The Broken Curse (40 page)

Two months ago, I decided that we needed to see a therapist—both of us. Doctor Cohen told me to let him cope. So I dropped the subject despite the fact that some people rode my ass about Asher.
 

"I'll be home to tuck you in, promise," I told him as I pulled down the dead end street to his school. Woodbury Elementary was a beautiful school. I went here when I was a child, and I knew that Ash was in good hands.

I parked the car in the southern lot, since I had a meeting with the guidance counselor. Asher didn't have any problems with school. He was a smart kid, didn't get into trouble, and was a joy to have in class. But the counselor wanted to make sure I knew what I was doing.

Asher jumped out of the car with his Guardians of the Galaxy backpack slung over one shoulder. I stepped out into the strangely warm air and reached back into the passenger to grab my purse.

"Are you coming?" Asher asked as he stopped before the road and waited for me.

"I have to talk to one of your teachers."

"Am I in trouble?"

"Of course not," I said as I grabbed his hand. We walked across the street together, two lines of buses letting kids off. Luckily, when Asher and I moved, we stayed in the same district. I thought it would be easier for him to adjust.

I recognized one of Asher's best friends get off bus 14.
 

"Isn't that Logan?"
 

"Yeah!" Asher was excited, but he made no moves to go see Logan. I looked down at him confused, but let it go. He clutched my hand as I held open the front door for him. There was a security guard posted up at the front, who stopped me when I entered.

"I have to go sign in. Have a great day, Ash." I bent down so our eyes were level and grabbed both of his shoulders. "I love you."

"I love you, too." He kissed me on the cheek, hugged me tight and then disappeared into the crowd of students.
 

I'd never felt this awful before, but already, I missed him. I was worried about him. I tried to shake it off as I signed my name with the security guard, flashed my driver's license, and then walked towards the office.