"Thank you for the tea Mia." I thank Casey her grandmother as Scarlett and I exit the house. "It was my pleasure. Thank you for looking out after my girl." She smiles genuinely.

"It was our pleasure." Scarlett says with a wink making the older woman laugh. Casey is standing next to her in the doorway, shyly clinging onto her legs as she waves goodbye.

"Goodnight Casey, it was nice meeting you." Scarlett waves her goodbye. "I'll see you Monday. Sleep tight." I smile at the little girl as Scar and I start our way back to the apartment.

"She's interesting. Casey." Scarlett says the second Mia closes the front door. I hum in agreement, going over today's events.

"I don't think you should help her." Scarlett says, making me scoff in her direction. "Who says I was planning on helping her?"

She rolls her eyes as she looks at me. "I know you, Lizzie. Casey needs help and you're way too good of a person to ignore that, but I don't think you should do it." She shares with a sympathetic smile.

"And why shouldn't I? Out of curiosity of course." I ask her to elaborate on her previous statement.

"Because you'll get attached. She'll get attached and your life is not here. You're an incredible actress who is taking over Hollywood and not a teacher in some conservative town. Are you going to help every kid at that school?"

I sigh as I swallow away the lump in my throat. I know she's right and I'd hate for Casey to get attached to me, knowing we'll most likely never see each other again. But I can't just ignore her situation.

She's stuck at a school that barely claims her existence because she doesn't talk, even though that is the exact reason they should give her more attention. Her shoes are not only old and worn out, but they are also at least 3 sizes too big.

Not to mention the house they live in, I can't believe people are actually living under these circumstances.

It does make me feel more fortunate.

I'm not afraid of getting too attached to Casey, I'm not in a position to since I'm already attached to her. She just has this sparkling personality everyone seems to deny. I don't want to be another person in her life to do that.

"You have already made up your mind haven't you?" Scarlett mumbles from beside me. I nod my head as I think about how to help Casey further when I feel Scar wrap an arm around my shoulder.

"Well, I'll be with you every step of the way."

• • •

Today is Monday and I'm excited for today. Scarlett went back home a few hours ago and I'm already missing her, but we had a lot of fun and our talks really helped me make up my mind.

I make sure to take everything I need with me before I lock up the apartment behind me, making my way to the park. It's still early so there is barely anyone present, allowing me to take in the surroundings better. I should probably go site seeing next weekend.

It doesn't take long before I arrive at the school, Miss Brook already sipping her coffee while sitting behind her desk. "Good morning Miss Brook." I greet her, earning me a faux smile. "Morning Lizzie. Ready for today?" She questions.

A big smile forms on my lips as I think about todays plans. "Yes, I am very excited." I answer excitedly, earning me a raised eyebrow. She sips her coffee once more before placing it down, clearing her throat as she slowly stands up.

"Listen Lizzie, some friendly advice. Don't be. There is no fun in visiting the zoo with 27 children. At least we'll be going into groups wih the help of parents, but you'll get zero chance to actually enjoy the day. It's fun for the kids, hell for the teachers."

I nod slowly in understanding as I replay her words in my mind, the hapiness immediately leaving my body. "Have you already made groups?" I ask her, making her huff. "Of course I have." She replies as if it's the strangest question in the world. Someone woke up at the wrong side of her bed today.

She hands me a piece of paper which contains the groups. I can't help myself to look for Casey first, furrowing my eyebrows as I realise she's not on the paper and neither am I. I count all the names, ending up at 26, knowing we have 27 kids in the class.

"Uhm, I'm not assigned to a group and we're missing one kid." I mumble as I hand her back the paper. She tils her head as she goes over the list. "We can just let you accompany a parent and as for the kids..." She says as she removes her glasses. "We have everyone."

I count the list in front of her. "26 kids on the paper and 27 kids in our classroom." I state confused. She furrows her eyebrows in thought until a lightbulb moment occurs. "Oh yes Casey. She's not joining us today." She says casually as she places the paper back on her desk.

"Why not?" I ask curiously, trying to hide my dissapointment. "I discussed it with the principal and we decided it's for the better. She'll ruin the experience for other kids in her group and what if she gets lost? How is she supposed to get back to us? Besides, she's not smart enough to identify the different types animals." She states as she sits back down, sipping her coffee.

I can't believe she actually said this about a 6 year old girl. I focus on my acting lessons, hiding my anger and shock as I think of a plan. I remember how enthiusatic Casey was while watching the movie sing, she'd absolutely love the zoo and this school is denying that from her.

"So she's going to stay alone in this classroom?" I ask as I take a sip of my own coffee. Miss Brook shakes her head "No Miss Butler has agreed to let Casey sit in the back of her class as long as she won't ruin the classs atmospehere."

Before I can stop myself, my mouth begins to speak. "Maybe I should stay back with her, as you said I won't be able to enjoy the zoo. There are enough adults so supervise the groups and this way she won't have the chance to bother Miss Butler." I state as casually as possible, deciding it's best to play along with Miss Brook if I want a chance to hang out with Casey.

She looks at me intently as she humms in thought. "And here I thought you were extremely unfit to be a teacher. That's an excellent suggestion Miss Olsen, I'll make sure to note that." She smiles weakly.

I nod in faux gratitude, clenching my fists under the table. Seconds later the door opens to reveal Casey walking inside the classroom all excited with a stuffed animal in her hands. I'm barely able to hide my smile as I watch her hold onto her elephant for dear life.

I turn around to Miss Brook who nods in Caseys direction, motioning for me to get her out of here. I nod as I pick up my stuff, walking to Case who has sat down at her usual spot. I try to keep my voice sweet while putting on an annoyed face for Miss Brook.

"Goodmorning Casey, how about we get out of here?" I smile weakly, making her confused but she agrees nonetheless. I help her pack her stuff and we walk out of the classroom together. I think for a second about what we can do until I remember the movie from Friday night.

"We could go back to my place to finish the movie?" I question her as she looks at the school behind her. Her eyes instantly light up as she nods with a beaming smile. I offer her my hand which she easily takes before we make our way through the park, which is still empty.

As soon as I unlock the front door Casey walks in and takes of her shoes and coat, taking her backpack with her to the living area. I follow her movements closely as she manages to put on Netlix and find the movie. I'm pretty sure she didn't knew how it worked when she was here 3 days ago, so she either got Netflix at home this weekend or she remembered and mimmicked my movements from Friday.

"Would you like some hot chocolate?" I ask her from the kitchen, she nods her head without looking into my direction. After getting us both some snacks and drinks I sit beside her. She reaches for the hot coco but I place it on the table in front of her. "Be careful, hot." I warn her.

She nods slowly as she sits back, shuffling a bit closer to me as she looks up to me. I ask her if she's ready and without answering she plays the movie.