After another half an hour passes, my phone beeps with a notification from the school app. I reach for my phone to check what the message is. “The principal wants to see me,” I announce.
Raven lifts a brow. “What for?”
“Are you in trouble?” Sophie asks.
I rack my brain, trying to figure out what I could have possibly done wrong. “I don’t think so.” I get to my feet. “I’d better go.”
“Do you want me to go with you?” Raven asks.
“Sure, that would help a lot. I’m a little worried, to be honest.”
She gives me a sweet smile. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious.”
“I didn’t think it was serious. Oh my gosh. Do you think something happened to my grandma or grandpa?” My lungs are about to explode and I can’t breathe. “No. I can’t lose either of them.”
Raven places her hand on my arm. “Kylen, I’m sure everything is okay. Let’s first see what she has to say and then…” Her voice trails off.
I swallow the boulder in my throat and force a nod. “Okay.”
As we head to the exit of the dorm, I say in a low voice, “You have no idea how many times I have dreams of losing my grandparents and being completely alone in the world.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I know I’ll never be alone. My parents and grandparents will always be with me in spirit and I have my friends.” I smile at her. “I’m very lucky.”
“I’ve always been amazed at you, Kylen. That no matter what, you always think positively about every situation. You don’t let the negative things hold you back. It’s a great quality to have.”
“Thanks. That means a lot. My grandma always says, ‘If you let the negative or hard things hold you back, are you really living?’ Life is amazing. I mean, it’s tough, too, and sad things happen, but you shouldn’t let them keep you down.”
“She sounds lovely.”
I grin. “She is.”
We’ve reached the office, and I take a deep breath before walking inside. The secretary instructs me to head to Principal Harrington’s office. Raven stays behind and wishes me good luck. I thank her before advancing to the principal’s office.
After I knock on the open door, Harrington looks up and tells me to come in.
“Is it my grandparents?” I blurt before I can stop myself. “Are they okay?”
She smiles as she gestures for me to take a seat. “Your grandparents are well, thank God. I asked you to see me because I’d like to know how you’re adjusting.”
“Oh. I’m adjusting really well, thanks.”
I remain in her office for a few minutes, talking about my classes, my friends, and answering other questions she has. Then I return to Raven and tell her everything is fine and well.
We decide we worked on the Globe Theatre enough and call it quits for today. We’ll pick it up either over the weekend or after.
“Have a good night, Raven, and thanks for accompanying me here. I really appreciate it.” I lift an arm around her shoulder and give her a hug.
It might just be my imagination, but it feels like she melts against my chest, as though she misses our hugs as much as I do. “No problem. I’m glad everyone is okay.”
I smile as we move out of each other’s arms. “Me, too. Have a good night. Wait, I said that already.”
She giggles. “You did, but it’s okay. Good night, Kylen.”
Chapter Nineteen
Raven
