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With a sigh, I typed up an email asking if the girls could start late. With the way the school operated, I doubted they would accept this.
But I had to try.
Even if I’d just seen how much Strawberry Springs could help.
Even if there was a part of me that wondered how the elementary school had fared over the years. I still knew I couldn’t go against a dead person’s wishes.
I never had before, and I wouldn’t start now.
As I typed the email, however, I was shocked at how difficult it felt asking for this. I didn’t want to. I wanted to see just what Strawberry Springs could do if I stayed here long-term, but that was never an option for the girls.
It couldn’t be if I were going to do the things that Alice wanted.
15
JADE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Wren Hackett: FINALLY! I GOT THE APPROVAL! Old shack, here I come!
Comments:
Mollie Wilson: Whew! Anyone else hear anything?
Tammy Jane: Got a yes on my new tables too! They’re back, everyone!
Jackie Anne: I wonder where they went? I hope they’re okay. @Jade Clark Do you know anything?
Jade Clark: I’m noting all of this down . . . but no. I don’t know anything.
Grace was waiting outside my apartment door when I left Gabriel’s place.
“Wow,” I said with a laugh. “I’ve been visited a lot today. I must be popular.”
“Is it true? About Gabriel?”
There was no point in denying it, and I had no doubts about how the news had gotten to them. “Wren and Mollie told you.”
“They did.” She crossed her arms. “I knew I should have joined. Leave it to me to miss massive news like this. So, they’re his, but not his?”
“Yep. He was only supposed to be a sperm donor, and he got custody.”
“How?”
“Their mom died. I haven’t asked for details, but it explains a lot.”
“Is he okay?” Grace asked.
“Does he look okay?”
“People say he doesn’t. He carries a weight he didn’t before. It looked a little better near you, though.”
“Don’t tell me that.”
“I shouldn’t. In fact, I should tell you to stay far away.”
“I feel like if you were in my situation, you’d do the same thing.”
