Her hand lays on my shoulder. “Keep your head up, girl. Stick to your guns. You're the mama. Have you talked to the court about rights?”
“No, I haven’t ever thought about that, really. He chose not to be around for years, so there was no need for that.”
“Well, you might need to start. It can’t hurt anything to at least find out what his rights are, and what you can do, you know.”
“Good point. I’ll call tonight after work. Thanks, girl.”
Work is a whirlwind, but it keeps me busy so I don’t focus on Chris all day and debate whether to tell Emily he’s in town. Am I a horrible mother if I keep it from her? Maybe she won’t want to see him anyway? But what if she does?
As soon as the clock strikes three, I’m out the door and into Damon’s car.
“How was your day?” he says, kissing me on the cheek before pulling out.
“Busy. But I think after we pick up Emily, I’ll go down to the police station.”
“You want me to come with you?”
“If you’ll watch Emily, I’d like to go on my own. If that’s okay?”
He shakes his head, smiles, and pulls up to the curb. Emily isn’t in her usual spot. Maybe she is late getting outside. We wait another five minutes, and still no sign of her.
“Where is she? She’s always right here waiting for me.”
I get out of the car and go talk to the lady who is standing with some of the students.
“Have you seen Emily? She’s usually right here.”
“I’m sorry, I’m not sure who that is. Who is her teacher?”
“Mrs. Drummond.”
“You might ask her. She’s over there.” She points to the front of the school.
My feet quickly carry me over to the teacher. “Where is Emily?”
Mrs. Drummond looks at me with wide eyes. “What do you mean? She’s already been picked up.”
“By whom?”
“Her father.”