Callie went out with Sara that evening. Sara noted how quiet Callie got.
" So what's going on?" Sara asked her.
Callie looked at her.
" I told Michael that it was too soon to move in together."
" I'm glad to hear that. Callie, I know you love him and that Michael loves you, but it's not the right time."
Callie nodded her head.
" I do love him, so much. Michael means so much to me. I wonder what my parents will think of him."
Sara knew that might come up.
" If you're honest about it," Sara said," I'm sure they'll be fine with it."
Callie smiled.
" I hope they'll like him. I know Michael is considered an ex-con, but he isn't to me. Sara, I've been also thinking about something else."
Sara knew what that might be.
" Callie, the decision is yours, but I would give that more thought too. Is Michael pressing you?"
" No. It's just like when we were on the boat, I want Michael to, or forget it."
Callie put her head in her hands and it began to worry Sara more.
Meanwhile, Michael was just about to leave the day care center when Mrs. Mansfield came up to him. Michael looked at the older woman. Mrs. Mansfield had gray hair and stood about 5'3.
" Michael," Mrs. Mansfield said," You have a way with children. They seem to love you."
Michael smiled.
" Before I ended up in prison I worked with kids, mostly disadvantaged ones. I haven't done anything like this in years. I like it though."
" Callie is very lucky to have you," Mrs. Mansfield told him," Callie has a way with these kids also. Did you know she wants to go back to school and go for a teaching degree?"
That news caught Michael by surprise.
" I didn't know that," Michael said.
" She's trying to save up for it," Mrs. Mansfield said," She has all the qualifications except for a few credits. I would like to help her with that."
" So would I," Michael said," Now I know of what Callie really wants. I'll see you tomorrow evening?"
" Sure. We love having you here. Have a good evening."
Michael left the building and wondered why Callie never told him about her plans.
" I can help Callie make her dream come true," Michael thought," Even if it takes years, I'll help her."