Daffodils in Spring Read Online Free Page B

at home, it colored her enthusiasm. College was what she and Nathan had worked for, waited for. Her son was going to graduate with honors. There was so much going on and Calla wanted to be celebrating. But she was worrying instead.

Chapter Two
    Mid-October brought a blast of cold weather and two tickets for All- Academics Night . The local schools got together for one special evening to honor their top seniors. Nathan would be receiving a special citizenship award as well as his certificate as a National Merit Scholar.
    â€œTwo tickets?” Calla held them up in question.
    â€œI’ve invited Jazzy,” he told her. “Could you bring her with you? I’m afraid she won’t show up if I just hand her a ticket and ask her to be there.”
    Calla selfishly didn’t want to share this night with anyone. But if Nathan wanted the girl to go, Calla determined that she would.
    She was less certain when Jazleen answered the door. Calla had on a conservatively cut wool suit in a chic coral color set off by a felt cloche hat with a matching ribbon.
    Jazleen, on the other hand, was dressed in tight jeans, a low-cut blouse and a hoodie.
    It was on the tip of Calla’s tongue to suggest the girl find something else to wear, but she managed to keep the words from flying out of her mouth. She knew enough about teens to understand that criticizing hair or clothes was an open declaration of war.
    The evening together could not have been called particularly congenial. Jazleen spoke when she was spoken to. And after three or four attempts at casual conversation, Calla decided that polite silence was probably better for the two of them anyway.
    The auditorium was crowded with happy, optimistic families. The upbeat mood seemed to affect Jazleen adversely. Her jaw was set tightly with annoyance. Anyone who glanced in her direction was treated with suspicion.
    What a charming girl! Calla thought sarcastically. Where was the smartness and sweetness that Nathan saw in her?
    â€œHey look, it’s your neighbor,” Jazleen said.
    Calla glanced up to see Landry Sinclair coming up the aisle. He was dressed immaculately in a dark blue suit and blue-and-gold striped tie, a matching handkerchief peeking out of his breast pocket.
    Jazleen snorted. “He looks like he’s decked out for the prom.”
    Calla thought he looked just plain gorgeous. The opinion might have been mutual since the man stopped dead in his tracks when he caught sight of her. He stepped purposely in Calla’s direction.
    â€œMrs. Middleton,” he said. “How lovely you look tonight.”
    â€œOh…thank you,” Calla answered. She heard the silly breathlessness in her voice and chose words to counter it. “My son is receiving an award. So as a proud mama, I have to fix up enough not to embarrass him.”
    â€œYou always look wonderful,” the man told her. “It must be the sense of accomplishment that has you beaming.” His gaze lingered on her just an instant longer than necessary, before he acknowledged Jazleen. “I don’t believe we’ve met, but I’ve seen you in the neighborhood.”
    â€œUh-huh,” the girl offered lamely. She stared warily at his outstretched hand, then limply accepted the handshake.
    â€œThis is Jazleen,” Calla offered as introduction when the teen said nothing.”
    The man’s eyebrows went up. “Jazleen Coakley?”
    The girl’s jaw dropped. “Uh…yeah. How’d you know my name?”
    â€œI know all my students,” he answered. “Even the ones who don’t show up at school.”
    â€œYour students?” Calla asked.
    Landry Sinclair nodded. “I’m school principal at C.A.”
    â€œC.A.?”
    â€œCavitz Alternative,” he answered. “We’re a small high school, but we have our share of students winning awards.”
    Calla was genuinely surprised. “You’re a school