“I haven’t practiced it on anyone. You’ll get to hear it tomorrow… Later today. Go upstairs and get some sleep.” He lets go of my hand and gives me a one-armed hug.
“Night.” I wave as I walk inside and trudge up to my room. As instructed, I open my bedroom curtains, allowing me to look out of my window and into Kace’s room. The boys stand at Kace’s window, waiting for my acknowledgement that I made it to my room in one piece. I’m not sure what they think will happen between the front door and my room, but this has been our routine for as long as I can remember.
I shimmy my shirt up, just under my breasts just to see their surprised expressions, before I wink and drop the blinds. Changing quickly, I climb into bed.
Graduation
“Morning, Stinkerdoodle!” My dad’s cheerful, morning disposition brightens the start of my graduation day.
“Morning, Dad.” I grab a bowl to make oatmeal.
“Ready for your big day? How about the boys? Did Devon share his speech with you?” The news scrolls across the top of the table, keeping my dad’s attention only partially on me.
“I guess. Not much will be changing for me in the short term since I’m taking summer classes online. The guys are ready to graduate. It’s their right of passage.” Placing my bowl on the table after my breakfast finishes heating up, I sit in my place across from my dad. “Devon wouldn’t let me hear his speech. I asked.”
“He’s probably just nervous to get the chance to show off his hard work.” Dad’s always liked Kace, Ryker, and Devon hanging around. Even though he won’t mention it, I think he always wanted a boy. “Are they all prepared to head to their jobs? I’m still trying to convince Devon to come work with me.”
Placing my spoon back in my bowl, I focus on the news to avoid the subject of the three leaving. My appetite disappears as my stomach drops at the idea. “Wow, did you see the announcement about the explosion in St. Louis? That’s where Michael’s dad and brother are. He hasn’t heard from them in a couple of months.”
“I saw that the other day. They’re still trying to locate everyone.” His eyes lock onto mine. “What about the boys’ new jobs? You can’t avoid talking about it. Your lives are all changing. It’s not like you are going to be around long, either, since you’re going away to school.”
My mom steps into the kitchen, her blond hair, a little longer than mine, pulled up into an old-fashion bun. “Too bad those boys weren’t going a couple years ago. Bailey would be valedictorian, otherwise.”
Her biting words slice through me. She’s never liked them, but normally, she keeps her opinion to herself. “Mom, I wasn’t number two in the class, so even if Devon wasn’t valedictorian, I wouldn’t have taken his spot.”
“If they weren’t around, you would have studied more. You wasted too much time on them. What’s the point?” As my mom sits down, the warm smell of hazelnut and coffee fills the room, turning my stomach even more. “Without enough males to match with females, you’ll be lucky enough to be paired with your spouse starting this year. Changes need to be made to preserve the race.”
“What? I’ve not seen anything about pairings. Why couldn’t I be paired with one of them?” Newsfeeds full of statistics regarding the drop in male births have been circulating, but nowhere did they propose forcing relationships.
“Dear, this isn’t public knowledge. Please don’t say anything else,” Dad scolds her.
“She should know to stop wasting her time on those three. None of them are good enough for her.” Mom waves her hand at my dad, ignoring his admonishment.
“Bailey, this is not something that should be discussed. I could get into enough trouble with your mother knowing. If it got out that you’re aware of the plan, too, it could get me fired.” My dad’s a doctor but spends most of his time researching illnesses, specializing in obstetrics.
“Maybe you’re wrong.” Hope is all I have to hold onto at this point.
“Maybe…” He shakes his head.
Not able to deal with this new information, I decide getting ready is my best option, so I dump my food and head upstairs. Before going down for breakfast, I had laid out a white, lacy blouse and short, white skirt with light-pink lilies that decorated the hem. I now find they’ve been replaced by a matronly, white, tea length dress. Picking it up, I move to hang it back in my closet.
“Excuse me, young lady, but you will be wearing that dress.” Mom marches into my room, having followed me upstairs. She grabs the dress from me and lays it back on the bed. “No daughter of mine will show up to her graduation in something that will flash your privates when you sit down.”
My fists clench at my sides, the knot in my stomach hardening. “My other skirt isn’t that short. It almost hits my knees.”
“Stop whining. Your father may still treat you like you’re his four-year-old princess, but you’re an adult and will start acting like one. I already explained to you that your father is up for a promotion. You have to help the family make a good impression.” She moves over to my vanity and grabs a pearl necklace she must have placed there when I went down to breakfast.
“Why would those people care about my graduation? Will they even be there?” I struggle to keep my voice even.
She walks closer until her face is within inches of mine. “We don’t know if they will or if they won’t be, but you need to stop taking all this for granted. They were the ones that got you into a good school. Girls like you are unnecessary in the world of tomorrow. Your father asked for the favor, and they agreed to it. I would have much rather received a better favor, but he was looking out for you.”
Standing my ground, I respond, “If there’s something better for the family, then please ask for that. Although I like science, I would rather go into something more creative. I can attend a local school and focus on history, so I can understand how artistic passions have changed throughout the years.”
