Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

At 4:00 p.m., Wendy and I sat in the car, waiting for Tabitha to finish school.

I had taken Tabitha to the daycare for a visit that morning. She was far more composed than I was. When the teacher asked her to stay for observation, she didn't cry or make a fuss.

I called the teacher almost every hour. Each time, they assured me that Tabitha was adjusting well. Still, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

As Wendy and I stared through the car windows, a shade suddenly dropped over us. It was blocking our view completely and dimming the light inside the car.

Wendy was startled. She patted her chest and muttered something under her breath. I wasn't much better. My heart skipped a beat in surprise.

Nicholas stood in front of the car, gently tapping the car window glass three times. His gaze was fixed intently on me, making it clear he had come to find me.

He had his ways. When he couldn't reach me by phone, he tracked me down and showed up out of nowhere.

I couldn't help but find it amusing. What was so enticing about something he couldn't have? Did Claudia fail to satisfy him last night?

hottest time of the day, but for some reason, I found the sunlight dazzling, making

Nicholas. She was about to get out to

the car doors. "Wendy,

glare, but he showed no sign of annoyance. With one hand in his pocket, he calmly waited for me to get out. He seemed confident I would comply. Wendy

Mr. Hawk took me in. He is a good man. Back when he was sick and

when you called me to come back, he didn't hesitate for a second to let me teave, knowing how much you

QUMS

shook my arm anxiously. "Ari,

for four years, and he ate your cooking for those four years. He kept you

because of me."

felt agitated and didn't want to argue with Wendy about this anymore. Before she could speak again, I unlocked the door for her

Nicholas had it rough and felt sorry for him. But who knew how I had

about

and how I nearly