Page 7 of Adventures in Spring

“That’s what Morgan said. The kids are both going to be in her first grade class.”

“Omg. You like her.”

“Shush. And no, how could I like her when I don’t even know her? I’ve never even met her.”

“But you can’t stop staring at her and the smile you had on your face…well, that’s the same dopey smile Lukas has when he looks at Emma.”

“You’re crazy, little sister.” I laugh as I see Emiko wave at my sister.

Felicity keeps giving me side-eye glances. And as hard as I try, I can’t stop watching Emiko. What the fuck is wrong with me?

“You know she keeps looking at you too,” Felicity whispers to me.

I turn to her and shake my head.

“Eat your dinner so we can head back.” I chuckle.

I glance at Emiko again. I need to get to know her.

ChapterFive

Emiko

I got to see my new classroom today and I absolutely love it. I can’t wait to decorate. I’m teaching high school science and I know I can’t do little kid decorations. But I can still make it a fun environment for my kids to learn in. I’m a firm believer that if you don’t keep them engaged, they’ll just get bored and tune you out.

We also picked up the supply list for the twins. They’re so excited to go shopping for their school things. My parents are here for another week and have promised the twins new backpacks. My brothers promised them new shoes. This will be the first year they’ll pick out their own stuff.

“Are you ready to go shopping?” I ask the twins.

“Yes! Are we getting our shoes first?” Miyuki asks.

“Do you both want to get your shoes and clothes first? Or school supplies?”

“Clothes. Cause that’s not as fun as picking out the other stuff.” Miyuki giggles.

“Hey! You said you were excited for new shoes!” Kentaro laughs as he scoops her up and tickles her.

“I like new shoes, Uncle Ken. But clothes is boring.” She laughs.

We all laugh and get into the car to head to the mall. We’re doing our clothes shopping in the next town over. It takes us a couple of hours to find everything we need. Then we head back to Wintervale to do our school supply shopping.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve found out that the handsome pharmacist is Rhett Vandenberg. I’ve talked to his younger sister, Felicity, she’s adorable. And Rhett…well I haven’t mustered up the courage to introduce myself to him yet. So I just watch him from wherever I can. Yes, I feel like a stalker.

Today might be the day I have to talk to Rhett. I need bandaids and some supplies from the pharmacy area. I mean I don’t need his help finding what I need. But I want to meet him. I wish I knew if he wanted to meet me. Felicity has hinted that he’s shy and needs a little push from me. But I’ve only dated one man and I don’t know how to make the first move.

As we walk into the country store, Felicity comes up and gives me a hug. She then greets my family.

“Let me know if you need help finding anything. I put aside some fun tablets for the kids.”

I smile at her. “Thank you so much.”

I wander around a little, after the last few weeks, I know where most things are here. But I’m trying to get the courage to go and see if Rhett is working. I try to peek around the corner to see him and I find him looking at me. And instead of going over to him, I turn and walk the other way. I’m a chicken.

Felicity comes up to me with a huge smile on her face. She takes me arm and turns me around.

“Where are you taking me?” I laugh.

“I’m helping you and my brother. You can both thank me later. Or name your first born after me. Either works.”

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