Author note.
A little sweet transitional fluff. Please drop a review if you enjoyed this chapter. (see note at the end)
CH 91-Keeping Busy
This was Emma's last week at work, and her last week before classes started. Unfortunately, it was also the last week before Bravo would be deploying for two months. Both Clay and Emma wished for a calmer week, with more time to themselves, but this wasn't the first time life had gotten in the way, and it wouldn't be the last.
Emma was putting the final touches on the end-of-Summer program that the Day Care was hosting for the students' families. Every day she practiced with the children, making sure they knew the songs and the basic movements she choreographed. She did much of the work on the simple props at home. That was why Clay found himself with glue-gun in hand, affixing colorful fins to cardboard cut-out sharks. It wasn't what he would choose to do on one of his last nights at home, but since it helped Emma, he was more than willing.
Thursday night Emma could barely fall asleep. The program was tomorrow, and she was too nervous to close her eyes. Eventually, Clay's reassurances and pure exhaustion took over and she got in a few hours before jumping in the shower at the crack of dawn. She downed some coffee, kissed Clay goodbye, and headed to work. Somehow, she made it until 2:00 that day when parents and families started to file into the largest meeting room at the Day Care. She was so busy getting the kids in line and handing out their props, she didn't see Clay slide into a chair at the back of the room.
The Pre-K kids fidgeted in their line as Emma stepped away to start the music. At the first note, they all began to sing. She had adapted the music from "Baby shark," with lyrics teaching the children their colors. The littlest girl, holding a cut out of a yellow shark started to wind her way across the stage as they all sang.
Yellow shark, doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Yellow shark, doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Yellow shark, doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Yellow shark
As soon as she "swam" her way to the other side, the next child started out, holding his Green Shark up high in front of him. On and on until an entire rainbow of sharks stood lined up across the front of the room. It was adorable, loud, and fun. The kids were belting out the words as the parents ate it up. Clay was getting it all on video. The little ones were certainly the draw for most of the audience, but he couldn't take his eyes off Emma. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkling, she was in her element.
Once that song was done, the 3 and 4-year olds exited and the older kids got into place on stage. Emma pulled down a projection screen and motioned to one of the other teachers to turn on the projector. A large map of the US lit up with the outlines of each of the states. Emma moved in front of the group and knelt down. They all looked to her and as the music started.
Fifty, nifty United states
They began together. Then one shy, little boy picked up a pointer as the singing continued.
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas
He pointed to each state as the name appeared on the map. Each child indicated the location of 4 or 5 states before passing the pointer on to another classmate. They made it through the song with the states all in alphabetical order, all the way to Wyoming. There was only one small mishap when one of the kids dropped the pointer as it was being passed around. But Emma was able to keep them focused and on track as the stick of wood was retrieved and they continued the song.
They performed a few more songs as a larger group before ending and taking their bows. Applause and cheers filled the room. After a few moments of letting the children bask in their success, Mrs. Johnson stepped forward and motioned for silence.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this concludes our end of Summer program. I think we can all agree that the children did a great job." She paused for more applause. "I would like to ask Miss Emma Hayes to join me." Emma reluctantly stepped up beside the director. "Miss Hayes is a Summer aide here. She took on the added responsibility of getting our music program up and running. And, as you can see, the children love it and are learning many new things to prepare them for school as a result."
The families clapped again, and Emma blushed, uncomfortable with the accolades. Clay was applauding as well and trying not to pop the buttons on his shirt front.
Mrs. Johnson continued.
"I want to thank Miss Hayes for her dedication to the children and to wish her well in her studies at college."
There was more applause and commotion as the kids offered her a bouquet and then gathered around to hug her and say goodbye. Clay could see her tears from where he stood and knew they were ones of gratitude. The children now ran to their families and began to depart, leaving the bustling room, empty and quiet. It wasn't until that moment that Emma looked up and noticed him hovering near the back of the room. He walked up to the front and held out his arms for her.
"Congrats honey. That was great."
She returned his embrace and then inquired about his presence.
"Clay, what are you doing here?"
"I begged the afternoon off from your dad and Mikayla over there met at the front and snuck me in here."
Emma and Mikayla had become fast friends over the summer, and she was happy to help Clay in this little surprise. She still stood in his embrace when Mrs. Johnson walked up and cleared her throat to get Emma's attention. Clay released her and she turned to perform the introductions.
"Mrs. Johnson, I would like you to meet Clay Spenser. Clay, Mrs. Johnson."
The older lady smiled kindly and held out her hand to Clay.
"A pleasure Mr. Spenser. May I borrow Emma for a moment?"
The two women spoke for a few minutes and Clay could see Emma nod in the affirmative before returning to him with a wide smile on her face.
"What was that about, babe?"
"She asked me if I would consider staying on. I told her that I only have one day free, since my Wednesday class is at night. And she said they would take what they could get. So, I'll be here for a couple hours each Wednesday to do music class," she finished excitedly.
He again pulled her into a hug.
"I'm so happy for you honey! I knew you would be a wonderful teacher, Em."
"Thanks," she said, blushing at his praise.
"Do you need any help cleaning all this up?" He gestured to the cart with the projector, the pointer, and other props.
"That would be great, thank you."
Together they gathered everything up and returned it to the proper classrooms and storage closets.
"Do you need to do anything else, or are you free to go now?"
"I can leave, just let me get my stuff."
"Ok. Let's go celebrate."
They were halfway to the apartment before Emma realized where they were going. She thought that Clay meant to take her out, but maybe she had misunderstood. It didn't matter to her where they were, as long as they could spend some time together. She was feeling guilty that so much of her time and energy had been taken up by her efforts with the music presentation and prep for school when Clay was leaving in just a few days. He didn't seem put out, and in fact had encouraged her every step of the way. As they pulled into the parking lot, she determined to focus her attention on her boyfriend.
