Chapter 29: Chapter 28: James’ Graduation and Realizations
The sun shone brightly in the clear sky, casting warm light over the elementary school's outdoor field. Parents, teachers, and students gathered in small clusters, laughing and chatting as the school's annual 5th-grade graduation party took place.
Alex stood with Margaret, watching as James excitedly ran around with his friends, his energy seemingly endless.
"I can't believe he's already moving on to middle school," Margaret said with a small sigh, taking a sip from her lemonade. "Feels like just yesterday he was learning to read."
Alex chuckled. "Yeah, time flies."
Personally, Alex had hated middle school. It was a chaotic time, full of social hierarchy nonsense, awkward changes, and too many teachers who seemed like they hated their jobs. Oh, and I course brainrot arguements.
Hopefully, James would have a better experience than he did in both lives.
Of course, this wasn't some formal graduation—it was more of a casual celebration. Every year, the school threw a party for the departing 5th graders, with food, games, and activities to make their last day at elementary school special.
Tables were lined with food, from classic hamburgers and hot dogs to homemade dishes parents had brought. Teachers and faculty mingled with families, and the atmosphere was lively and warm.
As Alex stood beside Margaret, he started to notice something.
Margaret Knew Everyone.
Not just the teachers, but the cafeteria workers, the janitors, the front office staff—nearly everyone involved in the school. Even if she didn't know them personally, she at least knew their names.
Alex had always been aware that Margaret was deeply involved in the community, especially due to her campaign work, but now he was really starting to understand why.
A big part of her campaign focused on helping special kids integrate into society, rather than forcing them to conform to some outdated standard.
It made sense that she would be so well-acquainted with the school staff. After all, teachers played a huge role in shaping a child's development. If she wanted to change the system, she needed to understand the people inside it.
"She's really trying to change things."
Alex glanced at Margaret, watching as she easily chatted with the faculty, always polite but still carrying that undeniable presence that made people take her seriously.
She had always been strong-willed—opinionated, even—but since she had started working toward something bigger, she had mellowed out in some ways. She still had her sharp tongue, but she was more composed now.
Maybe Robert, her ex-husband, really had been a bad husband to that extent.
She wasn't perfect, but she had clearly been forced into a situation where she felt like she had to constantly fight.
Now, though?
Now she had a goal that went beyond just surviving.
As they walked through the crowd together, Alex started noticing something else.
Whenever Margaret introduced Alex, most of the teachers and staff responded with supportive smiles.
"I'm happy for you two!" one of the teachers said cheerfully.
"It's nice to see you with someone, Margaret."
"How did you manage to find someone so young?" another asked playfully.
Alex tried not to react, but he could feel a few jealous gazes from some of the men in the crowd.
He couldn't blame them.
Margaret was what most people would call a MILF.
Even with her past bad attitude, she had always been attractive. Now, with her refined confidence, she carried herself in a way that made people pay attention.
Alex wasn't bothered by the attention, but he could tell Margaret was amused by it.
"People sure do like to talk," he muttered as they walked away from another conversation.
Margaret smirked. "Jealous?"
"More like surprised. Didn't expect to be the topic of conversation today."
Margaret chuckled. "Well, you are a bit younger than me. People are naturally curious."
Alex rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile.
As the party began to wind down, families started packing up, saying their goodbyes, and making plans for the rest of the day.
James, still buzzing with energy, ran up to them.
"That was awesome!" he said, practically bouncing. "I can't wait for middle school!"
Alex smirked. "Enjoy that enthusiasm while it lasts, kid."
Margaret shot Alex a look. "Don't ruin his excitement."
James pouted. "What's wrong with middle school?"
Alex hesitated. "You'll see."
Margaret sighed and ruffled James' hair. "Don't listen to him. You'll do great."
James beamed.
As they walked toward the car, Alex glanced at Margaret.
"So… what's the plan for the rest of the day?"
Margaret looked at James, who was still bouncing in place. "I think he has enough energy to burn for at least a few more hours."
Alex smirked. "Then maybe we should take him to the park?"
James immediately lit up. "Yes! Can we, Mom? Please?"
Margaret laughed. "Sure, why not?"
As they got into the car, James practically vibrated with excitement in the backseat.
Alex started the engine, glancing at the rearview mirror.
Despite everything—the weird supernatural encounters, the chaos of his past, and the uncertainties of the future—right now, at this moment, things felt...
Good.
And for now, that was enough.