Ch.2
Caelan managed to volunteer in the classroom at least once a week. He helped with everything from passing out lunches to helping with reading groups. They developed quite a good relationship. He found himself wanting to be near her more and more. He noticed that she had begun to be a little sadder, even though she tried to hide it behind smiles and laughter. It did not affect her job at all but she just wasn't as happy as she once was. Tomorrow was Aubrey's Halloween party. He wanted to ask her to come. He wished she wasn't married. He wanted to know more about her in every way possible. She did something to him that he just couldn't explain. He dreamed about her at night and thought about her during the day. He had to get it together; this woman was married and very happily so to his knowledge. But his desire to be near her was so strong. He just wanted to be in her presence. He would invite her to the party. Then maybe he wouldn't have to be so professional with her, you know, get to know her as a friend. She is married, his brain screamed at him, SHE IS MARRIED!
He walked into the classroom to drop Aubrey off that morning. "Good morning Mrs. Williams. How are you today?"
She was caught off guard. She had just blotted her eyes from trying to hold back tears when they walked in the class. "Good morning. I'm doing well. How are you?" turning to look at Aubrey, "and how are you little Miss?" Aubrey smiled, "I'm doing good. Tomorrow is my party. I'm so excited."
"Mrs. Williams, Aubrey and I would like for you to come to the party tomorrow if you are not busy."
"Please can you come? It would make my party even better if you were there."
"Aubrey, that is so sweet of you to say. Let me make sure I can make it and then," She thought about it for a split second. It would be better to be there than home crying, "On second thought, I'd love to come. What time?"
Caelan's eyes lit up like a child watching Santa put the presents under the tree.
"Yay! Daddy, see I told you she would come." Astrid smiled. At least somebody wanted to be around her.
"We will begin at 6. I will email you my address later today."
"No worry, I have all of your information right in that file cabinet over there." They both laughed out loud. "Well then, I looked forward to seeing you tomorrow at 6," Caelan said. "I'll see you then." Astrid smiled.
Caelan noticed how weak her smile was. He wished there was something he could do to make her truly happy. If she was his woman, she would always be happy. She could be sick. He had not thought of that. He hoped that was not the case. He would make it his mission to find out tomorrow at the party.
***
Astrid decided to stay at work until it was time to go to the party. She didn't see the need to go home to an empty house. Her entire world seemed to be crumbling right in front of her. Darrell had left her right after the school year started and finally served her with divorce papers two days ago. She had been trying to hold it together. She was glad for the invite to this party. The thought of being at home crying all night just did not appeal to her at all.
She rang the doorbell and took a couple of deep breathes to calm her nerves. She wanted to be happy and fun to be around tonight. Aubrey's party did not deserve to be spoiled by being a sour puss. She practiced smiling and straightened her shoulders as the door opened. Caelan admired her for a second. "Hey glad you could make it. Follow me; they are in the bonus room. The party is just getting started."
They walked in and Aubrey stopped playing long enough to say hello and then went back to playing with her friends. Astrid made sure she interacted with all of the children there, the ones she knew and the ones she didn't know. That was one thing Caelan loved about her. She treated all children the same. The party planner was doing a great job and was now moving the party outside. Caelan tapped Astrid on the shoulder and motioned to the kitchen while everyone filed outside. "Would you like glass of wine? I'm pooped. Sherry can handle the rest of the party." Following him to the kitchen, she stood with her back against the counter while he poured them both a glass of wine.
"This is such a nice party. Thanks for inviting me." Caelan handed her the glass and stood in front of her, a little closer than he should have. Astrid drank her wine in one gulp. He smiled when she looked at him with a look of "I'm sorry but I needed that." She had a strand of hair that had fallen on the side of her face. He could not resist the urge to push it away from her face and back to its rightful place. He reached for the hair to push it behind her ear and whispered, "Would it be improper to call you beautiful?"
Astrid looked up at him and tears filled her eyes. She tried to hold it back but she couldn't. They began to spill and every ounce of hurt that she had been holding in for the last two days overtook her. Her legs gave way but before she could hit the floor, Caelan had her in his arms. He put his glass down and took her empty glass and placed it on the counter. He didn't ask any questions or give any words of comfort. He just held her and allowed her to cry. She cried and sucked in big gulps of air at the same time. Her body felt weak. It was all she could do to hold on to Caelan. When he felt like she was calming down, he reached behind her and grabbed a handful of paper towels and wiped her eyes and nose. Her eyes were puffy and red. Her body still trembled a little from all of the sobbing. But he never let her go. She finally stood up and took the paper towel from him to finish cleaning her face. "I'm so sorry for this," she said pointing to his shirt. "It is no problem at all." He grabbed more paper towels and wiped his shirt. "Let me go change." He practically ran to his room to change his shirt. While he was gone, she poured another glass of wine. She lifted it up when he returned, "I hope you don't mind." He shook his head no.