Page 23 of The Love Syllabus

“Ahhh!” Syd echoes.

They thank Kerry and eagerly begin their lessons, diving into the activities she’s prepared.

I step out of the room but observe from afar. The way Kerry fits into this house, into their lives, feels...natural. Her ability to connect with my daughters, not just as a teacher but as someone who genuinely cares for them, reassures me that maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something beautiful, for all of us.

Chapter 7

Trial Run – Kerry

Mondays always bring their own kind of chaos, don’t they? Today has been no exception. I’ve somehow managed to complain about my potential employer to his own mother, bonded with the daughters of the man who’s been relentlessly invading my thoughts, and dove back into my passion—teaching. All things considered, I’d say this day is turning out quite remarkably.

Teaching again fills me with an exhilarating joy I hadn’t realized I’d missed so much. Unlike managing a classroom of twenty-five energetic kids, focusing on just two has its unique rewards. There’s Syd, who has stubborn streak, and Ari, who is determined to rely on her calculator as a shortcut through her math problems. Two inquisitive and very spirited girls.Oh, how I’ve missed this!

“Okay, girls! We’ve done so much this morning. Who’s ready for lunch?” I announce.

Syd shoots her hand up, excitement twinkling in her eyes. “Me! But I bet Dad’s still cooking.”

“Does he make your lunch every day?” I ask, my curiosity piqued by their enthusiasm.

Syd nods, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah, and it’s always super good. You’re going to love his food. We’re like his lab rats. He tests his new recipes on us.” The girls giggle, their laughter echoing warmly around the room.

“Syd, we’re his taste testers!” Ari playfully corrects her.

“That sounds funanddelicious!” I find myself increasingly charmed by their closeness.

These girls have quickly found a place in my heart with their vibrant spirits. Ari is especially light-hearted and spunky. She exudes confidence, which speaks of the love that surrounds her. Despite her physical challenges, she doesn’t allow her disability to hold her back, which inspires me more than she could possibly know.

Syd is sharp for a six-year-old, and I can tell she always gets her way. While Ari’s disability is recognizable at first glance, I’ve begun to notice the limited mobility in Syd’s left arm as well. Like her sister, she doesn’t allow anything to hinder her spirit or drive. Though there’s an obvious tragic history within this family, their love and light seem to overshadow the pain they’ve experienced.

As I contemplate the layers of their young lives, my commitment to understanding and supporting them deepens. It’s clear there’s a lot beneath the surface of the Grimes family, and I’m eager to learn more. As a teacher, I’m committed to understanding my students and their backgrounds to provide the best education possible. With the Grimes girls, my dedication feels even more personal. I already care deeply for them and their father. He’s enigmatic, infuriating, and intriguing. He lingers in my thoughts, adding a layer of complexity to my new role in their lives.

“Alrighty, girls, how’s about we crash your dad’s kitchen and throw him off his game?” I suggest sparking a conspiratorial glint in their eyes.

Syd gasps. “Ooh, this is gonna be fun! Dad hates being interrupted.”

We tiptoe towards the kitchen, giggling softly. Peeking around the corner, we catch Vic in a rare, unguarded moment with Gary, Ms. Tina, and Vicky, discussing lunch preparations.

“I just hope she likes it,” Vic mutters, uncertainty coloring his tone. “She’s never had my cooking before. I should’ve just grilled some burgers.”

Vicky chuckles, her voice full of affection. “Son, you’re a world-class chef, and you’re second-guessing yourself over a woman?”

Gary joins in with a tease, “See, I told you, Ms. Victoria. He’s smitten! Completely lovestruck. Haven’t seen him like this in ages.”

“It’s heartwarming, really,” Ms. Tina adds, her smile audible in her voice. “Seeing him like this, it’s like the old Vic is coming back to us.”

Vic smiles, though his tone betrays his annoyance. “I’m right here, you know? And I’m not lovestruck. I just want to make sure Ms. Kind is comfortable and happy here, that’s all.”

Hearing his words, I can’t help but feel a warmth spread through me. The past few hours with his daughters have brought a genuine joy that I hadn’t realized I was missing. Iamhappy. Today’s been the happiest I’ve been in months, and his desire to ensure I’m happy only deepens the budding connection I feel toward him and his family.

When our giggles eventually give us away, Vic and the others pause their conversation and turn towards us.

Playing innocent, I ask, “Did we interrupt something important?”

Vic replies with a smile, “Not at all. You’re just in time. Lunch is ready.”

I usher the girls to the bathroom to wash their hands, and when we return, we sit down to a spread that looks more suited for a royal banquet than a casual family lunch. I can’t help but marvel at the care Vic clearly puts into everything he does.

“Wow, this is lunch?” I can’t keep the awe from my voice.

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