Chapter 10 Allie goes to school
Morning came a little too early for Allie. Today was her first day and she was nervous about everything. But most importantly she was anxious because of the other kids. She loved how Cody, Opal, Robert and Emily spent time with her. In some ways it was nice to know someone instead of walking into a classroom full of strangers. It was nice too that everyone was in the same room and not divided between different grades. She also liked that the school was small but had to admit that the other offered a way to hide. Yesterday she found she really liked the other kids and Hope Valley. So it was going to be hard to keep both them and Mrs. Thornton and Jack at a distance. But for her sake and theirs she had to because she hated goodbyes. Somehow this place made her feel like she found her place, her home.
"Allie, it's time to get up and get ready for school."
"Coming Uncle Nathan, I just have to finish dressing. Are you going to do my hair?" she asked Uncle Nathan.
"Sure sweetheart." "Don't forget to bring down your ribbon and comb. "We are probably going to have to simple because of the time."
Nathan was so glad that Gabe had showed him hair braiding. Doing her hair before had become a bonding experience and both looked forward to it. Nathan tried to soak up every chance he could to bond with her. He knew the day was coming when as a teenager she would want to do her own thing. He was nervous for Allie this morning and her first day of school. He could tell she was worrying over it too as she always did. Nathan hoped with it being just one room that it would fit his girl better.
When she came downstairs, they sat down and ate the breakfast her uncle made. Afterwards they took the dishes to the kitchen and Uncle Nathan did her hair. "Allie how are you feeling this morning. Are you nervous about today?"
"I am Uncle Nathan and I know I am going to be fine or at least I hope so. Also this will be the first time I know some of the kids and my teacher before going. But I am anxious about making a big mistake or saying the wrong thing. Plus I like to concentrate on my studies and what if they think I'm too boring?"
"Allie-girl you are going to have a great day. Why don't we pray before we leave and place the whole thing in his hands?"
"That will be great Uncle Nathan and will make me feel a bit better."
After they said a prayer Allie helped her uncle put his serge on. Allie had developed a ritual when he put on his uniform that quickly became a comfort for her. She would silently pray for his safety as she wrapped her arms around his waist, she would say I love you and finally then press a kiss over his heart and then they would button the serge. She had been doing ever since the first time he had gotten hurt arresting a suspect when she was 5. She had only been with him a few months.
Nathan recalled the first time she helped him with his serge. It meant so much to him that they did it. He asked her once why she did things the way she did.
"Well Uncle Nathan when I hug you that is when I say my prayer for your safety. I'm saying it for the man beneath the uniform. I place the kiss over your heart as a thank you for your taking me in and loving me. Plus, I'm thanking God for putting me with you and giving you such a loving heart. I say I love you because I never want you to doubt how much I need you and don't want to lose you. To me the serge is like battle armor and it's strong and stands for justice. But underneath your my daddy so I want you safe."
He recalled that day and it made him tear even now whenever he thought about it. He cherished the ritual and it helped him always remember that he needed to be careful so he could come home to her. When he took her in he wasn't sure how things would work. It had taken 3 months before they finally worked everything out. The first month she slept cuddled up with him because she was having nightmares. He kind of missed her afterwards but was glad she was comfortable enough to sleep in her room.
"I guess we should head to school and by the way I love you too my little rose. I will do everything in my power to stay safe. But you know I can't guarantee a 100 percent. I won't take unnecessary risks either."
"I know Uncle Nathan and that's why I'm glad that we do the ritual. It helps me feel comfort in case something happened to you. That you would know that I loved you very much and I would be able to say goodbye."
Nathan had to take a moment to gather himself after her last comment. She is so mature in her ability to understand things which was a blessing and a curse. He hated the fact that she even had to worry every day he was at work.
"Are you ready Uncle Nathan?" Just as he handed her lunch pail there was a soft knock at the door. He opened the door and once again Hope Valley was proving to be the best posting so far. Allie joined her uncle at the door and saw Emily and Opal outside with Mrs. Weise and Cat Montgomery. Good morning, Constable Grant. The girls wanted to see if Allie wanted to walk with them because she might be nervous."
"Please ladies call me Nathan. He said with a smile.
"Only if you call me Cat and I'm Melissa." they replied.
He gave them a nod and turned to Allie and raised his brow asking her silently did she want to go. When she nodded, he turned back to them and said "We would be delighted to ladies." Then stepping out on the porch he closed the door, and they all began walking to the school. Allie had quickly joined the other two girls and she walked in between Emily and Opal.
"Ladies I thank you so much for this gesture of welcome to her? She was so nervous at breakfast that she would make a mistake or say the wrong thing."
"It wasn't us but our daughters deciding to do it. They genuinely loved meeting her and really like her. They spent a bit of time trying to think of activities to do with her now that there was the three of them. You have nothing to worry about on that score Nathan." Opal's mother said with a reassuring smile.
"With Elizabeth as her teacher and the girls befriending her she will be carefully watched over. Elizabeth especially watches and protects her students like a hawk. She monitors their schoolwork and is very hands on with her students. From her very first day in Coal Valley she nurtured her students and quickly transformed them from sad to happy in a short time." Cat added. "In fact Nathan we would be willing to walk her to school if ever you need to be somewhere or on a mission. We also want you to know that we would be willing to keep Allie whenever you have to go on missions. I'm right next-door Cat said and Melissa is 2 doors down from me."
