297 Jake’s Old School 2 (2/2)
Mary let out a heavy sigh. An empty avenue. Only more depressing details on his childhood. Right now she just wanted to go home and hold him in a bear hug, but that would never happen. He didn't like to be touch, to be surrounded, or even women that were around his mother's age. She should just be grateful that he was willing to speak a little more each day.
She slowly stood up and forced a smile for pleasantries sake. ”Thank you for your time, Principal Lambert. I really appreciate the effort you put in even though it wasn't legally required of you.” She glanced at the grant application stack. ”If you ever need any help with a recommendation or personal statement for the applications, please reach out to me.” She pulled out a business card and handed it over.
Principal Lambert showed a sardonic smile at the card. ”A real estate agent won't be too valuable, but thanks for the offer.”
Mary stood tall. ”I'm not just a real estate agent. I'm a mother. A foster mother. A concerned parent. Someone who believes that kids need opportunities to grow and learn. They need a clean and stable environment filled with safety.” She headed for the door. ”Just send an email and I'll reply in a day or two. We have to do our best to ensure our kids have a happy future, right?”
”Right...” Principal Lambert watched the woman walk out of her office. A foster parent who came hundreds of miles just to ask about the boys past. She wanted to do more to help, really, she did. She glanced around at her messy desk and office. She did all she could. There were too many students that needed her help. She sighed and got back to work.
Mary walked to her car and checked the time. Still early afternoon. She could still make it to the middle school before they closed for the day.
She placed the envelope of information on her passenger seat, intending to look it over back at the hotel. She was first upset with the principal's attitude to Jake, but she understood where the lady was coming from. She had to worry about the masses first, and not one specific student. Jake probably wouldn't be the only one there with an abusive parent. It's just too bad that Jake has to almost die to get free. If only...if only he had someone to protect him earlier. She held back tears as she drove.
The middle school was less than three miles away and she arrived just as they were getting out, unfortunately. It took her some time to find parking, make her way to the office, and then wait in a line of students and parents that also needed to speak with the front office.
”Yes? How can I help you?” The receptionist here was a lot more welcoming than the one at the elementary school. She looked and acted like a professional.
Mary let out a relieve smile. ”Hi. I'm Mary Atkins. Here to see an advisor named Henry Conley? Is he still in?”
The receptionist picked up the landline and dialed a couple of digits. ”Hello, I have someone named Mary Atkins for Mr. Conley. Is he available?” A pause. ”Great. I'll send her back.” She hung up and looked up at Mary. ”He's in. I'll take you on back real quick.” She stood up, rounded the desk and showed Mary the way.
Unlike at the elementary school, the middle school's front office wasn't as empty or desolate. Every office was lit up, filled with employees working with students and parents alike. Mary nodded to herself in satisfaction. This is what a school should be like.