They reached the door and Clay unlocked it and stood back for her to enter. She walked in and put her things down on the side table. It was then she saw the picnic basket on the kitchen counter.
"What's this," she questioned motioning to the container.
"Part of our celebration."
"But how did you get this together? Mrs. Johnson just asked me to stay on a little bit ago."
Clay stepped over to her and tipped her chin up as he took her in his arms.
"Well…first, I knew that the performance today would be a success. And second, this isn't only to celebrate that." He dropped a kiss on her nose. "Next week is the one-year anniversary of our first date. Since I'll be gone, I thought we could celebrate it early."
Emma remembered when Clay had asked her out on an 'official' date after they had told her dad about their intentions to explore a relationship. In some ways it seemed like just a few days ago, but in others, she felt as if they'd been together for years.
"Ok," she answered eagerly. "What's the plan?"
"I thought we could do what we did then…a picnic at the Old Lighthouse. Does that sound okay?"
Emma stretched up to place a firm kiss on his lips.
"It sounds wonderful."
Koda was prancing around them, and finally let out an excited 'woof' to get their attention. Clay reached down and scratched his ears.
"Hey buddy. You can come too."
They both went to change their clothes. Clay was ready first, only having to switch out his shirt and shoes. Emma disappeared into the bathroom with her outfit. Fifteen minutes later, she emerged wearing a pair of jean shorts with lace near the hem and a blue halter with a sweetheart neckline that tied behind her neck. She had put her hair up in a bun and was carrying a grey sweater. He recognized it as the outfit she had worn on their date. She slipped on her sandals as he stood from the sofa. He reached for her hand.
"You look just as beautiful as you did that day, Em."
She smiled, touched that he remembered her outfit.
He got Koda's harness on and grabbed the basket while she got a blanket from the closet. They went down to the truck and Clay got Koda situated in the back seat as she climbed in and set the basket and other items at her feet.
The drive didn't take long and soon they were scoping out a spot on the rise next to the lighthouse, overlooking the water. Clay volunteered to set up while Emma played with Koda, letting him run off some of his energy. He spread out their blanket and set out the food, plates, and their glasses, as well as filling a bowl up with water for Koda. When we was done, he looked up to let Emma know that everything was ready. He could see her, hair escaping the pins, laughing heartily at the dog's antics as he ran to get the ball she threw. He smiled and just watched her, knowing that in the days ahead, when they were apart, he would treasure this scene. He then called to them, letting her know the food was laid out.
She and Koda scurried over to their spot. Koda flopped down and immediately plunged his muzzle into the water for a drink. They both laughed as Emma lowered herself to the blanket beside him.
"Water, babe?"
"Please."
She took a long drink as he filled a plate and passed it to her. She sat the water bottle down and dug into the pasta salad, fruit, and veggies he gave her.
"So, ready for classes next week," he asked.
"I think so. I have all the books and I've done the required reading…"
"Remind me of your schedule again."
"I have American Literature and Statistics on Mondays and Fridays, Philosophy and Intro to Elementary Ed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then there's my Current events class on Wednesdays."
That was the class that was only available in the evening. Clay wasn't thrilled with the idea of her walking around campus at night by herself. She assured him that there would be other students as well, and that there was nothing to worry about. He wasn't so easily swayed.
Emma had her heart set on this class. The class description said they would cover current Geo-Political events and discuss the implications to the US and the world. Although Clay and her Dad couldn't share the details of their missions, she knew that Bravo was directly involved in some of the conflicts and situations they would be discussing. She hoped that gaining more knowledge in this area would help her understand better what the team was going through and why.
"That sounds like a full load, and now you're adding teaching one day a week also. Are you sure you're not taking on too much Emmie? I don't want you to wear yourself out."
"I'll be fine. Besides, I want to stay busy. Mikey is off at school, Hannah left for OSU last week and Jeni will be going to Northwestern in a few days. Once you and Dad leave…it'll be just me and Koda."
She quickly looked down at her plate so he wouldn't see the tears gathering. She didn't want him to think she couldn't handle things or make his leaving any harder. But he saw right through her.
Clay took her plate from her hands and sat it beside him. Then reached for her, pulling her into his lap, cradling her head against his shoulder. He knew she would miss him and her dad, but until now he hadn't really thought about how truly 'alone' she would be.
"Baby, I know it's going to be different this time for you, and maybe harder too …with all the changes. But I'm sure you and Mikayla can get together. And I know Naima will be her for you."
He rubbed her back and pressed kisses into her hair. She sat still for a few minutes, accepting the strength and comfort Clay was offering. She didn't want to dwell on it, she wanted to enjoy their time, especially this thoughtful evening he arranged. She sat up and squared her shoulders and smiled.
"I'll be fine. Like you said, I'll be really busy."
He could see the effort it took her to say that, and he loved her for it. He kissed her forehead and helped her slide off his lap so they could finish their meal. When they finished, they packed things up and decided to go for a walk along the point. As they reached the lighthouse, Clay stopped their progress and they turned to watch the waves. Then, just as the year before, he wrapped his arms around her and lowered his lips to hers. As he pulled back, she leaned her head against his chest and sighed with contentment. Koda was anxious to keep moving, so they continued their walk until they made it full circle back to the truck.
Clay helped her in and secured the dog in the back seat. As he climbed behind the wheel Emma reached for his hand.
"Thank you for this honey."
"You're welcome. I think this time is even better Em."
"Why is that?"
"Because this time, I don't have to take you back to your Dad's. This time, you're coming home with me."
He picked up her hand and lifted it to his lips before he turned on the truck and took them back to their home.
*I actually had to learn the 50 state song in school*
