Dear Ex-wife Marry Me (Maja and Ian) novel Chapter 1987

"We've only got this one daughter; why are you always picking fights with her? Isn't she obedient enough? When you were off teaching in another state, you hardly had a hand in raising her. I've been the one taking care of her, and I think Shirley's just fine."

"It feels like you and your daughter are teaming up to drive me up the wall!"

*

Shirley was already feeling a bit choked up, and running into Abner during these moments only added to her guilt.

"Abner, that's just how my dad is, don't worry about it. You're such a great guy, they'll come to like you."

Abner didn't know what to say, still awkwardly standing to the side.

Shirley sighed and patted him on the shoulder.

"Let's have dinner and then head back to our rooms to do homework, okay?"

Abner nodded.

On Monday, Shirley took him to school to meet with the teachers. Given that school had already been in session for half a month, it was tricky to arrange a transfer at this time.

Mr. James was her high school homeroom teacher, and it was only because the school had just passed a policy allowing for mid-term transfers that she had the nerve to ask for his help.

She had the gift delivered directly to Mr. James' house via courier, not daring to bring it to school to avoid the judgmental looks from the office staff.

Mr. James, at thirty-eight, was a small, bespectacled man who seemed very strict at first glance.

But upon seeing Shirley, his face lit up with a smile.

"Shirley, my, how you've become even more beautiful since college."

Shirley, her cheeks flushing, was grabbed by both hands, "Mr. James, I’m really hoping you can help with Abner. He’s a bright kid, and I believe he’ll do well."

She had quietly shared Abner's situation with the teacher, who then felt a pang of sympathy.

"It's no trouble at all. Since I've agreed, I'll take responsibility."

Mr. James eyed Abner, noting the boy's striking good looks, though he seemed a bit thin, which only made his features stand out more.

He joked, releasing Shirley's hands, "Looking at Abner, I think you've come to the wrong place. He should be on a movie set, not in a classroom. He’d definitely be a star."

Shirley laughed along, unable to deny that Abner was indeed handsome.

"Shirley, don't worry, I'll take him under my wing. Let’s get him to class after this."

Shirley breathed a sigh of relief, whispering to Mr. James.

"I got you that skincare set you wanted, not as a bribe, just something I've been meaning to give you."

She didn't notice Abner's tension as she patted his shoulder.

"Here's some cash, buy whatever you need without asking me. If you want something, just get it. Try to get along with your classmates and focus on your studies. It's okay if you can't keep up at first; sophomore year has just started. You have time."

Abner nodded, surprised as she slipped a thick stack of cash into his pocket. He opened his mouth to refuse, but Shirley shot him a look.

"Just take it. Consider it a loan; you’ll pay me back when you're working."

"Shirley, it's too much."

She ruffled his hair, "Keep it. You're not much of a talker, and I wouldn't know what you'd want otherwise. I'd worry if you didn't have it."

Abner looked down, his handsome face showing a mix of rebellion and gentleness.

Shirley found it amusing, waving goodbye, "I'm off. High school keeps you busy, and we'll probably only see each other at night. You'll have to start waking up before 5 am."

"Shirley, I... I could walk you out."

"This is my alma mater, I know my way around better."

Abner watched her leave, feeling an indescribable emotion but unsure exactly what it was.