Page 19 of Smuggler's Cove
Gwen was relieved that Madison showed no signs of anxiety or fear. It reminded her of the brave move she had made when she moved to New York. She knew her little girl would be fine.
As they pulled into the long drive of Hackley, several other vehicles were arriving with students and parents. Mr. Bridwell and Gladys stood on the walkway and greeted everyone. There was a buzz of excitement in the air. Gwen’s concerns were further alleviated.
Mr. Bridwell immediately welcomed Gwen and Madison and introduced them to another girl the same age as Madison. “This is Niko. Her family is from Japan. They work at the United Nations.”
“Niko, this is Madison and her mother Mrs. Taylor.”
Niko bowed. “Hajimemashite. Nice to meet you.”
Madison did a little curtsey. “Nice to meet you too, Niko.”
“Both of you will be staying here during the week,” Mr. Bridwell announced. “You’ll be across the hall from each other.”
Madison was pleased she had already met someone her age. “Have you seen your room yet?” Madison asked with excitement.
“No. Today is my first day here.” Niko’s diction was precise. Deliberate.
“There’s a game room, and craft room, and all kinds of things.” Madison took Niko’s hand. “Come with me.” Madison was in charge. She walked over to Gladys. “Is it alright if I show Niko our rooms?”
Gladys was taken aback. In a good way. “Of course you can. You remember where to go, right?”
Madison nodded. “Niko’s room is across the hall from mine.” The two girls gaily walked into the building as Gwen watched on.
“I guess she’s going to be alright.” Gwen chuckled.
Gladys nodded in agreement. “It’s nice that Madison is so outgoing. Niko is new to the States, and having a pal her age is terrific.”
“Are her parents here?” Gwen looked around.
“No. They had to fly to London or Scotland, somewhere in the U.K. Poor child arrived with her nanny.”
“Oh?” Gwen sensed an undertone.
“The nanny didn’t even bother to take Niko’s suitcase to her room.” She jerked her head toward a lonely piece of luggage sitting on the sidewalk.
Gwen knew all too well about certain types of nannies. There were those who really loved children and wanted to care for them; then there were those who used it as a gateway to America; and then there were others who used it to gain access to the wealthy, and often their husbands.
Mr. Bridwell picked up Madison’s and Niko’s suitcases. “Let’s see how they’re settling in, shall we?” He led the way while Gladys stood guard for the new arrivals.
Gwen had the linens for Madison’s room delivered several days before. Madison and Niko hurriedly rummaged through the shopping bags. Madison yanked on the package with her new white comforter with the gold stars.
Niko smiled in approval. “Very nice. Shiny.”
Madison wrapped it around her like a shawl. “It feels so snuggly.”
“Speaking of snuggly,” Gwen said, standing in the doorway. “Mr. Jinx?” She handed the stuffed cat to her daughter.
“This is Mr. Jinx.” Madison held him up. “They say the wordjinxis a jinx, but not him! He’s my lucky cat. My uncle gave him to me.”
“We have lucky cats, too.” Niko unzipped her bag and carefully unwrapped a white cat with one paw in the air. “His name is Maneki Neko.”
“Niko, Neko! Niko, Neko!” Madison responded in a singsong.
“My name means ‘kindness.’ His means ‘luck,’ ” Niko explained.
Gwen leaned against the doorjamb with her arms folded. “I think that is a wonderful combination. Kindness and luck.”
“We have two lucky cats!” Madison exclaimed.
