Between Two Hearts

Chapter 33

Shelly POV

The next morning arrived too quickly. Sleep had evaded me for most of the night as Spencer’s words echoed in my mind: “You’re the one I want, Shelly.”

I sighed, dragging myself out of bed. Shaina had an important day ahead—her orientation at the new school—and I couldn’t afford to let my restless thoughts affect her. For her sake, I needed to pull myself together.

By the time I walked into the kitchen, Shaina was already there, sitting at the counter with a bowl of cereal. Her small feet swung back and forth under the stool, and her face lit up when she saw me.

“Morning, Mom!” she chirped.

“Good morning, sweetheart.” I kissed the top of her head, marveling at how she always seemed to bring light into my world, no matter how chaotic it got. “Excited for today?”

“Yeah! I hope they have a cool playground,” she said with a wide grin.

Dolly breezed into the kitchen behind me, coffee mug in hand. “You’re going to love it, Shaina. It’s one of the best schools in the area,” she said, giving me a pointed look over her cup.

I knew what that look meant—Dolly had fought tooth and nail to help me secure Shaina’s spot at this school. She never said it outright, but I could tell she thought I wasn’t doing enough to provide stability for my daughter.

The guilt settled in my chest like a stone. Dolly had always been my rock, my constant support, but her judgment sometimes felt like an additional weight I couldn’t carry.

“Thanks again for your help, Dolly,” I said quietly, not wanting to argue today of all days.

“Of course,” she replied, her tone softer now. “You’re doing the best you can, Shelly. I know that.”

Her words should have been comforting, but they only reminded me of everything I was trying to juggle—my past, my daughter, and now Spencer.

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By the time we arrived at the school, Shaina was practically bouncing with excitement. The building was bright and modern, with colorful murals lining the hallways. A teacher greeted us warmly and guided Shaina to her classroom for the orientation activities.

“Mom, can I go play now?” Shaina asked eagerly, pointing to the other kids gathering in the corner.

“Of course, sweetheart,” I said, giving her a quick hug.

As she ran off, I lingered by the door, watching her blend seamlessly with the other children. Her laugh rang out, pure and carefree, and I felt a pang of gratitude that she could still find joy in the simplest things.

“Shelly?”

I turned at the sound of a familiar voice and froze.

It was Spencer.

He stood a few feet away, looking as surprised to see me as I was to see him. He was dressed casually in jeans and a navy T-shirt, but he still managed to look effortlessly put together.

“What are you doing here?” I blurted, my voice a mix of shock and confusion.

“I volunteer here sometimes,” he explained, holding up a clipboard. “My little brother goes to this school. He’s in second grade.”

“Oh,” I said, not sure how to respond. Of all the places, why did it have to be here?

Spencer’s gaze softened as he stepped closer. “How’s Shaina liking it so far?”

“She seems happy,” I admitted, glancing back at her. “That’s all that matters.”

“And you?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, though the look in his eyes told me he didn’t believe me.

“Shelly,” he said gently, “about last night—”

“Not here,” I interrupted, glancing around nervously. Parents and teachers milled about, and the last thing I needed was for anyone to overhear us.

He nodded, respecting my boundaries. “Can we talk later, then? Just… tell me when you’re ready.”

I hesitated, the weight of his words pressing down on me. But before I could answer, Shaina ran up to me, her face flushed with excitement.

“Mom, guess what? They have a slide in the playground!” she exclaimed, grabbing my hand.

“That’s great, sweetheart,” I said, forcing a smile.

Spencer crouched down to her level, a warm smile on his face. “Hi, Shaina. I’m Spencer.”

She tilted her head, studying him curiously. “Are you a teacher?”

“Not quite,” he said with a chuckle. “But I help out here sometimes. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Cool!” she said before turning back to me. “Can I go back now?”

I nodded, and she darted off again, leaving me alone with Spencer once more.

“I should go,” I said awkwardly, avoiding his gaze.

“Shelly,” he said softly, stopping me in my tracks. “Just think about what I said. That’s all I’m asking.”

I nodded, unable to meet his eyes, and walked away, my heart heavier than ever.

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That night, after Shaina had fallen asleep, I sat on the couch, staring at my phone. Spencer’s number was saved in my contacts, his name staring back at me like a challenge.

I wanted to call him. I wanted to tell him that I liked him too, that I felt something real every time he looked at me. But the fears and doubts kept holding me back.

Instead, I set my phone down and leaned back, closing my eyes. Maybe tomorrow, I told myself.

Maybe tomorrow, I’d find the courage to take the leap.

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