My mom grabs my arm, her nails biting into my skin. “Fool. Art in all forms has been banned. The last music radio station is being taken off the air next month to allow for more news stations. You aren’t going to waste your life on a worthless pursuit. Now, get dressed and be downstairs in the next ten minutes. I have a lot to do today, so spending my time at your graduation should be a higher consideration for you. Always so selfish.” She releases me and stomps out of the room.
I pull my shoulder length blond hair into a twist and clip it in place. Avoiding the mirror, I slip on the dress and the pearls. My eyes burn from unshed tears; no doubt my blue eyes stand out against the red.
Within seven minutes, I stand in the foyer, ready to leave. My dad hands me a small box. “Open this at school,” he whispers.
“Why aren’t you two in the car?” Chills run through me as my mother’s shrill voice interrupts my moment with Dad.
“We’re headed there, now. We have time. It doesn’t start for another thirty minutes.” Placing his hand on my shoulder, he guides me out to the car.
“So much time spent for nothing,” my mother mumbles loud enough for all of us to hear.
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” I venture. Part of me would feel better if she wasn’t there. “I thought we were going out to lunch with the Volks afterward, but I can go without you. They probably haven’t left yet. I can catch a ride with them or take the car if you don’t need it.”
“Nonsense! This is your day, so we’ll celebrate it together.” My dad opens Mom’s car door, raising his eyebrows slightly at her. “While you’re with your classmates, I’ll discuss with your mother our plans for lunch.”
“No lunch. Let’s just get this done so I can get home.” The click of my mom’s buckle ends the conversation.
The fifteen minute drive to school feels like thirty. The tension between my parents and me looms over us. When we make it to the field house parking lot, I say a quick goodbye and rush to the gym where the seniors gather.
Kace, Ryker, and Devon stand outside, off to one side of the
entryway. I’ve never seen any of them dressed so nicely in black slacks and white button-down shirts. Each of them has changed so much since the beginning of the year. Working at the recycling factory has given them muscle, which just adds to the growth spurt they each had.
Before I can sneak up on them, Ryker spots me and points. They stride toward me, and Ryker reaches me first, picking me up to swing me around. “Hey! You look nice. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a dress before.”
I wrap my arms around his neck to hold on as we spin. He steadies me before setting me down and stepping back. “Hi. I was thinking the same thing about you three. You all look amazing.”
I run my fingers down Devon’s silver tie. He shivers slightly as I reach the end of it. “Thanks. I was told I had to have the tie since I was speaking.”
“Well, I’m glad you were forced to wear it because I like it.” I give him a side hug, and he kisses my cheek.
Kace takes me from Devon and pulls me into a bear hug, whispering into my ear, “You all right? I saw you arguing with your mom this morning.”
Stupid window into my room, into my life. I return the hug, letting his warmth wash over me. It helps me forget for just a second that I’m irritated with the snooping. “Nothing I can’t handle. She’s just nervous about tomorrow.” I hate lying to him or, in this case, telling him a half truth, but I don’t want to talk about this morning right now.
“Really?” he presses.
“Can we not talk about this now?” I release him and step back.
“Sure.” He runs his finger over my cheek, wiping away a tear I didn’t know was there.
“What’s wrong?” Ryker steps in front of Kace to look at me. His head whips over to Kace. “What did you say to her?”
I shake my head at him. “It’s not his fault. I just had a rough morning. Can we talk about it later?”
“Yes. Are you coming to lunch with us?” Devon asks. “Gran invited us all to go with her.”
“I don’t know what our plans are. I doubt it, though. We still on for tonight?” The guys promised to take me dancing at an underground club. My mother would never approve, so it’s a good thing she never asks where I’m going.
Devon loops his arm through mine and escorts me toward the entrance. “Yes. Are you excited? I know how much you love music.”
“I can’t wait. I also can’t believe you were able to get us in.” I smile for the first time since dealing with my mother.
“Please. Three hot guys looking to get into a club? No problem!” Devon winks at me and laughs.
“Hot guys, huh? When did that happen?” Yes. When did that happen? Have I grown so accustomed to them that I missed the changes happening to them physically?
His face falls. “You don’t think I’m good looking?”
I can’t tell if he’s serious or not. Biting my lip, I quickly consider my options. They’ve all matured into sexy men, but I feel weird telling them that because it’s not the type of relationship we have. At the same time, I don’t want him to feel like I don’t see their appeal; I would have to be blind not to. “You are, but you don’t need me telling you that. I’ve watched girls follow all three of you around for years.”
“Jealous?” Devon wiggles his eyebrows at me.
“That girls don’t chase me around? Nope, not really.” I hip check him before releasing his arm to walk through the door that Ryker holds open for us.
“Very funny—”
Principal Lovell interrupts us. “The seating assignments are posted on the wall to the right. The row you are in corresponds to the table where you can find your robe and cap. This is also where you will return those items.” He points toward the tables at the far end of the gym. “Mr. Halax, please see Mrs. Kurtz to obtain what you need. You will also not be joining the class’s processional but will join me, Mrs. Kurtz, and Mr. Dubbin on stage.”
