Bonnie K. Winn - Jingle Bell Blessings

The cheerful building was filled with colorful banners and posters. “Kindergarten through fifth-grade classes,” Grace explained as they passed individual classrooms. “There’s also a smaller, all-purpose room for the youngest grades. The plays and larger performances are held in the auditorium. More room for all the doting parents and grandparents.” Grace paused in front of one classroom. “This is a first-grade class.”

“Is there more than one?” Chloe asked, liking the positive energy in the school.

“That depends on enrollment. Our elementary teachers are certified to teach two or three grades. That way we can adjust to make sure class sizes aren’t too large.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything.”

“Are you a teacher, too?” Grace questioned.

“No. I’m a sec… I work for a legal firm out of Milwaukee.”

Gordon looked at her strangely, and Chloe fiddled with her purse handles, worrying about her near slip.

“A fellow big-city native! I’m from Houston.”

Chloe was immediately curious. “How do you like living here?”

“It’s perfect,” she replied in a soft voice. “I love it.”

“Met her husband here,” Gordon added.

Grace blushed, a gentle pink. “Yes. You’ll meet him at church. He’s the choir director.”

“A musician?”

She smiled widely. “Actually, Noah’s a plastic surgeon who happens to love music. Works out well because I do, too.”

“Do you teach music?”

“Actually, I teach English.” Grace laughed again. “You probably think you’ve wandered into the land of Oz where nothing is as it seems. A choir director who’s a doctor and a musician who teaches English.”

Chloe liked Grace’s infectious smile and laughter. “I’m enjoying Oz just fine.”

“Are we in Oz?” Jimmy asked in a confused tone.

Chloe met Grace’s glance and broke into another round of laughter. Then she knelt down next to Jimmy. “Oz is a pretend place. It’s very colorful and full of surprises.”

With a child’s understanding, Jimmy nodded. “But the school’s real?”

“Very,” Gordon replied. “Do you like what you’ve seen?”

Jimmy nodded. “I don’t like big schools.”

“Me, either,” Grace confided. “I was kind of scared when I started teaching, but at this school, all the people are nice and welcoming. In no time, I felt right at home.”

Grace might teach upper grades, but she had the perfect touch for young children. Chloe was glad they had run into her. She mouthed thank you above Jimmy’s head.

“I know how it is to be new to Rosewood,” Grace continued. She reached into her pocket, pulling out a pen and notepad. She scribbled on one page quickly, then handed it to Chloe. “This is my cell number. I’d like to help you settle in.”

Chloe felt at a loss as to how to answer. Her position was so tenuous.

Gordon replied for her. “That’s mighty nice of you, Grace. And, of course, we’ll see you at church Sunday.”

Church. Because she spent every Sunday visiting her mother, it had been a long time since Chloe had been in a church. But their pastor visited at the care facility, mostly seeing her mom. Chloe’s faith had never wavered. Which was comforting, because she would need it now more than ever.

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