trying to strangle Daniel’s mother. “She has a friend who lives down the street. We have school bus pick-up arranged, right out of the front door. I don’t think she’d qualify for school bus transportation from your zone. Have you thought about that?”

Annie grunted. “Brian will drive Lucy to school.”

“I didn’t really think about that,” Brian said, shrugging. “But, yes, I can drive her.”

“Great,” I said, giving them a fake smile. “But did you know she enjoys riding the bus with her friends? It’s not a long ride, and it’s a way for her to destress after a long day.”

Annie glanced at Brian.

“Actually, I was looking at a couple of the schools in our zone. I think one of those might be better suited to Lucy and would provide a much better learning environment.”

Wait, what?

“You want her to switch schools? Are you kidding me?”

“Saint Bartholomew is supposed to be a very good school. I’ve heard that the Catholic board is better all-around than the public one.”

Well, this was getting better and better.

“You want to put Lucy in the Catholic Board.” I couldn’t even believe they were proposing something so offensive.

“Well, I just think it’s a better—”

“Wow.” It was Aiden.

We looked over at him. He was staring at Annie with a stunned expression.

“Do you…do you know what the kids in the Ontario Catholic Board learn about gay and trans rights?”

“I don’t think that’s relevant,” Annie said.

“Absolutely nothing,” Aiden stated. “They don’t get proper sex education, either.”

My head was spinning.

“Lucy is not going to attend a Catholic school,” I stated. “Daniel wouldn’t want that. And I certainly don’t. And neither does Lucy.”

“But if it’s what’s best for her—” Annie tried.

But I couldn’t even discuss it anymore.

“I’m sorry. I cannot continue this conversation.”

I stood and went into the kitchen. I checked the timer on the lasagna. It still had another twenty minutes of cooking time. I didn’t think I was going to make it.

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