Chapter 30

ANNA

Today, I’m meeting with my two teachers—Uncle Jim, who’s already in the loop, and Mrs. Stanford, who I’m hoping will be understanding about my situation.

We’ve been back for a fortnight now, and I’ve barely managed to attend class. James has practically moved in—not that I’m complaining, but it’s a new experience for me.

Having him around is comforting, and he’s been a great help with Olivia and the house chores.

When I asked him to carry the laundry basket to the washing machine, he went ahead and did the laundry. I didn’t even have to ask. He even folded it. I was totally taken aback.

James was raised with house staff, so it was a bit strange. A good kind of strange, but strange nonetheless.

James is home today with Olivia so I can attend class. Tomorrow, we’re heading back to Sun Peaks for her treatment, and today I need to request a modified teaching plan so I can graduate on time.

Before I ask them to rearrange their schedules for my sake, I need to be present in class. Professor Stanford’s eyes light up when she sees me heading toward my seat.

~“Look at that, Anna is back.”~

~

~“Oh my God, did you see her kid? It must be so embarrassing to have a child.”~

~

I roll my eyes at the students’ comments.

“Okay, class. Pay attention,” the professor announces, her gaze on me.

~Please don’t make a scene,~ I silently plead with her.

“If I hear one more disrespectful comment about Anna and her daughter, you can kiss your passing grade goodbye. I’ll ensure that no matter how hard you study, you won’t graduate.

“And before you think about reporting me to the board, remember that I have connections in the business world…everywhere. So even if you do graduate, you won’t find a job. Is that clear?!” she declares.

I shrink in my chair, mortified, as gasps echo around the room.

~Could this day get any more embarrassing?~

~

I glance up at her.

“Anna, I’d love to hear your story. I’ll make time if you’re willing to tell the class exactly who they’re mocking.”

“It’s really not a big deal,” I respond quickly.

“If they were talking about my daughters like that, I’d make sure they knew who they were messing with.”

My ears prick up at the words bashing and daughter(s). Are they trying to provoke a protective mother?

“What were they saying about Olivia?” I ask, my voice rising.

“Nothing surprising. I wish they’d be more original, but that would be like expecting them to pay attention in class.

“They said things like she’s the result of an affair and that you’re after his money. That she’s destined to be promiscuous,” she says, rolling her eyes.

I stand up, more irritated than angry, though I’m not saying I’m not angry. I just have more pressing matters on my mind. I walk toward the professor.

No one—and I mean no one—talks about my daughter like that.

“Alright, who said it? Stand up,” I challenge the class, my eyes flashing. I scan the room. They’re all seated, looking at me with fear in their eyes.

“Come on. If you had something to say, you should be proud enough to admit it,” I insist. The girls who were flirting with James stand up. I roll my eyes—of course it’s them.

All I can do is shake my head. “Sit down,” I tell them, sighing.

“So you thought it was cool to drag my daughter through the mud? Just because you found out James Brown is her father, and he didn’t give you the time of day?”

The realization dawns on them.

“Seriously, how pathetic can you get? Are you really that desperate?” I ask them. The room fills with ~ooo~s and ~burn~s, which only annoys me more.

“James was my boyfriend for two years in high school, before he started his business. So he had no money.

“So the gold digger comment, not applicable,” I tell them, dismissing the gold digger comment with a flick of my wrist.

“As for my daughter. Yes, she’s his and he’s living with us so we can raise her. But it’s not because I was promiscuous—he was my first and only.

“Sure, I got pregnant unexpectedly, but that doesn’t mean my baby girl wasn’t wanted,” I explain, sighing.

“Now that I’ve explained my life—not that I had to—can you please leave my daughter out of it? She’s only three years old.

“It’s just pathetic that you would try to get attention by dragging down a three-year-old girl.” With that, I return to my seat. Should I have told them about Olivia’s cancer?

I could have, but I won’t. It’s none of their business. I’ve already said enough, and I know what will happen as a result.

