Page 3 of Minor Trouble
“Don’t worry about it. Take whatever time you need.”
“Let me know if I can do anything too, Seth.” Lyla gave me a sincere smile. “I’ve gotta go, otherwise I’ll be late for work. Principal Collins is a stickler for timekeeping.” She kissed Maddox, then exited the garage.
Taking the breakfast box into the office, I grabbed a fork from the sink. “Thanks for this, Maddox. You guys are great.”
Standing in the doorway, he shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. Like I said last night, we’re here for you.”
Having spent much of my life alone, even the prospect of having a tiny support network around me was comforting. I sure as hell needed it.
The morning dragged. I didn’t plan on speaking with CPS until this afternoon. After yesterday’s early finish, Maddox and I had some work to catch up on, and it was good to keep my mind distracted. Methodically, I worked as fast as I could, knowing that I’d be worse than useless after the call. Whatever we agreed would happen with Noah would change my life for good. When lunchtime rolled around, nerves got the better of me again, and I wasn’t able to eat. I paced around the garage until Maddox shooed me upstairs.
“You’re not doing me any favors here, so get out of the way. I’ll finish up Mrs. Wood’s car and get it back to her. When you’re done, see if you can sort out Rory Gibson’s truck. It’s a simple oil change, and the spark plugs need checking.”
I sighed. “Thanks, Maddox. I’m sure everything will be back to normal soon.”
Deep down, I knew nothing would ever be normal again, but I wasn’t about to admit that to Maddox.
My heart thudded in my chest so loudly, I was convinced the woman on the other end of the phone could hear it. Carol had talked me through the options, one of which included putting Noah into the care system long term. Even though I hadn’t had anything to do with him in such a long time, that wasn’t even on the table. We went around in circles, until there was only one possible solution.
“Noah will need some stability in his life now. Are you sure you can be there for him?”
I bit my tongue. If she asked me one more time whether I was prepared to be around for my son as I’d been the non-custodial parent, I was going to reach down the phone and punch her. However, that wouldn’t exactly demonstrate my suitability as the stable father figure he needed.
“Of course. I’ve got a job, a place to live, friends.” Okay, so perhaps that last statement was stretching the truth a little, but Maddox had said he’d be there for me. “Your records should be able to tell you I’m not a deadbeat dad.”
I could hear a shuffling of paperwork from her end. “Yes, I have evidence that says you have been involved.”
She went on to tell me more about the logistics of how it would work, and I reassured her I wasn’t going to change my mind. Even if I had a choice, I wouldn’t have let him go into the system. I scrabbled around for a piece of paper and a pen, writing notes of what I needed to do and who I needed to contact. The tasks on the list were foreign and overwhelming. Something I guessed I’d have to get used to.
When we finished the call, I couldn’t quite comprehend what we’d agreed, even though I knew it was absolutely the right thing for my son.
I sat on the sofa, turning my cell over and over in my hands. The call I’d been putting off couldn’t wait any longer. Carol said now was the time to make contact again.
Taking a deep breath, I dialed. The call rang and rang before going to voicemail. I almost hung up straight away. Leaving a message for my son wasn’t the best way to establish contact, especially not in these circumstances. But if he hadn’t recognized the number, then he wouldn’t know it was me. Who answers numbers they don’t know anyway?
“Noah, it’s Seth,” I began. “Dad. How are you doing? It’s been a while.” I paused, words escaping me. “I, um, wanted to talk to you about what happens next, talk you through the plan, you know, now your mom’s not around.” The end of the sentence stuck in my throat, my voice cracking. “So, call me back when you get this. I’ll see you soon.”
I ended the call, blood rushing through my veins.
Noah was coming to Cali Cross.
Two
Ainsley
Cali Cross High.
I stood outside the main administration building, students milling around me and rushing off to their next classes, trying to stop the nerves swishing around in my body. The building itself was a glorious red brick construction, with ornate windows and intricate surrounds lining the glass. Its old-fashioned elegance was at odds with the more modern buildings surrounding it. The whole campus was close to a greenway, which I imagined the kids would escape to if things got too tough inside. Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to do the same.
My phone pinged with an alarm, signaling time for me to go inside. I’d given myself plenty of time to find my way here for my interview. The three-hour drive that morning had been straightforward enough, and I’d made it with plenty of time to kill. Finding a coffee shop in the center of the small town had provided a decent pit stop to get some lunch. A rumbling stomach in the middle of an interview would be the worst thing. While I ate my sandwich, I observed the customers coming in and out and chatting with the staff, everyone seeming to know everyone.
“Can I get you anything else?” The woman who had served me swung by to pick up my finished plate.
“Another coffee would be great.” I smiled.
“Coming right up. What brings you here? I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
Ordinarily, I’d be apprehensive of a stranger asking me questions, but having seen how friendly the café was, I didn’t think twice about answering.
