Page 19 of A Play for Love

Ella took hold of my hand as we stepped inside.

“Please, have a seat.” Her principal gestured.

I knew if I sat down, I wouldn’t be able to get up.

“It’s okay. I’d rather stand.” I smiled.

“Oh, okay. I called the headmaster over at Oak Crest, and he said that tomorrow at noon would be an excellent time for you and Dr. Kind to stop by with Ella and take a look around. I told him you’d be there.”

“I’ll have to check with Nathan. I’m not sure that will work for him with his schedule.”

“Well, the sooner, the better. We, as parents, need to put our child’s education as a top priority.”

I was in a lot of pain, and this woman was irritating me.

“Listen, people work and just can’t drop everything,” I spoke sternly. “Dr. Kind is a very busy man with patients who come to him for help. If his schedule allows it, we’ll be there. If not, we’ll have to reschedule for another time.”

“I don’t think you understand, Miss—”

“Oh, I understand. I understand that you think you can schedule people’s lives for them.

“I’m sorry. Perhaps you should have Dr. Kind call me.”

“For what? He’ll tell you the same thing. As I said, we’ll go to Oak Crest tomorrow if he's available. Thank you.” I grabbed Ella’s hand and began to walk out of the office.

“Miss Finnegan?”

I stopped and turned around.

“There’s no need for Ella to attend school tomorrow. She already knows the lesson plans for tomorrow and says she’ll be bored while the rest of the class learns.”

“Fine. Come on, Ella.”

“You’re not okay,” Ella said as we walked to the car.

“We need to stop at the medical center before we head home,” I said.

“Yay! I get to see my dad, aunts, and uncles!” Ella grinned. “Do you want a wheelchair?” she asked as I pulled into the medical center.

“No, sweetheart. I can walk.”

“I can push you.”

“I’ll be okay. Come on.” I grabbed her hand.

We took the elevator up to the second floor, and when we reached Nathan’s practice, Ella ran to June and hugged her.

“Ella, darling. How are you?” June squeezed her tight.

“I’m good. How are you, June?”

“I’m fabulous now that you’re here.”

The door opened, and Conner walked in.

“Sofia?”

“Uncle Conner!” Ella jumped up from the chair behind the reception desk and ran over and hugged him.

---