"You don't sound too excited," he says. "It's that school, isn't it? You hate it there."
"I'm getting used to it," I say, moving my fork around in my pasta.
"Well, I think I have something that WILL get you excited," he says, his voice rising like he's about to share big news.
Madison's having a baby. That's gotta be it. I knew it would happen. I just didn't think it'd be this soon. Isn't this going to ruin her plan to be an actress? Or was she just using that as an excuse to get my dad to move to LA?
"What is it?" I ask, just wanting to get this over with. I wonder if he already told my sister. If so, she should've warned me this was coming.
"I enrolled you back at your old school."
"You WHAT?" I ask, dropping my fork.
"You're going back to Haverhill. It won't be for a few more weeks. Your mother and I still need to figure out where you'll live but I've been talking to some of my real estate friends in the area and I might've found a small house to rent. If that doesn't work out, there's a condo unit available not far from the school."
I don't know what to say. When he mentioned this a few weeks ago I didn't think he was serious. Even if he was, I didn't think he'd follow through. I've learned not to believe anything he tells me. His promises mean nothing to me. So when he said he might send me back to my private school, I didn't think anything of it. I knew he wouldn't actually do it. But apparently he did. I can't believe my mom knew and didn't tell me.
"Mom knows about this?"
"Yes, we spoke about it last weekend."
Last weekend?She's gone this long without telling me? Did she not want to tell me because of everything going on with Dean? If so, that's no excuse. She should've told me.
"What day did you talk to her?"
"Sunday. I asked her not to tell you. I wanted to be the one to share the news. She didn't already tell you, did she?"
"No," I say, thinking back to last Sunday. My mom and I were fighting about Dean. She told me she didn't want me dating him, and that a girl like me should date someone like Chad. Then last night, she told me Chad called and kept insisting I call him back. Is this why? Because she knew about this plan for me to go back to my old school? Does Chad know? Is that why he wants to get back with me?
"Does anyone else know?" I ask. "Anyone at school?"
"I don't believe so. I certainly didn't tell them and I can't imagine the enrollment department telling anyone."
"Cynthia's mom might have. She works there."
"Do I know her?"
"No, but you might know Cynthia. She used to come over for pool parties. You probably don't remember her. Anyway, her mom processes the enrollment paperwork. She might've told Cynthia."
"Well, if so then I guess the news is out, but if not, feel free to tell all your friends. Maybe you and your mother can plan a little welcome back party. I could contribute some money to help pay for it."
"Dad, what's going on here? I thought Madison forbid you from spending money on me."
"I felt it was time to put my foot down. I love Madison but I'm not letting her destroy my relationship with my daughters. I put your sister through school so it's only fair I do the same for you."
"Does that include college?"
"Yes, although Madison and I are still negotiating that. She wants me to cap the spending to a certain amount, but we'll see how it goes. I'm sure you'll get a scholarship that will pay for most, if not all, of the cost. And if not, we'll work it out."
I don't trust him. College is still a year away. He could change his mind, especially if Madison starts making threats to leave him, which she's done before. I only know that because I overhead them fighting one time when they didn't know I was there.
"So what do you think?" my dad asks. "I'm not getting the reaction I was expecting. I thought you'd be thrilled."
"Um, yeah, I guess I'm just surprised. I didn't think you'd do this."
"I didn't either, at least not at first, but now that I've had some time to think, I realized my actions were motivated by a desire to please Madison rather than what was best for my family. Madison isn't happy about this but I told her once we have our own children, she'll understand."
"Is that happening? Are you guys trying to have kids?"
