Nathan was running out of time.
He searched the school yard, eyes darting between the crowds of children and staff, but there was no sign of her. With a deep breath, he made his way inside the school, weaving through the corridors until he finally found the classroom he was told belonged to Emily.
She stormed out before he could call her name, her eyes flashing with anger, her teacher trailing behind her with concern.
"Are you just coming now?" she snapped.
"No… I came a while ago," Nathan said quickly. "I was looking for you—"
"I waited for so long, Mr. Nate!" Emily shot back, her voice trembling with frustration. "You disappointed me. I don't even know how I'm going to convince my mom now that you're not a bad guy."
"Mom?" Nathan blinked. "Wait—your mom's recovered?"
Emily gave a half-smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "No, not my real mom. My sister. But she's like a mom to me. Her and my brother—they take turns parenting me. I told them about you, and now they think you're… disguised. Luring me into something dark."
Nathan's heart sank. "Emily…"
"I wanted you to meet them, so they'd know you're not some random stranger. So our friendship wouldn't get ruined by their doubts. But you didn't show up!" she snapped, then paused, her tone turning suspicious. "Are you… are you really a bad guy? Are you trying to kidnap me?"
"No! No, never," Nathan said, stepping back, hands raised slightly in protest. "I'm none of that. They just don't believe people like me exist—people who care without an agenda. I'll meet your sister. Today. At the school."
Emily looked away. "She's working. My brother's the one picking me up."
"I see. I'm sorry. She even refused to make you koeksisters, didn't she?"
Emily frowned and nodded. "Yeah. She said she didn't want to sweeten up someone she doesn't trust."
Nathan managed a chuckle. "It's okay. They're just looking out for you. I respect that. When your brother shows up, I'll be here. And just in case—" he pulled a business card from his coat—"if he gets here before I do, call me."
Emily took the card but sighed. "He doesn't have a phone."
Nathan glanced at the woman standing behind her, still watching him closely. "That's your teacher, right?"
Emily nodded. "Yes."
Nathan approached the teacher with a warm smile and extended his hand. "I'm Nathan Shikongo, CEO of Shikongo Industries."
The teacher's eyes widened in recognition. "Oh my goodness—you're Nathan Shikongo? My husband used to work for your company! He always spoke highly of the way you ran things."
Nathan smiled, modest. "Thank you. I'm glad to hear that."
"She's just being protective, you know," the teacher said quietly, motioning toward Emily. "Her sister raised her. She takes everything that happens around Emily very personally."
"I understand," Nathan said. "That's why I want to meet her myself. If you could give me a call when her brother comes this afternoon, I'd really appreciate it. There's been a misunderstanding, and I'd like to clear the air."
The teacher nodded, accepting his card. "I'll make sure she knows. I'll call you."
Nathan crouched down and handed Emily her lunchbox. "I still owe your sister something though."
"What's that?" Emily asked.
"A Best Big Sister Award," he said with a grin. "She's done an amazing job. She taught you the value of friendship—something I once had and didn't get back."
Emily looked at him for a long second, then turned and started walking back to class.
"Chicken?" she murmured, opening the lunchbox and smiling as she spotted her favorite meal.
Nathan watched her go, a wistful expression lingering on his face.