“Let me finish,” he scolds. “Here at Twisted Pine, we reward success. We strive for it. Admire it. This is true of both our students as well as their parents. Certainly there have been members of the Twisted Pine family who have struggled with substance abuse, but they have done so while maintaining their success, or in some cases, achieving even more. Your father, on the other hand, has done nothing to prove to us he’ll turn his life around. He has a history of failure, which I think even you would have to agree is true.”
“It’s not easy to beat an addiction,” I say, although I’m not sure why I’m sticking up for my dad. I agree he’s a failure, but more as a father than anything else. I never cared what he did for a living. I just wanted him to be a dad, but he failed. He didn’t even try.
“You’re here because of Brock,” Principal Edwards says. “And because of his sons, Trystan and Braden. Those boys have devoted themselves to this school. They’re both popular with their fellow students and are star athletes. With Braden on our football team, we might even qualify for the state tournament this year.”
“Great,” I say with a sarcastic smile.
He narrows his eyes at me. “Listen to me, Miss Halliway. I will not put up with disrespectful behavior. Nor will I allow my school to be tainted by someone who doesn’t value it the way others here do. It is a privilege to attend Twisted Pine Academy. If you feel otherwise, your life here will be very difficult.”
“Is that a threat?” I ask, staring back at him.
“Consider it a helpful tip.” His lips rise just slightly. “Follow the rules, you’ll succeed.”
“And if don’t follow them?”
His eyes lock on mine. “You won’t survive.”
What does he mean? I won’t survivewhat? Going to school here? As in I’ll end up at public school?
Or did he mean something else? Something much darker? Like I won’t survive . . . at all.
“Have I made myself clear?” he asks.
“Very,” I say, keeping my eyes on his. “And my name isn’t Ms. Halliway. It’s Bennet. I use my mother’s name.”
“You’ll fare much better using the Halliway name. Despite the failures of your father, at least he carries a proper name. I suggest you use it. It’s likely the only thing of value you’ll ever get from him.”
“I’m not changing my name,” I say, glaring at Principal Edwards.
“Think it over. Perhaps you’ll come to your senses once you give it some thought.” He smiles. “See you next Tuesday.”
Give up my mother’s name? Is he crazy? It’s all I have left of her.
As he walks away, I hear his words in my head again.
You won’t survive.
Like hell I won’t.
Chapter 13
I watch as Principal Edwards goes over to where Maria is sitting. She sees him approaching and quickly gets up, smiling as he greets her. I think she has a little crush on Principal Edwards. I bet a lot of women do. He’s good-looking and confident, although I think he’s more arrogant than confident.
Maria smiles and nods as he talks. Then her smile suddenly drops and concern comes over her face as Principal Edwards continues to talk to her. She nods, as if he told her to do something.
What is he telling her? And why does she look so worried? Is he threatening her like he threatened me?
I’m putting an end to this right now. As I hurry over there, Principal Edwards turns and smiles at me.
“There you are,” he says. “We were wondering what was keeping you.”
“I was standing right there,” I say, pointing to the place I just left.
He turns back to Maria. “Have a good day.”
“You too,” she says, forcing out a smile.
We both watch as he leaves.
