Caroline eyed Hannah as she stood behind Edie, unable to suppress her own smile. “Perfect.” Then she turned her attention back to Edie. “But Edie, it’s Caz, remember.”
“Sorry. I forgot.”
Caroline took a few steps closer, leaning towards Edie. “That’s okay. It’ll take a little while to get used to.”
“I’ll try to remember.”
Caroline squeezed Edie’s shoulder and smiled. “I know. Now, what’s for breakfast? Can I help?”
As much as Caroline wanted to get the discussion out the way, it seemed sensible to wait until they were all sitting around the table together.
“No, it’s done. We made pancakes while you were still upstairs.”
Still upstairs. That sent both a shiver and a thrill through Caroline. “Well, thank you.”
Caroline took a seat, a cup of coffee already waiting in front of her. She gripped it, bringing it to her lips, and waited until someone decided to speak. She, herself, had no idea where to begin.
“Poached or fried eggs, Caz?” Hannah’s voice floated towards Caroline, reminding her that everything was okay. “Or I can do boiled, whichever.”
“Try mum’s poached eggs,” Edie whispered. “They’re really good.”
“Poached it is.”
“Edie, Caz may not want or like poached eggs, love.”
Caroline held up a hand. “Poached would be great. But don’t go to any trouble for me if nobody else is having any.”
“Edie will only have poached. Not sure who she thinks has raised her. Fancy pants!”
“So, Edie…you’re going to be a big sister.” Caroline had noted the excitement in Edie’s eyes as she burst through the door. She had no idea the kind of relationship Hannah and Edie’s dad had, but it was nice to see her included in what could only be an exciting time for her dad and his partner.
“Yeah. I hope it’s a girl. But if not, I don’t mind.”
“I think you’ll be a fantastic sister whichever way.”
“I asked mum for a brother or sister for Christmas once. Then she had to tell me it wasn’t possible. But it was the top of my Christmas list.”
“Ah. Santa may be impressive with gifts, but he’s notthatgood.”
Caroline watched Hannah, a faraway look in her eyes as she stared out of the kitchen window. “Need a hand, Hannah?”
Hannah snapped out of her thoughts, turning her attention to the eggs. “No, babe. It’s okay. Won’t be long now.”
Edie giggled, grinning to herself when she sat down facing Caroline. As adorable as it was to see Edie laughing at a simple term of endearment, Caroline needed to speak up. She couldn’t wait much longer. “Edie, how do you feel about me being here this morning?”
Edie shrugged, sipping from her glass of fresh orange. “Fine.”
“Is there anything you wanted to ask or wanted to know?” Caroline hated being so formal, but she had to remember that the child sitting across the table from her was her student.
“Will…you always be here?” Edie looked up slowly, hesitant in her questioning.
“Well, no. Not for the time being. I’ll have to go home and get ready for work.”
Work.
“Would you be upset if I didn’t tell people you and my mum are seeing one another? The kids and stuff…”
“Not at all. I understand that school isn’t the place to discuss that stuff. And really, nobody needs to know.”