Catching Fireflies(90)

“While I’d appreciate that from a business perspective, when it comes to saying what needs to be said, I don’t ever want you to hold back,” Bill said clearly. “Understood?”

“Understood,” J.C. said. “And appreciated more than I can say.”





18

Laura made it a point to go outside after school and linger where she could be seen by the students as they walked to the parking lot or headed home on foot. She noted that Betty Donovan and several other teachers were visibly scattered outside the school, as well. The usual clusters of chattering students seemed to break up quickly and move on.

Satisfied that they’d done what they could to ensure there would be no torment of Misty, at least on school grounds, Laura was about to return to her classroom when she saw Diana Dawson heading her way.

“Do you have some time?” Diana asked.

“Of course, come on inside. Were you here to pick up Misty?”

Diana gave an exaggerated roll of her eyes. “Are you kidding? She’d rather die than have me wait outside for her.”

“They do develop a healthy independent streak at this age, don’t they?” Laura said with a laugh.

“You say independent streak. I say aversion to all things parental,” Diana replied. “You should have seen her expression when I offered to drive her over here this morning.”

“I can imagine,” Laura said.

As soon as they were settled in her classroom, Laura asked, “Was there a particular reason you wanted to see me, beyond being worried about Misty, of course?”

“I came to thank you for being so quick to spot what was going on with my daughter. I’m very sorry to say that I was so lost in my own misery, I didn’t realize how much trouble she was having. I can’t forgive myself for that.”

“You shouldn’t blame yourself,” Laura consoled her. “I know parents are supposed to see and hear everything, and I truly do believe they have a responsibility to pay attention to what’s going on with their kids. That said, I also know just how good kids are at keeping things from their parents. I know Misty was doing her best to deal with this on her own, because she didn’t want to upset you. She found what she thought was the best way to handle it.”

“Skipping classes,” Diana said with a shake of her head. “What was she thinking?”

“It was a terrible solution,” Laura agreed. “But it’s exactly what caught my attention. Students as smart as Misty generally have no reason to skip a class unless there’s some other problem. I’m just sorry it took me so long to pinpoint what that problem was.”

“If I wasn’t to blame, then neither were you,” Diana said fervently. “I think what really woke me up to what lousy parenting I was doing was realizing that Misty was trying to avoid upsetting me.” She regarded Laura with dismay. “My daughter’s job isn’t to protect me. It’s mine to see that she’s safe and happy.”

She gave Laura a plaintive look. “Is she now, do you think? Safe and happy, I mean?”

“Not entirely,” Laura said candidly. “It was tough for her today. She stayed behind when my class ended. She told me the kids were whispering behind her back. I tried to convince her that will pass, but she’s not quite ready to believe it when all the evidence is to the contrary.”

“I tried to tell her the same thing this morning,” Diana said wearily. “She wanted to stay home from school one more day. Maybe I should have let her.”

She looked so lost, Laura patted her hand. “Don’t second-guess yourself. I think sending her to school was exactly the right thing. A few days off last week was understandable, but longer would just have made coming back that much harder.”

“That’s exactly what I told her,” Diana said.

“The whole staff kept a very close eye on things today. There may have been a few whispers which unquestionably upset her, but no one was openly ganging up on her. We will stay on top of this, Diana. I promise you that.”

“Thank you,” Diana replied, then straightened up, her expression determined. “Now, tell me what I can do to help you with Mariah Litchfield’s vendetta. Whatever you need, consider it done.”

“Thanks,” Laura said. “Just be there for the rally on Saturday. I tried to convince Misty to say a few words about this experience. I think it might help her to reclaim her self-esteem if she feels she’s in charge of her life again and can speak out to help others who are being bullied. You could encourage her to do that, if you agree.”

Diana nodded. “I do agree. Bullying needs to have a face and a voice. Who better than Misty, if she feels up to it? I won’t push her, though. I can’t do that.”