His Solace

Ch. 12 New Friend

Kori POV

Symeir had reached out to her through instagram, twitter, cashapp, and zelle but Kori didn't budge Sinn however was a different story.

It had been 4 whole days since she heard from him Kori had text him when she got home after Symeirs show and he just liked the text.

The day after she didn't receive a good morning text and when she sent one he never replied she was panicking internally.

To make matters worse his birthday was this weekend, Christmas soon after, and she didn't know where they stood.

The distraction of her work as a teacher's assistant usually provided solace, but today it proved ineffective. Ms. Moore, the patient and supportive first-grade teacher, noticed Kori's absent-mindedness as she called her name repeatedly. The guilt and worry were evident on Kori's flushed face.

"Ms. Simmons you ok? I've been calling your name for the last 5 minutes" the older woman asked.

Ms. Moore was in her mid 60s but didn't look a day over 35 the definition of black don't crack. "I'm sorry Ms. M I must've zoned out" the girl sighed as she began handing out snacks to the eager kids.

When she first moved to Texas she didn't know what she wanted to do for work a degree in early childhood education helped get her current teachers assistant position.

Her job at Bright Learners Academy, while fulfilling in its own way, wasn't financially lucrative. Korianna aspired to be more independent, even though she still had a shared bank account with her parents.

Although Bright Learners Academy officially closed at 3pm leaving before 5pm was almost unrealistic either a parent was late picking up their child or one of the transportation providers were "lost" or running late.

Since Kori needed the overtime and didn't have any plans after work she opted to stay with the few students who were still waiting to be picked up. It was now 5:30pm and only one student remained.

The little girl was absolutely beautiful clear barrettes and bobos were styled throughout her long twists and because today was only her second day the child still wore a name tag that read Aniyah W.

"Hey Aniyah sweetie do you know who's supposed to pick you up today?" The child shook her head yes before hesitantly answering "m-my dada" she answered on the verge of tears.

Quickly getting up to console the child Kori gave her a hug and rubbed her back hoping to stop the tears from falling.

Aniyah reminded Kori of her younger self she observed the girl most of the day when she wasn't overthinking about her personal dilemmas.

The girl had been extremely quiet, didn't play with the other kids, barely ate her lunch or snack, and had been watching the classroom door since this morning. Ms. Moore assured her those were all normal responses because she was a new student but Kori knew better.

Once 6pm came she was beyond worried her and Aniyah had finished most of her homework assignment and she could hear the young girls stomach growling.

Knowing the child barely ate today she knew she must've been starving "Ok Aniyah how about I order us some food while we wait for your daddy ok?" the girls eyes lit up and before Kori could finish the Doordash order there was a knock at the door.

"DADDY!" Aniyah squealed running into his arms as he crouched down to receive the hug.

Kori couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as she recalled her own adoration for her father during her early years.. "

"Hi Niyah baby I missed you too I apologize Miss.." he trailed off finally looking her way "Miss. Simmons and no worries Aniyah was great company we were just about to order some food too" she quickly answered with a smile before avoiding his gaze he was handsome as hell.

"No it is a problem but it won't happen again. How bout I treat you to dinner since it's my fault you're here so late."

Although he was a complete stranger his tone, eyes and body language seemed friendly plus she was hungry a soft please Miss. Simmons came from Aniyah and Kori couldn't object.

30 minutes later the trio were seated in a booth at Pappasito's Cantina to no surprise Aniyah sat next to her dad while Kori sat across from them.

"Thank you for dinner Mr. Wo- "Adrian Mr. Woods makes me feel like a old ass man" the response earned a gasp and giggle from his 5 year old.

"I'm sorry mama I forgot no cussing hmm tell daddy what you want to eat and drink"

As Kori, Adrian and Aniyah enjoyed dinner, the atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and easy conversation. Adrian shared stories about his life and career as a pharmacist and businessman.

He expressed his thoughts on co-parenting and the importance of choosing the right partner before starting a family.

Kori, absorbing his words, found his perspective valuable, especially coming from a male figure. The evening felt comfortable, like catching up with an old friend.

After paying the tab and leaving a healthy tip he walked Kori to her car with Aniyah fast asleep in his arms.

"Thanks again Adrian I had a good time with you both" she beamed.

"No, thank you for looking after my baby" he responded genuinely.

Grateful for the enjoyable evening, Kori and Adrian exchanged numbers before parting ways.

She couldn't wipe the smile off her face an impromptu dinner with a stranger may not have been a big deal to the average person but for someone like her it meant progress.

Ever since she'd moved to Texas she'd been slowly coming out of her shell she made a mental note to bring it up to Dr. O'Neil during their next therapy session.

However, the mood shifted when Kori returned home to find an envelope jammed in her door.

Opening it revealed unsettling photos of herself with Symeir and, more recently, with Adrian. The realization that someone had been watching her, possibly knowing her whereabouts and residence, sent shivers down her spine.

Kori was undeniably shook who the hell would want to stalk me she thought to herself before 3 loud knocks at the door made her jump.

She began trembling as she slowly walked towards her door to check the peephole she exhaled a sigh of relief when she saw Sinns face.

Her sudden sense of relief quickly turned to anxiety as she invited him in. It had been a few days since the pair spoke and even longer since they'd seen one another in person a deep frown covered his face.

Deciding to break the awkward silence she joined him on the couch leaving some room between them "A-are you mad at me?" she asked voice just above a whisper.

Sinn's expression softened, and he closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh. "We need to talk," he finally said, leaving Kori's stomach in knots.

Anxious and uncertain, she prepared herself for the worst.