You’d think with all my newfound knowledge I would have been out there like a bumblebee pollinating all of William Taft Elementary with news of Miss Ward, Kim Fancy, and the phantom Sasha Lewicki. But I didn’t. I sat on all of it, which if you ask me shows Herculean restraint. Ron thinks I’m just scared of the fallout, and maybe I am. This isn’t just “I saw her bingeing on ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s” gossip. This is information that has the potential to hurt people and change lives. I keep thinking about Nancy Fancy and how she will have to deal with everything if this comes out. And poor little Nadine Lewicki! Oh, wait, she’s not real.
I know I should at least let Asami know she was right all along and put her out of her misery, but I don’t know what she’ll do with the information, so I simply go on with my life.
The mud run at Ron’s store was a huge success. It was even on the front page of the Kansas City Star, albeit below the fold. The picture they used was of Garth just getting out of the mud. You can actually see my elbow in the shot! The lieutenant governor called Ron personally to thank him. They want him to start thinking about next year and maybe doing a cross-promotion with one of the TV stations.
It’s mid-May, so Vivs and Laura are done with school for the year, but both have opted to stay on campus and work rather than come home. I can’t say I’m surprised. Love is definitely in the air in Manhattan, Kansas. They are both coming home for Max’s last day of school, which to my shock and awe is only two weeks away. Normally, the kids would be in classes until the third week of June, but apparently the school board has scheduled good old William Taft for a facelift, so they’re shelving those oh-so-critical last two weeks when the kids do nothing but play games and go on field trips.
I realize I should email Miss Ward to find out if she wants to have a year-end party. The last day of school isn’t a Hallmark holiday, is it?
I get up from folding laundry and head to the kitchen-counter office to send her an email. When I log on I notice that Shirleen Cobb, Nina, and Miss Ward have all emailed me. Aren’t I the popular one today! Just for shits and giggles, I read Shirleen’s first.
To: JDixon
From: SCobb
Date: 5/23
Subject: Play date
Jen,
Apparently Graydon would like to have a play date with Max. I’d like to have it at my house so I can monitor what Graydon eats. How about this Saturday?
Shirleen
Yes, Graydon and Max are friends again. The whole “You’re a liar” incident is long forgotten … by some. I’m just glad Shirleen wants to host. I already have more gum than I can chew. Worrying about Graydon’s list of dos and don’ts just might push me over the edge. I email her back telling her it’s fine and move on.
To: JDixon
From: NGrandish
Date: 5/23
Subject: Hey
Breaking news from the principal’s office! Call me.
Xo
Just then my phone buzzes and I see that Nina has texted me the same thing. I think I know what it is. She has been making noise about stepping down as PTA president, but I always assumed she was all hat and no horse. Wow, I guess she finally did it. I’ll call her later.
To: JDixon
From: PWard
Date: 5/24
Subject: Today
Hi, Jenny,
I know we’re coming up to the long weekend, but could you meet me in the classroom after school today at 3?
Thanks,
Peggy
Finally! The universe has rewarded my patience and cowardliness. Miss Ward wants a meeting. I’ll seriously die if Kim Fancy is there, too.
I type back a quick affirmative reply to Miss Ward, then text Peetsa and ask if she can take Max home with her after school.
I just have time to run up and take a mini shower (no hair washing), put on a fresh mom uniform, and head to Starbucks before my meeting. Peetsa has responded that she will take Max with her and Zach while they go grocery shopping for their Memorial Day barbecue, which we’re invited to. I really owe her one. Taking two six-year-olds grocery shopping is only slightly easier than herding cats.
“You look good, Mama,” I say to her at pickup. It’s a sunny spring day and Peetsa has busted out a short pleated skirt and a light blouse for the occasion. She looks so pretty.
“I thought you weren’t going to be here.” She squints at me.
“Miss Ward asked to meet with me.”
“About what?”
I shrug. “No idea.” I hate lying to her. Fortunately, Ravi comes up to us, and the subject turns to summer and what we’re going to do with the boys. We’re trying to formulate some kind of shared schedule when the school bell rings. The good weather has infected the kids and there is extra noise and activity as they pour out of the building.
I wave Max over and give him a hug. He smells like dirt, so I can tell they were outside a lot today.
