Into Magnolia (Sandy Cove Series Book 3) Read online

  “Right.” Amber replied, with a tinge of sarcasm. She cocked her head to the side and looked at the ceiling.

  “Amber!” Cecilia chided. “Watch your manners.”

  Amber rolled her eyes and started to walk out of the room, tossing back over her shoulder, “I’ll be in my room.”

  After Amber had darted upstairs, Cecilia looked at Michelle and shook her head. “She’s got a lot of baggage. I was hoping she’d be reunited with her mom in a week or two, but it’s looking like that won’t be happening for a while.” A sudden cry from the other room diverted her attention, and she excused herself to referee a fight between the two little ones.

  Michelle’s stomach ached. This had not helped at all. Sure, she understood more about the environment where Amber lived, but it did not seem to justify the hostility and rebellion Amber exuded at school.

  This sure isn’t working like the teacher movies in the theater, she thought to herself. Wasn’t this the way the heroine in those stories always began to make an impact on troubled students?

  Cecilia came back into the front room with a little girl straddling her hip. Tear-streaked cheeks and a pouty mouth told Michelle that this little one had lost the fight. Her thoughts shifted momentarily to Madison. It hadn’t been that long since Maddie was the age of this girl. She wondered how such young kids had ended up in foster care, and it made her heart ache to be home with her daughter.

  She rose to her feet. “I’d better be going.”

  “Thanks for dropping by,” Cecilia said with a weary smile. “Amber needs more people in her life who care. Call me if she gives you any trouble.”

  Michelle nodded and thanked Cecilia for her time, smiling sympathetically at the little girl in the woman’s arms before walking out the front door.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Amber slouched down against the headboard of her bed, her cell phone pressed to her ear. The room was strewn with clothes and her backpack sat unopened on the floor just inside the door. With her foot resting on her bent knee, she wiggled nervously as she listened to the fifth ring. “Come, on. Pick up,” she mumbled under her breath.

  “Hey, Amber.”

  “Adam! Are you busy?”

  “No. What’s up?”

  Amber lowered her voice, glancing over at the closed door. “I need to get out of this place.”

  “Cool. Want me to come get you?”

  “Yeah. I was thinking maybe your brother could take us down to the beach.”

  “He’s off with some friends somewhere, but he left his car. No one’s here, so maybe I’ll just take it.”

  “Are you crazy, Adam? You don’t have a driver’s license.”

  “No, but Troy let’s me drive sometimes. It’ll be fine. We just have to get back before he does.”

  She knew it probably wasn’t the best idea, but Amber was desperate to get out of the house. The beach would be the perfect escape. “Okay. I’ll meet you out front.”

  Slipping on her flip-flops, she cracked open the bedroom door and listened. Cecilia was in the bathroom giving the kids a bath. She’d never hear Amber leave with all the ruckus those two were making in the tub. Amber hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on her doorknob and left music playing in her room. She and Cecilia had an agreement that Amber could have privacy in the evening as long as she came and told her goodnight before she went to sleep.

  Heading down the stairs and out front, Amber checked her pocket to make sure her cell phone was there. As she approached the curb, Adam drove up in a beat up Ford sedan.

  She hopped in the front door, and started to fasten her seatbelt. “Hi!” she said with a smile.

  Adam patted the center seat. “Over here,” he said, reaching for her hand.

  She slid next to him and dug into the cushion to find the seat belt.

  He tapped his hand on the steering wheel to the beat of the music on the radio. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. Off to the beach!” Pulling the car from the curb, they took off.

  A full moon illuminated the streets, and Adam maneuvered the car carefully, constantly checking his rearview mirror for any signs of a patrol car.

  Soon they were parking on a quiet street parallel to the sand. Amber slid out through Adam’s door, and he took her hand, leading her toward the water. The beach was empty — a sure sign that summer was over.

  They walked quietly along the water’s edge, heading for a cluster of driftwood logs where they could sit.

  “So what’s up?” he asked as they sat down.

  “Nothing. I just had to get out of that prison for a while. All I hear around there are those two brats fighting or the warden telling me what to do.”

  Adam nodded, his gaze on the horizon. Silence hung between them, as the waves lapped the shore. He gently pulled his hand out of hers and placed it on her shoulder.

  Amber turned to face him. As he leaned forward to kiss her, she eagerly responded. Finally, someone who loves me. Someone who’s here for me when I need him.

  Soon they were stretched out on the sand, caressing and exploring each other’s bodies. Just as Adam was beginning to unbutton her jeans, her cell phone rang.

  She pulled it out and glanced at the number on the screen. It was the social worker. She wanted to hit the mute button, but what if it was about Jack? Her brother might be in trouble or something.

  “Yeah?” she asked.

  “Amber? It’s Bonnie Blackwell. I’ve got some news about your mother.”

  Amber pushed herself up in the sand, watching Adam flip onto his back and stare into space.

  “What? What is it?”

  “The psychiatrist has decided to give your mom an opportunity to try an outpatient program for a week. She’ll be going home this weekend, but will be coming in for daily group and individual counseling sessions. If it goes well, you and Jack may be able to return home in a few weeks. I thought you’d want to know.”

