I stood at the bus stop, waiting for Max to be there. The bus pulled up and stopped and the doors slid open. Max ran excitedly off the bus. She had an envelope in her hands. “Spencer!” She yelled as she ran toward me and hugged my legs.

“Hey Max” I sang. I took her hand and began walking toward my apartment with her. “What’s with that envelope?” I asked.

“Mrs. Ray told me to give it to mommy.” She said waving it in the air. We continued walking down the sidewalk. We would only cross the street after looking for traffic in each direction. People were usually getting off work at that time, so I held her hand the entire time. I didn’t want her to get lost in a crowd.

When we got back to the apartment, Ashley was sitting on the couch. Max ran to her and gave her a hug. It put a smile on Ashley’s face. “Give your mommy the letter, Max.” I reminded her.

Max pulled the envelope from her Happy Feet back pack and handed it to her mother. Ashley opened the letter and began to read it. She sighed. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Parent teacher conferences are tomorrow night.” Ashley explained.

“What goes on at those things anyway?” I asked in curiosity. It had been years since my parents ever went to one of those. They were mandatory in elementary school, but in High School, they only requested the meeting if you were a walking talking problem.

“Well,” She said adjusting herself on the couch. “Pretty much you walk around, look at your kids’ artwork and talk to their teachers about how they’re doing socially and education wise. I love going to those and wouldn’t miss them for the world but…” She looked down at herself.

“And you won’t.” I said simply. “I’ll go with you to help you get around. Since you’re walking a little slow and Max is really a permanent bottle of espresso, I think I could be there for a good medium.”

“Spencer you don’t…” I cut her off.

“Shut up and go wash up. I’m going to start dinner.” I said with a smile. She laughed. I grabbed her hand to help her off of the couch. She stood in front of me, and neither of us let go. We both looked down at our conjoined hands and awkwardly smiled. I released her hand before going into the kitchen to prepare dinner.