“Hey, buddy, do you mind going with Zach T. for a while? I need to meet with Miss Ward.”
“Are you going to talk about me?” He looks worried.
“Nope. We’re going to talk about the super big end-of-the-year party we’re going to have for you guys.” Peetsa raises her eyebrows at me, and I shrug.
“Can we get a bouncy castle?” Max asks.
“And cotton candy,” Zach T. adds.
“It’s not a carnival, guys, it’s just a party. I’ll see you later.” I wave to Ali and Lulu as I walk toward the school. My phone rings just as I am walking in. It’s Nina.
“I’m sorry, I meant to call you earlier. Did you do it? Did you quit?”
“I was going to, but I’m having second thoughts. But I did overhear something that you’ll be interested in.”
“What?” I pause in the lobby because I don’t want my voice echoing down the empty hall on my way to room 147.
“Miss Ward resigned.”
“What?”
“Yup. Apparently she told Jakowski she’s leaving. I don’t know anything else.”
“I’m actually on my way to a meeting with her right now.” I whisper even though there is no one around.
“Oh, my God. Go find out what’s going on and call me right back.” Nina hangs up before I can even say good-bye.
I put my phone in my purse and hurry to the classroom, where I find Miss Ward sitting at her desk, humming a kids’ song and organizing some papers. When she sees me, she jumps up much the way she did on curriculum night, oh so many months ago.
“Jenny!” She hugs me. “Thanks for coming. Sit down. I have some news for you.” She hops up to sit on her desk, leaving me with either one of the kids’ tables or one of their chairs. I choose a table and just hope it holds me.
“What’s up?” I ask as casually as I can.
“I wanted to let you know that I have resigned.”
“Really?” I act genuinely surprised, or at least I hope I do. “Why?”
I think she’s going to confess that she got caught inventing a fake student and parent and they asked her to leave. But once again, she surprises me.
“The private school I used to work at in New Jersey really wants me to come back, and they’ve made me a great offer.”
“Really? Wow. Good for you,” is all I can think of to say. And then something occurs to me. “You could have just emailed me the news. Why did you want to meet?” Bold, I know. But I’m not walking away without answers.
She looks at me slyly. “I thought you might have some questions for me.”
“I do, actually. Did you want to have an end-of-year party? I meant to email you about it.”
“Sure.” She waves her hand at me. “Anything you want. I’ll leave it to your imagination. Anything else?”
I sigh. She clearly wants me to ask.
“Why did you make up Sasha and Nadine Lewicki?” There, it’s out.
She gives me a smile that lets me know she thinks she has won some kind of standoff.
“Well, I was new here, and I wanted to keep tabs on the class without anyone knowing it. I loved your emails, by the way. You’re very funny.”
“Thanks. Is that the only reason?” I ask.
“I’ve had some bad experiences with class parents in the past. Mothers can be so catty sometimes.”
I look at her, but don’t say anything. She shrugs.
“What other reason would there be?”
I’m feeling very unsatisfied. It’s like having an itch in the middle of your back that you can’t quite reach.
“I don’t know. You went to a lot of trouble just to spy on your own class. I would have cc’d you on the emails if you wanted.”
“Yes, but they wouldn’t have been the same, now would they? I wanted the real flavor of the class.”
“Oh, well, okay. Good. I’m glad it worked for you. I’m just happy there isn’t a terribly neglected sick little girl with a workaholic mother out there.”
She laughs. “I know, right? Hello, Child Services?”
I’m positive there’s more to the story, but I’ve heard all I want to.
“Okay, so I’ll arrange for the party on the last day of school. Maybe we can play freeze tag on the grass behind the school.”
“I don’t need to know the details, Jenny. I’m sure it will be great.”
This is my cue to leave. As I open the door, Miss Ward is right behind me, pulling me into an awkward hug.
“Thanks, Jenny. You were a good friend this year.”
I really don’t know what to say to that, so I just hug her back and walk away.
On my way back to the car, I dial Nina. She answers on the first ring.
“What happened?”
“Well, you were right—she’s leaving.”
“Did she tell you why?”
“She said her old school in New Jersey wants her back and made her a great offer.”
“Do you believe her?”
“I do. Why would she make that up? The bigger question is, does Kim Fancy know, and how is she taking it?”
