Page 52 of She's perfect for Daddy

“Mary and Anne, come!”

When the twins got up to leave, I looked at the gate in the vain hope that their father would be there to pick them up. As obvious as it was, seeing the driver left me a little disappointed. A large part of me had hoped that Thomas would come as a simple excuse to see me.

There wasn't exactly a rule forbidding teachers from getting involved with students' parents, but it wasn't common. Deep down, I thought it would be better if he didn't show up so there would be no way for the principal to see anything or make any kind of interpretations about a relationship that didn't exist.

It didn't exist...

Those last two words kept echoing in my mind and made me think again that Friday was a dream.

“Helena!” called Holly after closing the gate as the last child passed through. “What have you been up to?”

“What do you mean?” I frowned as she came towards me and it was then that I realized she was carrying a white box. “What's this?”

“For you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Mr. Lennox had the driver deliver it to you.”

“Mr. Lennox?” I repeated thoughtfully.

“Don't pretend you don't know who you are, funny girl.”

“Why would this man send me anything?”

“It's up to you to answer me.” She handed me the box. “It looks like quite a present.”

“I don't know...” I kept looking at the package and creating theories about what could be inside.

“You don't know, or you don't want to tell me?”

“It must be because of the work I do with his daughters,” I lied, but it seemed the most plausible justification.

“Aren't you going to open it?” She waited, curious.

After everything that had happened between me and Mr. Lennox, I couldn't expect anything, and I didn't want her to see anything before I was sure of what was there.

“Then.”

“But...”

“Do you need help with anything?”

“No.”

“See you tomorrow, then.” I leaned over to kiss her cheek.

I went back to the classroom, picked up my bag, and carried the box to the bus stop. As curious as I was, I waited to open it when I got home.

“Hi, Grandma!” I greeted her as I passed through the living room and went straight to my room, closing the door behind me.

I threw the bag on the corner of the mattress and arranged the box in the middle before undoing the bow and looking inside.

On top of a layer of tissue paper, there was a red envelope that was the first thing to catch my eye. Inside was a small note.

I thought about what we discussed and realized that I wanted to get to know her better. It's the first step before I decide on anyone else. That's why I hope you'll agree to go out with me tonight. I'll be by at twenty to pick you up.

In the box is a present that I hope you'll use.

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