  “Yeah. Okay, thanks.”

  “It’s just a first step, Amber. We’ll see how she does. But I’d like to take you and your brother to see her once she gets settled at home.”

  “Okay. Does Jack know?”

  “I’m calling him as soon as I get off the phone with you. Can I talk to Cecilia for a minute?”

  Amber’s heart started to race. “Uh, well, she’s kind of busy right now. She’s giving the kids a bath.” Looking over at Adam, their eyes made contact, and he sat up. “Can I have her call you back?”

  “Sure. That’s fine. In the meantime, I’ll call your brother.”

  “Sounds good,” she replied. “And thanks for letting me know.”

  Flipping the cell phone shut, she pushed herself up to a standing position. As she buttoned her shirt, she said, “We’ve gotta go.”

  Adam swore under his breath. “So when she says ‘jump’ you jump?”

  “It’s not like that. But I’ve gotta have Cecilia call her back, or we’ll be busted again. Maybe we can come back tomorrow night.”

  “Right.” Adam moved slowly, clearly communicating his disappointment and frustration.

  When they got into the car, she sat in the middle again and rested her hand on his lap, but this time Adam did not hold it. Pulling up to the curb, he kept the motor running and stared out the windshield as she slid over and exited the passenger door. “See you tomorrow after school?” she asked.

  “Yeah. Sure.”

  As soon as the door was closed, he pulled away without so much as a glance in her direction.

  Michelle tried to listen to Maddie as she chattered away about her day at school from her little rocking chair in the family room. Meanwhile her mind was pulled to the stack of papers that awaited her as soon as her daughter was off to bed. She also needed to go over her lesson plan for the next day, adding in the various state standards she would be covering, since her principal was requiring the teachers to post this information daily on the front board of class.

  Making a final sweep through the room
to pick up discarded shoes and toys, she heard Maddie add with exasperation, “…and then she took my paper and wrote her name on it!”

  Michelle paused and looked at her daughter. “Who took your paper, baby?”

  “I’m not a baby, Mommy!” Maddie rolled her eyes.

  “You’re right, honey. Sorry. So tell me again who took your paper.” Michelle set the shoes and toys on the bottom stair and turned back to Madison.

  “That sassy brat, Alonna! She always takes my papers.”

  “Did you talk to your teacher about it?”

  “I can’t or she’ll call me a tattletale.” Maddie’s eyes started to tear up.

  Michelle went over and knelt in front of the rocking chair. “Did you try asking Alonna to give you back your paper?”

  “Yes. She finally did when Liam told her she’d better.” Maddie smiled through her tears. “I like Liam, Mommy. He’s my friend.”

  “That’s good. Do you want me to talk to Mrs. Spencer about Alonna?”

  Big sigh. “No. It’s okay.”

  “Okay, pumpkin. You let me know if you decide you want me to.”

  Maddie nodded.

  “Time for bed,” Michelle announced, pushing herself up from the floor and holding out her hand. Maddie sighed dramatically again, and the two of them headed upstairs, Michelle pausing to pick up a handful of items awaiting their journey to the closet and toy basket. With Steve working long hours on a new case, it was up to her to help Maddie with her bedtime routine. It would be an hour before she could tackle the papers and plans that awaited her in her school bag.

  By midnight, the words on the papers became a blur to Michelle. She’d only graded three of the five classes and hadn’t touched her lesson plans. She was splashing cold water on her face, when Steve snuck up behind her.

  “Hi, beautiful,” he said, nuzzling into the back of her neck.

  “Steve! You scared me.”

  “Sorry, babe. What are you doing up so late? I thought you’d be asleep a long time ago, especially after such a busy day.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “I wish. I’ve still got at least two hours of grading and plans to work on.”

  “No way. You’ve got to get some rest. Come on,” he reached for her hand and led her to their bedroom amidst her feeble protests.

  Before dawn, Michelle slipped out of bed and softly padded downstairs. Starting the coffeemaker, she retrieved her lesson plan book and her charts of the state standards. She flipped open the standards and began hunting for the labels she needed for her board.

  By the time her second cup of coffee was done, she’d finished the lesson plan and had graded another class’s papers. The sun peeked in through the kitchen window. Thank you, God. No rain today.

  She made the lunches for Steve, Maddie, and herself, and then headed for the shower. Steve was just rolling out of bed as she stepped under the warm water. “Need any help in there?” he called.

  Michelle shook her head, smiling wearily to herself. Not too long ago, that would have meant a playful start to the day. Now it was a reminder that she had so little time or energy for her man.

  “Sorry, honey. Almost done.” She rinsed herself off and stepped out. “Would you go start waking up Maddie?”

  “I’m on it,” he replied, exiting the room with the razor buzzing against his morning stubble.

  Amber swore at the alarm clock as she slammed her hand down on the knob. Another day in paradise. Right.

  She flashed back to the night before. Adam sure left in a huff. All she needed was her boyfriend acting like a jerk, too. She sure hoped her mom would get her act together soon, so they could be together as a family again. What was left of the family, at least. As far as her dad was concerned, he could fry in hell. His girlfriend, too.