“Are you friendly with her at all?”
“Not even a bit,” I admit.
I unlock the minivan and slide into the driver’s seat.
“So is this public knowledge?” Nina asks.
“Well, she didn’t say to keep it quiet, so I guess it is. I’m feeling a little bad. She might have been crazy, but Miss Ward was a good teacher. Maxi is going to miss her.”
“Oh, he’ll fall in love with his next teacher. They always do.”
We make plans to see each other over the long weekend. As I pull out of the parking lot, I see a red Grand Cherokee with the hood up on the side of the road. I slow down to see if they need help and regret the impulse immediately when I see JJ Aikens. I roll down my window.
“Hey, JJ, need any help?”
She looks up, confused, then walks from her car over to mine.
“No, thanks.” She sighs. “I’m just waiting for Triple A. I told my husband the transmission was going on this thing.”
“Do you have Kit with you? I can drop her somewhere if you like.”
“It’s okay. She’s playing on my phone and it shouldn’t be too much longer.” She looks at her watch.
She seems disproportionately sad, even for someone with a broken-down car. I decide to tell her the big news about our teacher to take her mind off her troubles.
“Miss Ward just told me she’s leaving the school and going back to New Jersey.”
JJ doesn’t seem a bit surprised. But what happens next really startles me.
“So is Kim,” she says in a weird, squeaky voice. She then screws up her face and bursts into tears.
“She is?” I say a bit too loudly. This makes JJ cry harder.
I throw the minivan into Park and get out. I walk over to her and put my arm around her shoulder.
“I’m so sorry. I know you guys are good friends.”
She shrugs off my semi-hug and looks at me like I’m the crazy one.
“Do you think I’m sad? I’m not sad, I’m mad!” She wipes her apparent tears of anger away and looks me straight in the eye. “You have no idea what I have put up with from her.”
I’m so confused. “What are you talking about?”
“I can’t tell you. I’m not supposed to tell anyone.”
“Tell anyone what?” I lob out there to see if she’ll bite.
She shakes her head. “For almost three years I’ve kept her secrets and supported her stupid ideas.” She is speaking more to herself than me. “Did you know she’s always trying to have stuff delivered, because I guess people in New York don’t go out and do their own shopping?”
“You mean Manhattan,” I say, trying to lighten her up.
“Manhattan,” JJ sneers. “New Jersey is more like it.”
“She’s from Jersey?” I ask, genuinely surprised.
JJ looks panic-stricken. “Oh, my God, don’t tell her I told you.”
“Told me what?” I wink at her. “But is she really?”
JJ wipes her nose with her hand and nods.
“A place called Edgewater.” She shrugs. “It’s supposed to be nice.”
“So why all the talk about Manhattan?”
“She wanted to make herself sound more important. I didn’t even know the truth until this year when that woman showed up.”
I frown. “You mean the jewelry designer?”
“No, Miss Ward!”
“She knew Miss Ward from New Jersey?”
There’s that panic-stricken look again.
“Oh, my God. Don’t say anything. No one’s supposed to know.”
I’m trying to remain cool and calm, but my heart is racing.
“Why would it be a secret that they knew each other in New Jersey?”
“I’m not supposed to tell anyone,” JJ whispers.
Yeah, you’re a real gatekeeper,
As bad timing goes, Triple A showing up right then counts as a winner. JJ is immediately pulled out of our conversation cocoon when Dusty (according to his name tag) walks up and asks what the problem is.
As JJ takes him to the front of the car, I debate whether I should stay and push my luck, or cut and run with what I have.
The decision is made when JJ calls out to me asking if I can drive her and Kit home.
“I’m happy to,” I answer with a smile. I jump in my driver’s seat and pray for lots of traffic.
* * *
“I don’t think I’ve ever been to your house,” I tell JJ. I know damn well I haven’t.
“I’m off Trail’s End, right by the mall.”
“Gotcha.” I pull into the street and calculate that with traffic I will have about fifteen minutes to glean as much information from her as possible, unless we get lucky and there’s a three-car pileup. Kit is sitting in Max’s car seat happily watching one of his movies with the headphones on.
“So…” I lead off, hoping JJ will pick up the ball.
She turns her whole body to me.
“You have to promise you’ll never tell anyone what I told you,” she begs.
