Page 18 of Secret Love

“I was looking over your project again, and I wanted to let you know that you did an excellent job…which your grade will reflect.” I smile and she returns it with a wobbly one. “You seem really uncomfortable with reading in the class. Can I ask why?”

“I’m just not a very good reader.” She looks down at my desk. “It makes me nervous to read in front of everyone.”

“I can understand that. Is that all it is?” I ask and her mouth parts, but she doesn't say anything for a second, and her cheeks burn brighter.

I wait, but when she still doesn’t say anything, I lean forward. “I didn’t hear what Brandon said, but I want you to know, I’ll be speaking with him also. I just wanted to make sure you were okay first.”

“Oh. Thank you,” she finally says. “I’m okay.”

“When you read for me the other day, it came easier, but it still seemed like you were hesitant at times.”

She looks down again and her voice comes out softer when she speaks. “I feel like it’s so easy for everyone else. For me, it's just…hard.”

“How so?”

She makes a face. “I don’t know. Even my six-year-old sister reads better than I do.”

“Do you read often at home?”

“No. I’ve never liked to read, so I hardly ever do.” She crinkles her nose. “Sorry. I can tell that you love it and I wish I did.” Her shoulder lifts with a slight shrug.

I grin at her. “I do love to read, but that doesn’t mean you have to. I’m curious though—when you say it’shard, can you tell me why that is?”

“It’s…I don’t know how to explain it. When I have to read, it’s like I can’t focus on the words and they, um, I don’t know…they sort of jump around...” She fidgets with her notebook and looks toward the door. “That probably sounds crazy. I’ve never said that out loud.” She laughs softly, but her eyes meet mine and I can see the vulnerability there.

“That doesn’t sound crazy at all, Cassidy. Thank you for sharing that with me. I’d like to see what we can do to make reading more fun for you. How does that sound?”

“I’d like that.” She nods.

“I’ll reach out to your parents to talk about a few things…a few ideas I have about reading, and then we’ll go from there. Sound good?”

“Yes.” She nods again and smiles shyly.

I tap my desk and stand up. “Okay, I’ll let you get to lunch. I heard there’s spaghetti today. Should I pass or go for it?”

“Go for it. It’s better than the chicken nuggets.” Her nose turns up and she shakes her head. “Make sure to avoid those.”

I laugh. “Thanks for the tip. I usually bring my lunch, but I didn’t have time today. Sounds like I picked the right day for it.”

She walks to the door and lifts her hand in a small wave before she leaves.

I let out a long exhale when I’m alone. The last thing I want to do is reach out to Henley Ward and his ex-wife, but my concern for Cassidy overrides everything else. I get their numbers from Mrs. Davenport and leave messages on both of their voicemails, asking if they could meet today after school or any other afternoon this week. During my next break, I listen to their messages confirming that they can meet today.

As a substitute teacher, I had very little parent interaction, so I’m apprehensive about what their reaction will be when I tell them I want Cassidy assessed for dyslexia. Since I’m new here, I wouldn’t blame them for not wanting to hear what I have to say, but the hope in Cassidy’s eyes at the offer of help is motivation enough.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LABELS

HENLEY

I stare at the phone for a few seconds after leaving Tru a voice message. She mentioned talking about Cassidy, so my interest is piqued.

“Everything okay?” Bowie asks.

We’re just getting started at the gym and I’d hoped to steer the conversation away from Tru, but I don’t know how longthat’ll last. Fuck it, I need their perspective whether I want it or not.

“Bree and I are meeting Tru this afternoon after school. I don’t know what it’s about…” I glance around to see all four of the guys staring at me, waiting for me to say more.

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