54

EXACTLY 2:51 IN THE AFTERNOON,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16TH

We are sitting in the conference room around a big table. Every single chair is filled.

“Part of the purpose of today’s meeting is to let Ginny’s teachers meet Rick,” says Mrs. Lomos. “Rick?”

“I’m pleased to meet you all,” says Rick. He stands up and his chair knocks into the bookcase behind him. He sways and takes his hat off fast with both hands and crumples it and sits down again.

“Hi, Rick,” say all my teachers. All of them are there. Mrs. Winkleman and Ms. Dana and Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Henkel. Ms. Carol and Ms. Merton and Mr. Crew. Even Ms. Devon the principal. Plus my Forever Parents.

“We need everyone here to be aware that Rick is Ginny’s Birth Dad, and that there might be times when he’ll come to school to pick Ginny up,” says Mrs. Lomos. “Right now Ginny takes the bus, but there’ll be times when her Forever Parents will call to say that Rick is picking her up.”

“He has our formal permission,” says my Forever Mom. “All the paperwork is signed in the office. You’re also welcome to talk with him about Ginny’s grades and records, too. Rick is becoming an important part of Ginny’s life.”

“I’m going to his house for a respite on January 7th,” I say.

Everyone smiles and nods except my Forever Dad. His eyes are down and there are wrinkles on his forehead.

“I’m sure you’ll have a great time,” says Mrs. Lomos.

“My Forever Mom says she needs a break,” I say.

Everyone is exactly quiet. “Things have been pretty rough at home and school,” Mrs. Lomos says very fast. She looks at all the faces. “All of us will bend over backward to keep our kids safe, but we all need a break sometimes. Ginny is no exception.”

Rick moves in his chair and makes a noise with his mouth.

“Is there something you want to add?” says Mrs. Lomos.

“I just wish someone would talk about what a delightful young lady she is,” says Rick. “Maybe say how funny and smart she can be. With all this talk about keeping people safe and taking rests, it’s like we’re trying to put her in a box. We’re trying to keep her apart from everything. I’m no psychologist, but I think what she needs is to be closer to people.”

I am confused and my Forever Mom knows it. She puts her hand out to touch my hand but then pulls it back under the table. “It’s an expression, Ginny,” she says. “No one is putting anyone in a box.” Then to Rick she says, “Yes, Rick. Everyone agrees that she’s a creative problem-solver. And extremely resourceful, too. We’re so glad you can be a part of her life so you can see firsthand just what a delight she can be.”

Rick looks down and away. Then back. “I just—” he starts to say but my Forever Mom interrupts him.

“Thank you, Rick,” she says. “Thank you so much.”