  “Amber? Are you up?” Cecilia called from the hall.

  She groaned. “Yeah, I’m up.” Pushing herself out of bed, she stared at the clothes in her closet. She grabbed a pair of tight, holey jeans and a low cut tee shirt. Looking at herself in the mirror after dressing, she smiled. This will get Adam’s attention.

  As she headed through the kitchen on her way out, she grabbed a candy bar out of the snack basket on the counter.

  “Amber, what are you wearing?” Cecilia asked. “Isn’t there a dress code at Magnolia?”

  Amber looked at her and shook her head. “It’s fine.” She quickly left before the next lecture about breakfast. Shoving the candy bar into her backpack for later, she made her way to the bus stop.

  As Michelle sat at her desk trying to get a few more papers graded before school began, Katy poked her head in the door. “Do you need any help, Ms. Baron?”

  Remembering the standards she needed to post on the board, she replied, “Sure. You can write some things on the board for me.”

  Katy beamed. “Great!”

  After she’d listed the state standards for the lesson, Michelle also had her write the names of the students who were missing assignments. About a third of the kids in each class had failed to turn in the essays she was currently grading. That meant there would be many more to grade if she could collect the rest of them.

  Several minutes later, the bell rang and students began to wander in. Michelle had posted a warm up assignment on the board, and several of them got out their binders and went to work. A few moments after the tardy bell, Amber and her friends strolled in the back door and took their seats, making no effort to start writing.

  As Michelle walked to her podium, one of the kids called out, “Why’s my name on the board?”

  Pointing to the list Katy had neatly written, Michelle explained, “These are the names of those who still owe me the first essay – your autobiographical incident.”

  Several groans erupted followed by questions about how late the assignment could be turned in.

  “I’m giving those of you who haven’t finished yet a chance to work on it in class today. Whatever you have done by the end of the period is what I’ll collect. It’s half credit for essays turned in today.”

  “What were we supposed to write about again?” Amber asked without waiting to be called on. Her friends laughed.

  “A time when you learned an important life lesson. Just write it like you are telling me the story of what happened.”

  “Right,” Amber replied.

  “The rest of you will have a chance to do your homework in class. We are reading the first story in the literature book and answering the questions on page 7. Use complete sentences please.” Michelle wrote the assignment on the board, and returned to her podium to make a new seating chart. It was time to split up the group in the back.

  As Michelle sat down at her desk to eat lunch, she glanced over the late essays she’d collected from her students. Amber’s caught her eye, and she began reading it.

  One day my dad decided he didn’t want to be my dad anymore. He found a girl at the gym. So now he’s all about his new girlfriend. He told us he’d come visit sometimes, but I guess he forgot about that. So he walked away and is having fun, my mom is screwed up, my brother is living somewhere else, and I’m stuck here.

  Life lesson: Don’t ever get married or have kids.

  Michelle’s heart sank. What a mess. She thought about her own parents and how they had taken care of her and Tim. She’d never had to deal with any of the stuff Amber was facing. Then she tried to picture Steve walking away from her and Madison. She couldn’t fathom how Amber’s dad could do such a thing.

  Poor girl. She needs to see the other side – a couple who are committed to each other and their kids. How could Michelle reach Amber? Maybe if she talked to her foster mom again, she could arrange for Amber to do something with them on a weekend.

  She’d love to get Amber to the youth group at church, and then maybe they could have a picnic at the park. It would be great if she could include Amber’s brother, too. Michelle’s mind wandered as she considered the possibilities. Before she’d
even finished her sandwich, the bell rang and the next group of kids started streaming in the door.

  During her conference period, Michelle decided to stop by the counselor’s office and share her thoughts about Amber. By this time, she was getting pretty excited about her ideas.

  “Be careful, Michelle,” Karen Stafford warned. “Kids like Amber are tough to reach. And the church thing is iffy. She’s got to really want to do it, or you could look like you are trying to breach the separation of church and state.”

  “So how do I approach it?” Michelle asked.

  “Talk to your husband first. Make sure he’s onboard with this. If he is, I’d suggest you mention something about the youth group to Amber’s foster mom and see how she reacts. If she’s open, you can try talking to Amber. If not, you’ll need to back off.”

  Michelle nodded.

  “You know, we used to have a Christian club on campus. The teacher who sponsored it left a couple of years ago. Would you be interested in being the sponsor for something like that?”

  “Sure. What would I have to do?”

  “Your role would be to supervise the kids while they met during their lunch break. The club itself has to be student initiated and run to meet the state requirements. They used to have a local youth pastor who came and did a Bible study with them. He was invited by a few of the students who went to his church.”

  Michelle thought about how busy her life was already. But how could she say no to a Christian club? And this might be a chance for Ben to reach out to the community on behalf of their church. “Just let me know what to do, and I’ll do it.”

  “I’ll talk to some of the eighth graders who were in the club as sixth graders. Maybe they’ll want to get it going again.”

  Michelle stood up.

  “Hey, thanks for caring so much about Amber. I hope you can work something out with her foster mom.”