Maeve, Patrisha, and Persefone worked together to get through the school week with their students. There were some good and challenging days since many of their students had specific triggers, but they weren't too extreme. Luckily, Maeve and Patrisha planned fun holiday activities that were fun motivators for the students to keep them motivated and try to get them to work. Persefone also did her best to help the students as much as possible.
Friday eventually arrived, and the trio were outside the school waiting for some parents to arrive and pick up their children. While waiting, Maeve couldn't wait to go to Big Bear with Treyton; Persefone also told her she would go out with Aidoneus that day. She was happy for the young woman, but Maeve couldn't help but notice that Persefone was looking tired and thoughtful. Whenever asked what was wrong, Persefone would always respond that everything was fine; Patrisha also noticed.
The two teachers were concerned and let it go but had a theory on what was happening, and they decided to confront her on the last day of the school week. Within fifteen minutes, all students were picked up before the school bell rang; the trio entered the classroom before all the students left. Patrisha sighed as she stretched her arms and back and said, "Ah, winter break is almost here! I can't wait! Maeve, are you going to celebrate with your ma?"
"Like always, and you two can come along. Persefone, I know that your family will be in Mexico, so you can celebrate with us!" Maeve smiled and said, "I hope so with Treyton as well. Remember when I told you that Treyton arrived at my house unannounced? It was awkward and I know my mom had a lot of questions, but I was thinking that Treyton and I could celebrate a day early. I think it's still early before he and my mom can be more formally introduced."
"Sounds like a good idea, but you and that Treyton can't run forever. I know your ma worries about you, but I feel good about this guy. He doesn't look like the type who will waste your time." Patrisha finished stretching and then cleared her throat. "I also wanted to tell you something, but it will only be between us. Promise?" Maeve and Persefone nodded. "I have tried some speed dating events and met this woman who is also a widow. We've been meeting for a while, and I was wondering if I could invite her for our small Christmas celebration."
Maeve and Persefone gasped in excitement and surprise. "Oh, Trish! We're so happy for you! What is she like!?" asked Persefone.
"She is lovely. Her name is Saleema, and her wife died from ovarian cancer two years ago but decided to move on after a year of healing. Saleema is three years younger than me, and she loves traveling. She made a goal to travel as many US states as she can."
"Wow, she seems lovely. Of course you can invite her!" Maeve then looked at Persefone, who looked happy for Patrisha, but her eyes looked tired. "How about you, Persefone? Would you like to celebrate Christmas with us?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah! I look forward to it."
The two older women watched as Persefone packed her belongings. "Hey, Persefone. Maeve and I noticed how tired and thoughtful you were throughout the week. Does it have to do with that ex of yours?" asked Maeve. When Persefone flinched, that was when Maeve knew she was right. "Did he contact you? Wait, don't tell me he-!"
"He came by, saying he wanted a second chance, but I refused. He showed me his true colors and I didn't realize how dangerous and deranged he was."
Patrisha bit her lower lip. "He threatened you!? Oh, heck naw! Just wait I give him a medicine that I have been using for years! I-!"
"Patrisha, don't, please. It's not worth mentioning him; that's what he wants: attention."
"Alright, but if you feel that your life is in danger, you call either of us and the police. Got it?" asked Patrisha.
Persefone nodded. "Don't worry, everything will be okay. Good luck on your date tomorrow, Maeve."
She left the classroom, leaving the two teachers alone. They also began to pack their belongings. "I worry about that girl. She may be an adult but still has the mentality of a child. Persefone doesn't see the true danger of what her ex is capable of."
"I know, but all we can do is trust and be there for her." Maeve and Patrisha left the classroom and tried to be positive, but they still couldn't help but worry about Persefone. Maeve wondered if Aidoneus knew the truth about her ex; she believed he deserved to know.
Meanwhile, Treyton was finished with paperwork for the pack's Christmas festivities; everything was bought, and the next step was to decorate the pack's hall. He wasn't good at decorations, so his ex-wife and Trinidad always took responsibility. It would be a different year since he and Calista were divorced. However, it didn't hurt to have something different things. His thoughts were interrupted when his phone vibrated. It was Aidoneus, he answered. "Hello, son. I hope everything went well at the airport."
"Hey, Pops, everything went smoothly, but there was a lot of traffic at LAX. Anyway, I have my mom and Nicolas with me and we will make our way to Big Bear. It's going to take a while but we're also going to a stop to eat."
"I'm glad that you all are well. Are you going to stay for the night?"
"No. I will be going back. I have something important to go tomorrow. I will explain it later."
"Very well. Be safe, son and tell your mother and Nicolas my greetings."
Father and son hung up. Treyton lay back in his chair, contemplating the day to come. He was nervous about what would happen tomorrow.
Tomorrow was the day that he and Maeve would have another date. Not only that, but it was the day when Treyton would finally tell her the truth about his identity.
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