"Ladies I really appreciate the offer and relieved because I was getting worried where she would go if that happened. God bless both of you for your generous offers. I'll talk with Allie about walking to school because she may want to walk with your girls every day. It's not something she had been able to do at Fort Simpson or anywhere really."
As they reached the school Nathan could see Mrs. Thornton standing on the steps ringing a cowbell. Cat had seen his look and said
"It was a gift presented to her as a joke by her husband on her first day teaching in the church he built for her."
She then went on to explain the rest of the story. He was reminded of why he was there and how she must be feeling.
"Good morning Constable." Elizabeth managed to get out. Every time she saw him her heart began racing and those annoying butterflies returned in her stomach. She then followed it up with greeting to the two women and the opal and Emily before turning to Allie.
"Good Morning Allie are you ready for your first day at the Jack Thornton school?" Her heart warmed at the sight of Allie with Opal and Emily. She knew they walked together and she was proud of them
"I guess I am Mrs. Thornton."
"Don't worry we will be right beside you all day." Opal said with a hug. They were excited when she told them they could sit next to her. With that said the three girls went inside after saying goodbye to their parents. Elizabeth turned to follow them inside but before she got through the door Nathan enquired at what time should he return for Allie.
"School is out at 2:30PM and don't worry about Allie because I'll watch over her." Elizabeth answered before going inside and shutting the doors.
"See you afterschool Nathan" and the ladies turned back towards home and he went to the livery to get Newton.
It didn't take long for Elizabeth to see that Allie was a gifted student especially in her Math and Reading. She made a mental note to ask Nathan for her school records. In her teaching career she never had a student that loved math as much as she did. Allie's face lit up when Elizabeth announced they were going to work on some math. She made a mental note to ask Nathan for her school records.
The morning went quickly and before anyone realized it was time for recess. Grabbing her lunch and her book Elizabeth sat down on the steps to eat her lunch. When she looked at Allie, she was happy to see that Allie's face looked relaxed. She was grinning from ear to ear and her laugh was infectious. Elizabeth saw that Anna and Harper had joined the group along with Cody and Robert. The sight of it made her heart feel full of happiness for Allie.
From there the day quickly passed and soon it was time for school to be let out for the day.
"How did your first day go Allie?" Elizabeth asked.
"Oh Mrs. Thornton it was the best first day ever." She replied before giving her a hug. The other girls gave her one too before they all left. She grabbed her things and headed to the door of the church in time to see Allie hug her uncle and excitedly tell her about her day. She was so animated, and Elizabeth was happy that she was.
As was her custom she walked home with Cat and Melissa. It was nice having Nathan join them. As they were walking towards the rowhouses Elizabeth remembered she needed Allie's school records and wanted to discuss a few things she noticed about her. She decided she would ask the Grants to dinner. When they arrived home she pulled Nathan to the side
"Nathan would you and Allie like to come for dinner tonight? I wanted to talk about Allie's schoolwork and get her records." She noticed a wariness come over his features and wondered what she had said that might have offended him. "Did I say something wrong Nathan? Did you want to say something to me?" she asked.
"No I'm fine and dinner would be great as long as she is okay with it." That's fine and since I know you have to work would you like me to keep an eye on her until you get home?" Before Nathan could answer the three girls came up and asked if Allie could have dinner at Opal's. He looked over at Elizabeth silently asking if it was alright at her discreet nod he agreed. After they ran off laughing Elizabeth looked at Nathan and said "She had a great day and all the children like her. She had a big smile on her face the entire day. Also you may or may not know but I'm pretty sure Allie is gifted. She loves math which was my favorite subject too. I've never had a student who would light up at the prospect of doing problems. Word problems seem to be her favorite."
Nathan smiled big at her words. I didn't know so what exactly does that mean?"
"It means that she is working far above her age level. In fact if your okay with it I'd like to test her to see exactly where she is at."
"Absolutely you have my permission to test her. No one has ever taken an interest in her. You really think she is excelling in her studies?"
"Yes I do Nathan. Once I know for sure I can know better how to come up with a plan for her so she feels challenged. But she is a very bright young girl and I can't to see her grow in her knowledge.
"Elizabeth can I ask you something?" "sure she replied a bit nervously.
"If Allie is gifted then could that make her more perceptive of situations and people? That she is able to read situations and understand things someone her age normally wouldn't be able to?"
"Yes it could but I think it's also because of you and your job. Sh'e s more watchful and likes to look at things before she leaps. That ability will definitely serve her through her adult life."
"Well I should let you get to your rounds and I need to check on my son and make dinner. Don't forget Allie's records Okay Nathan. We can discuss it more during dinner." She said with a smile.
"I won't Lizabeth." He replied before turning towards town and the Mountie office.
She stood and watched him with a smile on her face. When she finally came around she noticed Melissa and Cat smiling at her. "What? Is that look for you guys?"
"Oh nothing Elizabeth" they replied "Well it's not about him it's about his niece."
"Uh Huh you keep telling yourself that Elizabeth." they said before turning with a laugh and heading to their respective homes.
A/N Wanted to get this chapter out so I'm ending it here. But the evening will be in the next one. If any prayer warriors are reading this please keep me in prayer because I'm having heart flutters and need all I can get. I hope you enjoy it.
