Still silent, I opened the property certificate.
On the line labeled “Owner,” Melissa’s name was printed clearly.
I froze.
Noticing my reaction, Chris immediately jumped in, talking fast.
“Nadine, don’t take it the wrong way. Getting kids into a city school is complicated. I only put her name down so the property records and the school paperwork would line up. Melissa lost her whole family in a fire, and she’s been raising her kid on her own. Since we’re all from the same hometown, I figured… if we could help, we should. But if you mind, I will change the property information as soon as I get back. And we can take our time paying off the mortgage.”
He snatched the certificate from my hand, as if he feared I would fling it across the room.
But I said, calm and detached, “Schooling is important. Handle it however you think is best.”
Shock flickered across his face, followed by visible relief and then almost giddy joy.
“Nadine, I knew you would be the most understanding.”
Right then, I thought, 'No, Chris. I'm not understanding. I don't care anymore.'
I glanced over at Tucker. He was hiding behind Melissa, scratching at his mosquito bites impatiently, looking at me as if I were just another insect buzzing nearby.
“Um… Nadine,” Melissa said, trying to sound gentle, “Tucker does not seem used to staying here. Maybe we should pack up and head back to the city tomorrow?”
I lowered my head and smoothed Matty’s bedding, not bothering to look at her.
“I have no problem with that,” I said evenly. “But if everyone goes together, the car will be overloaded.”
Tucker tugged on Chris’s sleeve, his voice small and pitiful. “Daddy, I do not want to stay here feeding mosquitoes…”
Chris gave me a panicked look and quickly tried to explain, “He is just a kid. He talks nonsense. Nadine, do not take it to heart.”
Chris’s mother tried to smooth things over as well, guilt written all over her face.
“Yes, yes… Tucker never had a father growing up. Maybe he is just exhausted from the trip and talking nonsense in his sleep.”
Melissa’s eyes, however, flashed with open pride and provocation, even though she kept her voice soft and agreeable.
“That is right, Nadine. Tucker only acts this way because he likes Chris so much. He even asked me once if he could make him his godfather.”