I focus on breathing to calm my racing heart.But every word makes it even harder to come back to myself.I purse my lips and blow out long, slow breaths, like Jonathan talks me through.
Collin’s in the middle of the hall, prepared to enter the office at any minute.I lean against the closed door to the copy room with my eyes shut.
“They’re tied together because of you.And I want to be sure that’s not the case when you leave this office.”My father’s using his court voice.Firm, confident and authoritative.He’s talented at convincing jurors his narrative’s the right one.The best one.
“Your mother wants you to come home.”Hal’s deep voice is louder than either of them, and he’s not even yelling.
My eyes snap open and instantly tear up.The only reason he’d be here is if my dad called him.
Collin whispers, “What the hell?”
“You said—” Jonathan begins.
“Iknowwhat I said.But things are different now.That whole fire situation got cleared up, and your mother misses you.”His tone is direct but absent of anger.There’s no room for argument either.“You’re graduating and leaving for college soon.Don’t do this to her.”
“What does this have to do with me and Sadie?”Jonathan’s frustration has reached its limit.
“End things with her.”
I blink.I must not have heard correctly.My dad would never say that.
“What?”Jonathan doesn’t believe it either.
“You don’t want to do this to her, son,” Hal says.“She has her own life to live.”
“You don’t know anything about us!Neither of you do,” Jonathan hollers at them, but I detect his fear.The emotion’s strangling me as well.
My father talks over Jonathan, words coated with false sympathy.“After some time, if this is real, you’ll find your way back together.But right now, I can’t have her following you to college.She needs to make her own choices.”
“Shedecided this.Not me.”
“But it’sbecauseof you!”This isn’t a discussion.And it’s not about what I want.My father’s verdict is final.There’s no changing his mind.
“Tell him what you told me,” Hal says.
“If you agree to sever all connection after graduation, your record will be completely sealed.No one will have access to it.And whatever the scholarships don’t cover, I’ll take care of.You won’t owe anything for school.Even if the scholarship amounts change in the future.”
“That seems fair,” Hal adds, like this is a business arrangement.
I cover my mouth to capture the gasp.Tears blur my vision.The floor gives out from under me.I don’t know which way is up.
“Stay out of this!”Jonathan yells.“There’s no way in hell I’m going home with you!”
“Well…” Dad’s voice calms again, securing the noose.“This will only happen if you return home until you leave for school.”
I don’t recognize the man in the office right now.Where’s the kind, understanding man who’s supposed to be my dad?The one with the big heart and comforting hugs?
“Why are you doing this?”Jonathan’s broken words echo my thoughts.
I wave at Collin to get his attention.I can’t stay here.It’s too much.But he’s oblivious.His fists clenched by his sides.
“I’m trying my best to look out for everyone here.Sadie.Samantha.Your brother.Even you.Thisisthe right thing to do.I promise.”
“Otherwise, I may have to press charges for what you did to me.”
At Hal’s threat, I take a step toward the office door.Collin hovers right outside.
“You’re going to let him do this?After everything you know?”Jonathan’s voice is frantic, pleading.“You promised tohelpme!”
