Free Identity Issues by Claudia Whitsitt Page A

up, the intrigue and events contained a momentum of their own.
    "What’s up?"
    Her furrowed brow said it was important and serious. "Rosita called," she whispered.
    "Again?"
    "She’s persistent when she gets an idea and wants immediate results."
    "I can identify with that. Patience is a virtue that we don’t all possess." I giggled as Di grabbed an armload of my bags, and we headed toward my classroom.
    "She’s having chemo treatments and can’t drive on those days or for a couple days after. She wants me to come to their house to tutor Joey."
    "Uh–oh. What did you tell her?"
    "I asked her if I could get back to her. I mean, what if it isn’t safe?"
    "What do you mean?"
    "What if Stitsill shows up?" Di whispered again.
    "He doesn’t know we saw him or suspect anything unusual." I tried to reassure her. "It shouldn’t be a problem. I know it’s a little creepy, but I wouldn’t worry too much. Even if she’s sure he’s alive, she obviously doesn’t want anyone else to know."
    I acted like I knew what to do. Maybe that would make Di feel better.
    "On the other hand, if I go to the house, maybe we could get more information," Di admitted.
    "Do you think so?"
    "It might prove advantageous." She laughed nervously. Her gaze traveled furtively up and down the hall, searching for eavesdroppers.
    "Shit!" I hissed. "We both know something isn’t right there, and I don’t want you in any danger because of my idiotic nosiness."
    "This is a lot more fun than checking papers." Di giggled then clapped a hand over her mouth.
    "I don’t know. I’d just feel better if we maintained a certain distance. Going into their home might be too close for comfort." Putting Di in danger was not my goal, but the thought of getting more information appealed. Truth be told, I wanted her to do this. "I can’t tell you what to do. Ultimately, it’s your decision. You know I’ll support you whatever you decide." The voice of reason.
    "I’ll tell her that we’ll try it. I’ll say that I have some concerns that the environment might be too relaxed for Joey to perform well. I’ll do it for two sessions and then we’ll evaluate our success or failure. How does that sound?" Di asked.
    I nodded. "You’ll have a way out if you feel uncomfortable. Who knows? It could be fine, right? At least you like Joey. When will you start?"
    "Tomorrow." Her dark eyes registered timid resignation.
    "That’s awfully soon." I felt breakfast surging up from my stomach.
    "It’s during the daylight hours, at least."
    The first bell of the day rang. My students had a test, and the accommodations required that I read it to them. The tests weren’t designed for Special Education students, so I rephrased the lingo. Since five class hours made up the day, I read the test five times. An imperfect system. A migraine and exhaustion were my reward at the end of a very long day.
    I couldn’t find Diane in her classroom or the office, so I headed home without touching base with her. I hurried to pick up the kids at the bus stop so that we could head out to the park for an hour before going home to start dinner and homework. The day was uncommonly warm and sunny, and breathing fresh air and feeling the sun on my back would do me good. I hoped it would clear my head, too.
    Our quaint little turn of the century town was filled with antique stores and housed two main restaurants at the town square across from the Daily Grind. Salt Park was situated at the north end of town. The river running through its center provided a soothing rush of water and the play structure occupied the boys while the girls explored the woods.
    The sun revived me. Physically and emotionally. Parenting and working full–time took a toll on me. As I sat on the wooden park bench, I looked back at the years and wondered how I did it. No matter how hard Jon tried, his overseas trips occurred frequently. I knew how much better it was to see him face to face. His colleagues obviously wanted the same