Page 112 of A Little Twist

I slide the backs of my fingers over her cheek. “You know Crimson. And Owen will be down the hall in the fourth-grade room.”

“Owen always tells me to go away.” My heart twists, and I hug her close.

“Owen’s just grumpy at home. When you’re not at home, he’ll look out for you. And Ryan’s here, too. He’s sweet.”

Alex squats beside us, taking her hand. “You’ll probably know more kids in your class than you think.”

She puts her hand on his shoulder. “What if they don’t like me?”

His jaw tightens, and I know the idea anyone wouldn’t like his daughter is like fighting words. I feel the same.

Still, “Find Crimson, and the two of you can meet people together. You’ll make friends. You’re a very fun person.”

“Owen said I’m not Little Miss Thing at school like I think I am at home, and I have to behave.” Worried eyes meet mine, and my lips part.

It’s like my first day as a nanny all over again, and I am not prepared for family drama. My eyes fly to Alex, and he steps in at once.

“I think Owen was trying to warn you not to come on too strong.” Her little brow wrinkles, and he continues. “Like don’t karate chop your classmates.”

I’m not so sure it’s what Owen meant, but I’m happy to go with this explanation.

Pinky’s forehead relaxes, and she gives her daddy a look that clearly saysduh. “I know not to do that, Daddy. Mama Cass told me a long time ago, and I got to eat El Rio when I stopped, remember?”

As if we could ever forget that night.

“Yes.” He nods. “You did a very good job, and that’s why you’re going to have a great first day of class. Ready?”

She nods quickly, her smile returning to her cheeks. I’m about to collapse against the wall from the adrenaline leaving my veins, when a familiar little voice yells from behind us.

“Pinkeeee!” Crimson runs to where we’re stopped.

She’s all decked out in a white dress with the alphabet all over it and bright red Converse sneakers. Her brown hair is styled in two braids on each side of her head, and her brown eyes widen when she sees her friend.

“You’re Miss Piggy!” She throws her arms around Pinky’s neck.

Pinky hugs her back. “Crimey, you’re here!”

The two little girls join hands and start walking towards the school, leaving us behind.

My head swivels around to Alex. “What the heck was that?”

“Kid stuff.” He chuckles, taking my hand and helping me stand. “You have no idea how Aiden used to mess with me, and I messed with Adam.”

“Cass!” Julia hugs me, gripping my hand. “I don’t know if I’m ready.”

“We’re better now. I’m glad the girls are here together.”

“They’re so dramatic,” she laughs. “You’d think they’ve been separated for months.”

Alex steps up beside me, sliding his hand over my waist. “They’re good little soldiers.”

My hands cover my cheeks, and I inhale slowly. “It’s hard to believe they’re old enough to do this.”

The three of us hesitate as we watch them, hand-in-hand, marching up to the school. Their backpacks are as big as they are, and they’re just so small. I can’t help thinking this is how it begins, and I’m so thankful I’ll be a part of it next year.

Walking through the hall, observing all the children talking and greeting each other, I make mental notes. Next year, this will be my workplace—and I can’t wait. I’ve found everything I was looking for.

The girls join their classmates, sitting on the floor with their backs to the walls, and the tiny kindergartners watch wide-eyed as the older students file past in a line on the way to their classrooms.

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