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“Once upon a time...” I started to tell the story until I was interrupted by Anne.
“Dad?”
“What's wrong?”
“Is Aunt Helena aprincess?”
“Helena?” I squeezed my eyes shut at the thought of the name. I couldn't immediately associate the image with a person. “Which Helena?”
“Plofesola.”
“Ah! She's not a princess.”
“Why?”
“Princesses are the daughters of kings, and I imagine that's not the case with your teacher.”
“But we'reprincesses.”
“When we call you princesses, it's just an endearment. It doesn't mean you're a real princess.”
“No?” Anne pressed her lips together as if she were upset by the information I had given them.
“You're both beautiful, and I love you both very much.” I kissed each of you on the forehead.
“Is Helena beautiful?”
I had no idea what could have prompted them to ask me that, but I said no because I didn't think it was appropriate to talk about that kind of subject with my daughters.
“Don't you want me to continue the story?”
They said yes.
“So let's go.” I resumed reading, saying the sentences slowly so that they could understand, and they soon fell asleep.
I tucked each of them into their beds and covered them up so that I could get back to my work.
Chapter four
I arrived at school very early, before the students, as was my custom every day. I had a good night's sleep and was well-rested when I took the bus to Manhattan. I had even considered moving to a place closer to work, but the rents there were absurd and couldn't be afforded on my salary. For the time being, we would stay in Queens, which would allow me to save a little money and even plan for the future.
I was a good student at school, which enabled me to get a scholarship to Columbia to study pedagogy. I've always loved children, and the chance to work with them was a dream for me.
“Good morning, Helena!” said hello to Sarah, another teacher and friend who worked with children a little older than my class of four.
“Good morning!”
“What do you say we go out on Friday? I heard there's going to be a really nice concert, and I can get us some tickets.”
“I'm staying with my grandmother.”
“Oh, I can't believe it!”
“These noisy concerts aren't usually my thing.” I grimaced, and Sarah started laughing.
“How do you expect to get a boyfriend if you only spend your weekends with your grandmother?”
“Her company is very pleasant.” I snorted, and she laughed.