“You’ve only told me that Miss Ward and Kim knew each other from New Jersey. I won’t say anything, but I think I’d have a hard time finding someone who cares.”
“It’s not that they know each other, it’s how they know each other.”
We’re at a stoplight, so I turn and give her my best “confused” look, which isn’t hard because I am still pretty confused.
JJ gives an exasperated sigh.
“Look, if I tell you, you can’t tell anyone.”
“I won’t.”
“Swear on Max’s life.”
Funny, I had just asked Nina to swear on her kid’s life, and she had refused. I’m not sure it’s wise to bet Max’s life on my ability to keep my yap shut, but I’m too damn curious not to.
“Okay. I swear.”
“On Max’s life.”
I grimace.
“On Max’s life.” Now I know I won’t tell anyone. I look at JJ expectantly.
“Well, from what I know, Kim moved here to get away from Peggy.”
I try to keep my eyes on the road but I have to look over to see if she’s serious.
“When I first met Kim at preschool, we hung out all the time because we had to be there to help the kids with separation. You weren’t there, were you?”
Am I that forgettable?
“I didn’t do preschool for Max.”
I want to slap the judgmental look she gives me right off her face.
“Kim told me back then that they’d moved for David’s job, but also because he’d had an affair and they needed a fresh start. They seemed to really be trying. They used to take these romantic weekends. We watched Nancy a few times.”
“How does Miss Ward fit in to all this?”
“When we first got the letter from the school telling us who the kindergarten teacher was, Kim totally wigged out.” JJ laughs humorlessly at the memory. “She told me this was the woman David had the affair with and she had obviously followed them here. She was really unhinged and I felt bad for her. She even went to Principal Jakowski and tried to have her fired before school started.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t manage to,” I say, thinking about how relentless Kim Fancy can be when she wants something.
“Turn left here,” JJ directs. We are now on Trail’s End, fairly close to our destination.
“She couldn’t, though. Have you ever seen Miss Ward’s résumé?”
I shake my head no.
“She has a doctorate in early childhood education from Columbia and she started her career pioneering a ‘Mandarin for toddlers’ program for the state of New Jersey. There was no way Jakowski was going to turn her away.”
“That’s crazy,” is all I can think of to say.
“That’s my house at the end of the block, with the blue mailbox,” JJ tells me. Shit! I’m not ready to let her go yet. I pull into her driveway and put the minivan in Park.
“So, is this like a stalking situation? She followed them here to boil a bunny on their stove?”
“What?” JJ clearly doesn’t get the reference to my favorite movie of all time, Fatal Attraction.
“Nothing. So she moves here supposedly to win David back, and what? Try to get him to leave Kim?”
“That’s what I thought, but it turns out it was Kim who had the affair, and Kim who she came here to win back.” She shakes her head in disbelief. “And now she has.”
“When did you find out all this?”
“Two weeks ago. Until then I thought David had had the affair with her, and I felt so bad for Kim to have to see this woman. She bad-mouthed her constantly, but then would go and have”—she makes air quotes—“‘meetings’ with her. I thought she was trying to save her marriage. But then I walked in on them making out in Kim’s backyard. I think it was just after that event at your husband’s store.”
We both sit in silence for a moment. Miss Ward moves to Kansas to follow her heart and ultimately wins the girl. Huh. It’s kind of romantic, in a crazy-bitch sort of way. Then I frown.
“So what’s going to happen to Nancy and David?”
JJ shrugs. “No idea. Do you think he would go back to New Jersey with them?”
“I can’t even pretend to know what these people would do.” I laugh. Boy, nothing like this ever happened when I was class mom for Vivs and Laura.
“God, it feels good to talk about this,” JJ admits. “I’ve been keeping a lot of secrets this year.” She starts gathering up her bags and tells Kit to get ready. “Thanks so much for the ride.”
“Any time.”
“It was nice to talk to you. I used to have a lot of friends, but after Kim moved here I became kind of obsessed with her and I lost most of them.” She opens the minivan door and gets out, but pauses before she closes it.
“Maybe I was a little in love with her, too.”
And with that slight overshare, she closes the door and heads up her front walkway with Kit.
“Remember,” she turns and yells, although I can barely hear her through my closed car windows. “You can’t tell anyone.”