A Familiar Face

*ERIC*

Monday morning arrived swiftly, making the weekend feel like a blur. Except for the night I met her. She had been occupying my thoughts ever since. It became exhausting at some point, so helping Kacie out became the distraction I needed.

I woke up early, earlier than usual, and decided to help Kayla get ready for school while my sister prepared to go to work.

I gently knocked on Kacie’s door to wake them both up. To my surprise, they were already up and moving.

“Come in,” a tiny voice said in the background.

I opened the door to see the brightest little face I had ever seen. She was small but brimming with energy and joy. She stood there in a pink dress adorned with lemons and flowers. She loved lemons. I couldn’t believe a child could, but there she was. Upon seeing me, she ran and jumped up to hug me.

“Uncle Eric!” Her big brown eyes twinkled.

“Hey, sour patch, are you ready for your new school?”

She looked away shyly, twirling her dress slightly, and shook her head. “I miss my old school already. I was just making friends, and then Mom came here.”

I recalled my mom telling me that Kacie had mentioned to her that Kayla was having difficulty socializing. I had assumed it was just a phase that kids go through. But perhaps it was something deeper. Now, I believe she had been afraid of people due to what she had witnessed at home. She was never particularly outgoing, but trauma had a way of dimming even the brightest star.

“Don’t worry about it. You have me now, and I’m going to be taking you in my chariot. Does that sound good to you?” I asked with concern in my voice.

Her smile returned as she nodded. She loved riding in my truck.

“Good. I’ll go start on breakfast so you and Mom will have something to eat. What would you like?”

Completely excited, she exclaimed, “Oh, I know! How about unicorn pancakes?”

“Huh?”

“Mom used to make me pink unicorn pancakes all the time with sprinkles that she’d call unicorn snot.”

“Unicorn snot? Kacie, what the—“

Kacie abruptly cut me off and replied hurriedly, “It’s just pancake batter mixed with pink food coloring and a unicorn-shaped cookie cutter to create the shape. The sprinkles added a touch of sparkle.”

Still puzzled, I nodded and headed to the kitchen. I started making pancakes for my niece and sausage and eggs for me and Kacie.

Fortunately, I began cooking when I did because Kacie had just enough time to eat and dash out the door.

After both Kayla and I finished, I went to take a quick shower and grab her things to head to school.

In the car, we danced and sang poorly to her favorite songs to ease her nerves. This made the ride more enjoyable and less stressful.

As soon as we arrived at the school parking lot, her tension returned as she scrunched her face. I rubbed her shoulder and said, “It’s okay. First days can be scary, but we’re in this together, kid.”

To that, she smiled, and we entered the building.

The hallways were bustling with children and parents, all rushing around as if they were running late. I was definitely not accustomed to this, especially so early in the morning. We went to the main office and asked the lady at the front desk where her class was.

“Good morning, miss. This is my niece’s first day, and we need help to find her classroom.”

“Good morning, sir. What’s her name?”

“I don’t know. That’s what I’m here to find out.”

She gave me a cold look that sent shivers down my spine. “No, the student’s name,” she said, rolling her eyes.

Nervously, I responded, “Oh yeah, my bad. Kayla Jefferson.”

She typed for a moment before responding.

“Okay, it looks like she’s in Ms. Hines’ class: room 112, down the hall. Just follow the signs.”

I took Kayla’s hand and headed towards her classroom. The door was open, and the teacher stood just outside, smiling and greeting everyone in the hallway.

As we approached I realized who it was. The girl from the club that smelled and tasted like heaven. Here she was in my face looking just as beautiful as she did that night. I licked my lips as I examined her beige pencil skirt with a dark crimson button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Her black heels making her outfit and legs look just as amazing as she did.

I reached my hand out to shake hers. I seen shock flash across her face when she realized who I was.

“Good morning, you must be my new student. What’s your name?”

Barely audible my niece answered, “Kayla.”

“Well then Kayla it’s nice to meet you I’m Ms. HInes and I’m going to make sure you get adjusted and have a great first day”, she said still smiling.

I don’t know what it was but I could tell she was in good hands.