The media will jump to the same conclusions when they find out. But James and I have a plan—we’ll beat them to the punch.

The class seems to drag on forever. When it’s finally over, some students mutter apologies as they pass me.

I don’t really care if they apologize, but it’s nice to know they realize they were wrong. I’m the last one in the classroom when Jim walks in.

“Jim?” Professor Stanford asks.

“Hi, I think Anna needs to talk to both of us. Isn’t that right, Anna?”

I sigh, but nod in agreement. “Yes. Thanks, Uncle Jim.”

Professor Stanford looks from Uncle Jim to me.

“So, I’ll explain everything. But the bottom line is that I won’t be able to attend class regularly anymore,” I say.

Her eyes widen. “Why not?”

I let out a sigh and meet her gaze. “Olivia’s got cancer. I need to be there for her during her treatments.

“It might be a few weeks before I’m back, since we have to make the trip to Sun Peaks every fortnight or so,” I elaborate.

“Cancer?” she echoes.

I nod, offering her a melancholy smile.

“Oh, Anna.” She pulls me into a comforting embrace.

“I know, it’s awful. We found out during our last visit,” I share.

“So, I was wondering if it would be possible to do video calls for the classes. Or if there’s another way to graduate, I’m open to suggestions,” I propose, looking down.

“I’ll be video calling you morning, noon, and night. I want to chat with my little pumpkin before she goes to bed,” Uncle Jim declares, giving me a stern look.

“I’ll video call you too. If you have any questions, just shoot me an email. We can hop on a call and I’ll explain anything you’re unsure about.”

I feel a wave of relief wash over me. That’s one less thing to stress about.

“Thank you,” I express sincerely. “I should get going now, we have a long drive ahead.”

Uncle Jim looks at me with a sorrowful expression. “Give us a call when you reach your parents’ place, and send them our love. Next time, we’ll come with you.

“And if anything happens…,” he warns, pulling me into a hug.

“Yeah, I’ll call. It’s the first session, Uncle. It’ll be fine. Mom and Dad will be there with me, and so will James.”

He nods at me. “I expect a FaceTime call with my pumpkin,” he insists, pointing at me and making me chuckle. He adores that little girl as if she were his own granddaughter.

“You got it,” I assure him with a smile. I feel so damn lucky to have someone like him in my life.

Professor Stanford stands silently beside us, tears welling in her eyes.

“Don’t worry about your degree, Anna. Focus on your little girl. Jim and I will do what we can, we’ll make sure you graduate this year.”

“Thank you, Professor,” I express gratefully.

“I must say, I’m glad you and your parents reconciled,” she comments with a smile.

“Um, not exactly,” I correct her.

“But—”

“I’m staying with my biological parents. Turns out, I’m adopted. I’ve cut all ties with Ruby and Peter. They chose to adopt me, they chose me and yet they threw me out.

“And they lied to me. They lied about so much. I don’t want them in my life anymore. I just don’t care,” I declare coldly.

I glance at my phone and realize it’s time to go.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll respect it. I don’t know the full story, so I won’t meddle, but as a mother, I’d still want to be part of my daughter’s life, even if I messed up.”

“I’ll think about it, but not now. Too much has happened. Jim can fill you in if you want, but I really need to leave now. Sorry,” I tell her. I rush out the door, my eyes glued to my phone.

I head towards the courtyard, where I know the students will be contemplating lunch. We plan to leave early, so we’ll reach Sun Peaks by sunrise.

Well, that’s the plan at least. Not that my plans ever pan out, but still.

It’s still quite chilly outside, but everything feels right. I know our lives will improve soon. We might have a battle ahead, but we’ll face it together, as a family.

“Momma!” I hear a tiny voice shriek. I spin around to see James standing there, a wide grin on his face. Olivia dashes towards me.

“Lovebug!” I holler back. I scoop her up and spin her around. I nuzzle my face into the crook of her neck.

~Yes, we’ll be okay. I’m certain of it.~

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