Taking Over Cream of the Crop Academy

“M-Mr. Fitzgerald.” The principal stared at Henry with a nervous smile on his lips.

“Ryle, are you okay?” Henry strode into the office and walked past the man to reach for his son.

“Daddy.” Ryle sniffed, more tears rushing out of his eyes when he saw his father.

“Why are you crying? Are you hurt anywhere?” Henry knelt on the floor, assessing his son’s body to ensure he was unhurt. His anger was simmering within but he kept it at bay. Comforting Ryle and ensuring he was fine was the only thing that mattered for now.

“Daddy.” Ryle wrapped his tiny arms around his father’s neck and Henry patted his back to calm him down.

When Ryle’s sobs died down, Henry got to his feet with Ryle on his arms and he turned towards the insensitive adults in the room. It was the principal and two other women whom he assumed one was the mother of the other child involved in this incident.

“A child is crying and instead of you trying to calm him down, you’re busy questioning my parenting methods?” Henry hissed, glaring at the principal who was sweating profusely.

“Mr. Fitzgerald, t-that’s not it. I can-”

“I don’t want to hear anything from you!” Henry cut the man off before turning to his son.

“Ryle, tell me what happened. Every single detail.” Henry’s voice was gentle as he spoke to Ryle.

Ryle lifted his head, his tiny hands wiping the remaining tears from his face. 

“K-Kevin said I had no mommy because I killed her.” Ryle muttered under his breath, a fresh set of tears glimmering in his eyes.

Henry clenched his fists, his fury exacerbating after his son’s statement. His wife, Lauren, had died in childbirth due to some complications and he was forced to tell his curious son that his mother was in heaven.

He never, for once, believed Ryle was the cause for Lauren’s death. His heart broke to see how devastated his son was. Ryle hardly ever cried but when he did, it meant he was deeply hurt.

“But you know that’s not true, Ryle.” Henry comforted his son.

“Then why don’t I have a new mommy? Will I also kill my new mommy?” Ryle’s tears intensified and Henry hugged him closer, wiping his tears away.

“Y-Your son is lying! There’s no way Kevin said such a hurtful thing!” The woman tried to defend her child and Henry’s steely gaze fell on her.

“A four-year old child wouldn’t have possibly known all of this except he heard it from his mother. Next time, I would prefer you keep my family affairs out of your mouth.” 

The woman flinched at his words but Henry could care less. He turned to the old principal who was trembling beyond measure.

“I pray you have another job waiting for you in the next ten minutes.” 

“W-What? I-I don’t understand what you mean by that, sir,” The man kept his head bowed as though avoiding Henry’s gaze was going to make things better.

“Alex.” Henry called and his assistant stepped into the room. “I want Cream of the Crop Academy in my name immediately.” He said before walking out of the office wordlessly without sparing anyone another glance.

He carried Ryle out of the school building and Alex opened the door for them. Ryle was still upset so he kept his head buried in Henry’s chest. Henry decided to give him some time before he talked to him.

“I will inform the lawyer and have him start with the paperworks.” Alex said as he got into the car.

“Ensure the principal is fired and that Kevin kid is expelled from the school.” Henry ordered Alex before they drove off.

***

The volume of the cartoon figures prancing on the TV boomed loud in the living room. Henry reduced the volume of the TV as he sat next to his son.

He had decided to work from home so he could keep an eye on Ryle. His son had been extremely quiet since they returned from kindergarten. All attempts to make him happy had failed and Henry was starting to get worried.

“Ryle.” He called softly. “Are you upset with me?” 

Ryle shook his head slowly.

“Then why are you not speaking with me? I thought you would be happy Daddy took the day off just because of you.” Henry playfully poked Ryle but the boy showed no reaction.

“I hate Kevin.” Ryle muttered with a pout.

“So do I but don’t worry, you never have to see him again.” 

“Tell me the truth, Daddy. Did mommy really go to heaven because of me?” 

“Ryle.” Henry sighed under his breath, not knowing how to convince his son otherwise. “What’s the one thing we promised to tell each other?” 

“The truth.” Ryle responded.

“Good. So you know I’m telling you the truth when I say mommy didn’t pass away because of you. There are other things in life that happened but you can’t understand that for now.” 

“Then I want a new mommy!” 

“What?” Henry raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, prove to me that my mommy didn’t go to heaven because of me, by getting me a new mommy.” Ryle said with a small smile.

“Is that what is going to make you happy?” 

“Yessss!” Ryle answered before turning back to the TV.

Henry got up from the couch and took out his phone to call Alex. His assistant picked the call at the first ring.

“I need to find a wife. As soon as possible.” He declared.