Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
The headmaster steeples his fleshy hands on the shiny surface of his desk before leaning forward. Not once does his gaze deviate from mine. It would be impossible to miss the spiteful glint of pleasure that sparks in his pale blue eyes.
“It’s come to our attention that some rather unsavory photographs have been circulating throughout the student population.”
And just like that, I’m in freefall.
Oh, shit.
My wide gaze flies to Mom in time to see a fresh tear leak from the corner of her eye and roll slowly down her ashen cheek.
“How could you do this?”
I shake my head almost violently. “No, I—”
“Shut up! I don’t want to hear any more of your lies.”
My mouth drops open as I stare in shock.
“And you can forget about the camping trip this weekend! You’re grounded until further notice. It’ll be school and then straight back home. That’s it. That’s your life.” With each word, her voice escalates until it reverberates off the plaster walls.
I wince, knowing Mrs. Baxter, and anyone else loitering in the office, is privy to every shrill word. She probably knows all about the photographs. It’s the reason she could barely meet my gaze.
“I just can’t believe you would engage in this kind of deplorable behavior! And then, to make matters worse, you allow someone to take pictures, as if you’re proud of acting like a whore.” Disgust vibrates in every syllable as she shakes her head. “I don’t understand what’s going on with you! It’s like you’re a totally different girl. One I don’t know.” Another lone tear crawls down her cheek.
I open my mouth before snapping it shut. There’s no point in trying to defend myself. She refuses to believe anything I say.
“Carrie,” Mr. Pembroke soothes. “I think you’re being a bit hasty with your punishment. If you want my professional opinion on the matter, I think you should allow Delilah to attend the senior trip. Perhaps a little time away, out in nature, would be the perfect opportunity for some much needed self-reflection and growth.”
Thrown off by the suggestion, Mom’s eyes bulge as she blinks.
I’m just as shocked by this turn of events.
Why does he care if I attend the senior trip?
“Edmond, you can’t possibly be serious! There’s no way Delilah should be allowed to attend an unsupervised outing.” She turns glaring eyes my way. “With my luck, she’ll end up pregnant.”
Heat scalds my cheeks. “That’s not going to happen.”
“You know what? I never thought you’d allow someone to take photographs of you either, but apparently, I was wrong.”
I wince.
What am I supposed to say in response to that?
“I understand that your daughter broke your trust, but she made an error in judgment. I highly doubt it’s something she’ll repeat in the future.” There’s a pause as Pembroke flicks his gaze at me. “Isn’t that right, Delilah?”
My teeth scrape across my lower lip in confusion. Why is he trying to smooth over the situation? What’s in it for him?
When I remain silent, his voice sharpens and eyes narrow. “Delilah? An answer, if you please.”
“No.” My shoulders wilt under the intensity of his death stare. “Nothing will happen.”
Mom shakes her head. “I’m still against this decision. She shouldn’t be allowed to go. Not after pulling this stunt.”
“You’re absolutely right,” he agrees smoothly. “But we all make mistakes. One of the most important lessons a person can learn in life is the self-awareness to recognize when they’ve deviated too far from their intended path and then course correct.” He lifts his fleshy hands. “It’s unfortunate that some children need to learn this lesson the hard way.” His icy stare lands on me. “Delilah happens to be one of those stubborn individuals. It’s better for her to learn it now rather than later when the stakes are much higher. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Mom worries her bottom lip with uncertainty.
I scream silently in my head.
No.
No.
No.
Don’t let him talk you into this.
Her eyes cloud with indecision. “You honestly think I should allow her to go away for the weekend?”
“I do.” He clears his throat, tone turning brisk. “Now that a course of action has been settled upon, you should return to work. If you don’t mind, I’d like to spend a few minutes chatting with Delilah.” There’s a pause. “Perhaps impart some wisdom for her to mull over.”
Mom stares at me for a long, silent moment before her gaze returns to Pembroke. “All right.” Her shoulders wilt as if the weight of the world rests on them. “Maybe you’ll have more luck getting through to her than I have.”
Mom doesn’t utter a peep before slipping out the door and closing it softly behind her.
And then we’re alone.
A prickle of unease blooms in the pit of my belly as I shift awkwardly on my chair and wait for him to impart his so-called wisdom. Instead of launching into a long-winded lecture, he picks up his phone from the polished mahogany desktop and stares at it for about twenty seconds. Every so often, he swipes the screen as if scrolling.