Page 69 of Second Chance for the Single Mom

We spoke with the administrative assistant behind the desk, and were led through several rooms before reaching the one belonging to Juliana Vortsch, the head of admissions. Even though she had a warm smile and a kind disposition, I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. This meeting might affect the entire course of Bran’s life.

Shay’s presence was definitely comforting. I wasn’t in this alone.

“Ms. Mercer, I’m thrilled you and your son were able to come in on such short notice,” Juliana said warmly from behind a massive oak desk.

“We’re thrilled you invited us,” I replied.

“I want to emphasize that this isn’t any sort of test, or interrogation,” she went on. “This is just a casual discussion to get to know you and your son. To put a face to the name, and to make sure he would be a great fit at our school. Can you tell me about your son’s personality and interests?”

For a while, Bran was the focus of the discussion. Juliana asked about his favorite books, activities, and subjects. I talked about his personality, and how he handled social situations with peers. How he responded to structure and routine, and what kind of learning environment suited him best.

Then, to my surprise, Bran was sent to the adjacent room to play, and the questions shifted to focus on me. How I supported his learning at home. What values were most important to me when raising my child. How he responded to discipline and guidance, and the kinds of activities we did together as a family outside of school.

“Well, we have a small family,” I admitted. “Bran’s father isn’t in the picture, but I have a lot of support from my sister and her husband.”

“Oh, I see,” Juliana said. Her smile didn’t waver, but I detected a note of surprise in her tone. And after that, her questions became more curt.

Was she judging me for being a single mom? I glanced at Shay, who was stone-faced while he listened. There was definitely a shift in the whole vibe. I began to feel my hopes slipping away.

“I don’t think I have any further questions,” Juliana finally said. “Do either of you have any questions for me?”

Shay cleared his throat. “The Worthington Academy has quite the reputation around town. Students who graduate here are fifty percent more likely to be accepted into their first choice for college.”

Juliana smiled proudly. “I see you’ve read the most recent article in The Oregonian. Yes, our college acceptance rates certainly speak volumes.”

“I was struck by another part of that article, actually.” Shay slowly crossed one leg over the other, and it felt like he was going into Attorney Mode. “There are some class-related issues that are concerning. The median income of students admitted to your academy has gone upfour hundred percentin the past five years. The Worthington Endowment Fund, which was originally created to help lower-income families afford the tuition here, has since been repurposed for renovations on the school’s new athletic facility.”

Now Juliana’s smiledidwaver. “We pride ourselves on admitting students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Through no fault of our own, our prestige has led to more families moving from Seattle and San Francisco. That is likely the cause of the rise in median household income for our students.”

“Of course.” Shay dipped his head like a lawyer conceding a point. “However, the price of tuition has risen over the same period. I’m concerned that such changes will further price out students who would make valuable additions to your great school. Especially if the endowment fund continues to be used for renovations, rather than its intended purpose.”

Juliana nodded along. “Absolutely. Your concerns are valid, and I assure you this is an important issue to me and the rest of the faculty.”

“I’m relieved to hear that,” Shay said. “Personally, I think Ms. Mercer’s son would make an excellent candidate for both admission to the school, and for its various scholarships. And what better way to combat the accusations of elitism than by admitting a struggling single mother?”

Struggling single mother?His phrasing made me bristle, but I kept my mouth shut.

“We value your input in this area,” Juliana said. “As we value the support of you and your former firm.”

The three of us chatted a little longer, and then the meeting was over. We collected Bran from the play area, then walked out to the parking lot.

“Sorry for framing your situation that way,” Shay immediately said when we were outside. “I know you’re notstruggling, but it was a good angle of attack. Especially since there’s a lot of public pressure on the school to broaden their admissions.”

“Don’t apologize!” I said. “I’ll beg, borrow, and steal if it means getting Bran into this school.”

Bran looked up at me. “You said stealing is wrong.”

“Itiswrong. Mommy was just making a joke.”

“I don’t get it.” Bran frowned.

“It wasn’t a very funny joke,” Shay agreed.

“Thank you for being here,” I said. “It was a huge relief having someone else with me, even without the argument you made. Can I repay you with dinner?”

“I like to eat,” Shay smirked. “How about tonight?”

I cringed. “Tonight’s the one night I’mnotfree. I’m…” There was no use lying, so I spit it out. “I’m taking Lucas out to dinner to thank him for watching Bran while my sister was in the hospital.”

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