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Jonah’s wild eyes meet mine for a split second before he turns and runs, pushing through the gathering crowd. He disappears around a corner just as the wails of police sirens fill the air.
Minutes later, we’re surrounded by officers who are gathering statements from witnesses. One kneels down to our level, his voice gentle. “Ma’am, can you tell us what happened?”
I try to keep my voice steady for Lou’s sake, but I can hear it shaking. “He… he’s my daughter’s biological father. He’s unstable. He’s been stalking us. He tried to take her.”
Lou looks up at me, her eyes wide and red-rimmed. “Mom, is it true? Is he really my dad?”
My heart breaks at the fear and confusion in her voice. “Oh, sweetie,” I choke out, unable to lie. “Biologically, yes. But he’s not your father in any way that matters.”
The officer asks a few more questions, but I can barely focus. All I can think about is the devastation in Lou’s eyes, the way her world has just been shattered.
As soon as the police leave, I pull out my phone with trembling hands and call Angelo.
“Fee? What’s wrong?” His voice is immediately concerned.
I can barely get the words out through my sobs. “Jonah… he was at the school. He tried to take Lou. She knows now, Angelo. She knows he’s her biological father.”
I hear Angelo’s sharp intake of breath, followed by a string of curses. “Are you both okay? Did he hurt you?”
“We’re physically fine,” I manage. “But Lou… she’s so scared and confused.”
Angelo’s voice is tight with fury. “I’m in the middle of important meetings, but I’m calling my lawyer right now. We’re getting a restraining order, and I’m making sure the school knows he’s not allowed anywhere near Lou.”
I nod, even though he can’t see me. “Thank you,” I whisper.
“Fee.” Angelo’s voice softens slightly. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t there. I promise you, we’re going to fix this. Jonah won’t get near either of you again.”
As I end the call, I look down at Lou, still clinging to me. Her world has been turned upside down, and I don’t know how to make it right.
Lou is still trembling in my arms, and I make a quick decision. “Lou, you don’t have to go to school today if you don’t want to. We can go home.”
Lou’s head snaps up, her eyes wide and pleading. She shakes her head frantically, burying her face back into my chest. “Please don’t make me go, Mom,” she whispers, her voice muffled against my shirt.
My heart breaks for her. My normally independent child has been reduced to this. She hasn’t been this clingy since she was a toddler. Hatred rolls through me at Jonah.Hedid this to my girl.
“Okay, baby. We’re going home,” I assure her, stroking her hair.
People are crowding around us now, their voices a cacophony of concern and curiosity.
“Are you alright?”
“Do you need anything?”
“Should we call someone?”
I feel a surge of anger. Where were all these ‘helpful’ people when Jonah was trying to drag Lou away? I brush off their questions with curt nods and a mumbled “We’re fine,” pulling Lou closer to me.
My eyes land on the man who tackled Jonah. He’s sitting on a nearby bench, holding an ice pack to his face. His nose is swollen and clearly broken, a testament to Jonah’s violence.
I approach him, Lou still clinging to my side. “Thank you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “For stepping in. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t…”
He waves off my thanks with his free hand. “Don’t mention it. I just did what anyone should have done.”
I nod, feeling a lump in my throat. He’s right—anyone should have stepped in. But they didn’t. He did.
“Come on, Lou,” I say gently. “Let’s go home.”
As we walk away from the school, I can feel the weight of stares on our backs. Whispers follow us, but I ignore them. Right now, all that matters is getting Lou somewhere safe, somewhere she feels protected.