“Thank you, sir,” Devon responds before turning to the rest of us. “Wow. When I see you guys again, we’ll have graduated. Thank you for being my friends.” He leans in and pulls all three of us into a group hug. I end up in the middle somehow, squashed between all of them.
We separate and head to our respective areas. As soon as Kace and Ryker reach their tables, girls fall into their row to surround them. With only eight out of fifty students in class male, there aren’t enough to go around.
There are two males, Michael and Cage, in my row. Just like Kace and Ryker, those two are surrounded by females. Michael steps away from his group. “Hey, Bailey. Did you get everything you needed yesterday?”
“I guess. I didn’t ask. Hopefully, I didn’t mess anything up. I took a package of lamb out of the cart and gave it to a woman that was worried about feeding her son. My mom hasn’t said anything about it yet.” I shiver wondering how mad she’ll be if she finds out.
“That was nice of you. We did get another shipment in about two hours after you left, so it wasn’t all bad. My manager was pretty excited by the money for the day. It turns out a few of the shoppers called their friends about the lack of food. By the time they got there, we were restocked, but then those people bought out everything. I think it worked out for everyone, except the shoppers that are looking for food today.” He laughs as he steps aside, so I can get in line.
“I’m glad it worked out. How are you doing? Did you hear from your dad or brother?” I watch him carefully to make sure I didn’t upset him.
He briefly shakes his head. “No, nothing. We’re hearing the reports about the explosion, but they weren’t supposed to be working in that area, so there’s still a chance they’re okay.”
“I’m glad. I hope they are safe.”
“Thanks, Bailey.”
It doesn’t take long for my turn to pick up my robe. I hadn’t considered my cap when I put up my hair, so I pull the clip free and shake it out the best I can. Before putting on the cap, I place the clip back in my hair, forming a ponytail at the base of my neck.
We line up in alphabetical order, waiting for the music to start. From what I’ve researched, Pomp and Circumstance has been the traditional music for hundreds of years. Since—according to my mother—all music will be banned, I wonder if future students will march in silence.
While we wait, I pull out the box my father gave me. Slowly lifting the lid. A small fermata symbol set in a glass teardrop rests on the blue, velvet cushion inside the box.
My father has known about my love of music for years. Even though I was never allowed to practice anything, he would often give me gifts related to music. His favorite was the fermata because he liked the idea of a pause in motion. Being a scientist, they push ideas forward. He likes to rest and understand the situation before taking action.
It's the perfect gift to represent how he sees the world, how we should all see the world. I slip the clear glass with the blue fermata floating in it out of the box. The pendent links to a long, silver chain, which I slide over my cap and around my neck. I hold it up in the light briefly before placing it under my robe and dress.
Lost in thought, I miss the start of the music. The girl behind me, Pandy, nudges me forward. As our row marches in, I scan the crowd to find my parents. My dad beams at me and claps as I walk by while my mom’s eyes are glued to her tablet, her finger swiping from side-to-side. I wave before standing in front of my seat to wait for the rest of my class and teachers to file in.
The last group to enter includes the principal and Devon. Marching up the stairs, Devon glances my way quickly and gives me a small finger wave as his hand swings along his side. While the principal heads to the podium, Devon stands in front of his seat.
Once everyone is in place and quiet, the principal addresses the crowd, “Thank you, honored guests and faculty, for joining us for the graduation ceremony of this year’s class. Our students have worked hard, earning them incredible opportunities at some of the country’s best universities and internships with some of the world’s leading companies. Please join me in congratulati
ng the students for all their accomplishments.” The principal steps back and waves his hand in front of the students before clapping.
The crowd joins in.
After the room settles, the principal steps forward again. “Please be seated as I welcome this year’s valedictorian, Devon Halax.”
I’m the last one to finish clapping as Devon replaces the principal at the podium.
“Thank you, Principal Lovell, and thank you parents and students for that warm welcome. When I was assigned the task of writing a speech for today’s ceremony, I asked myself what is important to me. What can I share with the world to make a difference? Daily, we are shown the horrors of this world because of the sins of the past. I choose to reflect on the sins of this class, so we can use those lessons to make a difference in the coming years.”
Gasps from the audience float through the air as Devon announces his topic. Smirking at him, I give him a thumbs up, letting him know I’m excited to hear what he has to say and support his decision to say it.
“On a regular basis, our class has reveled in the seven deadly sins. Wrath fills us as we reflect on a long-gone society that was so self-absorbed that the consequences of their actions meant nothing to them because they would be long dead before they became a problem.
“Envy toward those able to make a difference today fuels us as those individuals and groups rally to change how we handle the world and clean up the devastation caused over the last two to three hundred years. Our Lust to be part of that society of change.”
Devon slaps his hands against the podium and grips the sides. “We Greedily devour the knowledge presented to us from our amazing teachers, allowing us to grow and understand the necessary changes that need to be made, and we are Gluttons to that knowledge as we over-indulge in the ideas and actions presented to us.
“Some may call us Sloths as we are indifferent to how society feels we should act, so we can rise to be leaders in our own right, not following the same path as those before us, but forging our own.” The crack of his hands together reverberates through the room as the crowd is engrossed in his speech.
Falling For Them Volume 2: Reverse Harem Collection Page 55
