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“Before you heard about it from someone else, I thought I'd come here and let you know.”
“Is that something I should worry about? You've worked at this school for years, Helena, and the parents and students like you very much.”
“It's nothing to worry about, at least I don't think so. I just want you to be aware to avoid any misunderstandings.”
“So speak up.”
“Thomas Lennox and I are dating.”
“Thomas Lennox?” He jogged his memory. “The twins' father?”
I said yes.
“Since when?”
“It's quite recent.”
“Hmm...”
“I want you to know that this won't get in the way of my commitment to the school and all my students.”
“That's what I hope.”
I remained silent, and she stared at me for a few moments before continuing.
“All I ask is that you be very discreet. We deal with children, and I don't want any complaints from other parents.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Is that all?”
I shook my head yes.
“Thanks for your transparency; you can go now.”
“Not at all, ma'am.” I left her office feeling lighter.
I went back to my students and waited for them to wake up. Mary, Camile, and another student were the first. The second picked up a doll, and one of the twins came closer to talk to her classmate.
“Is Aunt Helena going tobemy mommy?”
Mom?
That word echoed in a strange way inside me; at the same time that it made me happy, it caused a certain astonishment. I thought about intruding on the conversation, saying that it wasn't quite like that, but then I realized that it was better not to.
“Aunt Helena isn't your mother. Your motherrides.”
I swallowed. Camile didn't have to be so cruel, but she had lived with children long enough to know that they were sincere to the extreme.
“Aunt Helenaflirtingwith Dad.” Mary puffed out her chest confidently.
“It's a lie.”
“It's not!”
“Aunt Helena!” Camile got up and ran over to me.
“Hi, darling.” I pretended I hadn't heard the conversation.