Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 1, Page 81
The first day of school Dee arrived early to meet with Elizabeth. The two of them were putting up charts and pictures on the walls and getting the desks back in place. As they did they talked about the subjects that would be taught this year. Throughout the day, Dee would bring in music during a subject as best as she could. She told Elizabeth that little musical jingles help the students to remember something important while teaching them about the music scale. However, for most of the day Elizabeth would be teaching while Dee was in the office at her desk preparing her class notes and working on incorporating music in the other subjects.
Dee and Elizabeth talked about the children who already are playing instruments. They both knew about Angela and the lovely music she played on the piano. What Dee wasn't aware of was the other children who had shown interest, but never had the opportunity to pursue further practice. She would need to talk to all of them and see just what response she would get.
When Elizabeth went outside to ring the school hand bell, the children were all ready to come inside. The excitement was contagious. Everyone was happy to be back in school and the teachers were too. Mrs. Thornton asked each student to write their names on the tags and pin them on so Miss Dee could learn their names. The day was going by so fast and before Dee knew it, she was teaching her first class! Karen sang with Dee, Angela played the piano, and Allie on the guitar. The children were so fascinated and proved very interested. So, after school quite a few of the children stayed to learn about voice lessons and instruments. Their parents came in, including Nathan for Allie, and Bob for Karen, along with Minnie for Angela, to talk to Dee about what to expect. Dee mentioned that she was also directing the church choir, so there would be crossover songs which would really help. "Oh Elizabeth, this is such an exciting day for me!" Dee exclaimed with joy.
"I'm glad it turned out as well as I knew it would!" Elizabeth agreed. "Welcome aboard Miss Dee!"
"Elizabeth, I'm grateful that we are friends" Dee said. Then she turned to Allie, "Allie, you need to practice playing with your dad. That will be your best bet and it'll be fun for both of you!"
"It will, huh?" Nathan grinned. "What makes you so sure about that?"
"Dad, you and I together playing our guitars, you know it will the bee's knees!"
"Allie, you've been saying this bee thing for awhile, but how do you know about bees? Do they even have knees?" he teased Allie.
"DAD!" Allie rolled her eyes. She then grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. "Let's go home and practice now. Please!"
"Yes, okay let's see if Dee is ready so we can walk with her too." Nathan said.
"I'm ready," Dee walked over, and put her arm in Nathan's with a kiss on his cheek.
As they walked out, Sam Tremblay walked in. "Hello Elizabeth! Do you have a few minutes?"
"Sure Sam, how can I help you?" she asked.
"We can talk why I walk with you home, if that's all right?" he suggested.
Elizabeth agreed and the two of them left. Sam didn't really have a particular need, he just wanted to talk to her and get to know her better. "You know Elizabeth, I don't know too many people here too well and I thought that you being the teacher could tell me more about the townsfolk."
"Well Sam, working at Billees you were at the talent show and had all the kids laughing and enjoying the 'music' you were making with the drum sounds and bottles." she laughed. "You also saw the people in the show, so why ask me now?"
"I guess you found me out." Sam sighed. "I just want to get to know you Elizabeth. You're dramatic reading from your book at the talent show, really caught my attention. You have a flare for inviting people into your journey and I found it fascinating."
"Oh Sam, that is very flattering. I am somewhat a miserable person right now. I thought I was going to have a future with someone, but was left behind when he took off." Elizabeth moaned.
"I understand," Sam nodded. "I just need a friend, and it sound like you might like another one too."
"That is a sweet thought," Elizabeth smile grew. "A new friend, yes Sam, I'd like that."
As they came to Elizabeth's house, Laura was playing outside with LJ. "There's my sweet boy!" Elizabeth swept up LJ in her arms.
"Who dat?" LJ asked.
"This handsome man my son, is Sam, say hello."
"Hey little man, you are a lucky guy to have this beautiful lady as your mother." Sam grinned. "How would you two like to go for a horseback ride before it gets cold?" he asked.
"I would enjoy that, it's been awhile since I've taken my horse out." Elizabeth agreed.
"You just made my day. I'll call on you tomorrow after school, if that's all right?" Sam asked.
"That would be wonderful. I look forward to it Sam." Elizabeth told him. With that Sam left walking back to Billees'.
"Did you hear that LJ? You and I are going for a horsey ride tomorrow! That sounds fun, doesn't it?" she told him on their way in the house. "Mom is very happy."