“So what’s changed?” I threw out. “Besides the desire not to spend any more money.” My hands were shaking, and I clasped them into fists on my knees. Part of me could understand what he was saying, although with my mother’s life insurance policy and the money she had in savings, I didn’t see how the expenses could be as large as he was insinuating, especially if I was willing to contribute. “I’m sure it’s not a desire to spend more time with me.”
“As nice as that would be,” Lyle spat the words with a grimace, “I feel that focusing on your schoolwork and your future is of more importance than spending time cultivating a relationship at the moment. You will be attending a boarding school.”
I gaped at him. “Boarding school?” Was that still even a thing? Only rich kids went to boarding schools. “How can you afford boarding school?” I challenged. “Unless this is some kind of military school or something.” I shuddered at the thought. I was not meant for military school. I had the upper body strength of a hamster and my idea of an intense workout was seeing how many books I could read in a single night.
Lyle sniffed, shifting delicately in his seat as he wove his fingers together, tapping the tips of his forefingers slowly against each other as he studied me. “It is not a military school, although if your behavior demands it, I am not opposed to considering one. Heaven knows it may have done your mother some good if our parents had considered the same thing.” I bit my tongue hard enough to taste blood in an attempt to keep from screaming at him. How dare he come in here and talk poorly about her? He barely knew her! They hadn’t spoken in decades. “When I was consulting with your school in regard to where you were academically, they informed me that you were in the running for a coveted scholarship.”
I blinked. “Scholarship?” I hadn’t applied for anything, had I? My grades had been good, at least before my recent bout of rebellion, but I didn’t think they were good enough to qualify for a scholarship.
“There is a privately ran boarding school not far from here,” he began, continuing to tap his fingers together as he spoke. I found the movement distracting, having to work harder to focus on his words rather than the tapping. “I am unaware of the specifics, but seemingly your mother put you in the running for it some time ago. I was very surprised they would still consider you for a position there. I have heard of Lupine Hollow Academy before, of course. It is a fairly prestigious institution. Your current status did not seem to fit with their ideals, however, the headmaster, Mr. Temples, has informed me that he believes your potential far outweighs your currently dismal grades.” I winced slightly. That was a little harsh. Sure, my grades had dropped slightly, but they were far from being considered dismal. Well, excluding chemistry, but who really used chemistry?
My head was spinning, and I wondered if the lack of sleep was finally catching up to me. None of what he had said made any sense. “Mom wanted me to go to boarding school?” The words shook a little, despite my attempt to control them. I knew about Lupine Hollow Academy, it wasn’t exactly shrouded in mystery, and everyone in Connecticut had probably heard of the school. I’d even driven past it before with Mom, although all you could see from the road was a wide, winding driveway and an intricate, wrought iron and marble plaque announcing the name of the school. Everything else was shrouded by thick groves of trees and a winding stone wall.
“I’m sure you’re aware that I cannot tell you what Candice’s actual wishes were.” Lyle scowled, glancing at his watch. “Mr. Temples should have more information for you on that account, and he agreed to meet with us this morning to finalize these issues. He appears to be running a bit late, however.” From the pursing of Lyle’s lips, it was clear he was not impressed with the delay. I would probably have been late to a six-thirty meeting, though, so I figured I had no reason to judge him.
“Even if he does offer me a scholarship, I’m sure there are other fees involved,” I pointed out. “I’m only in school for another year and a half. If you’re insistent on me completing high school, it would make more sense for me to stay where I am.”
“It’s clear there are influences working against you where you are now, and the people you consider friends are clearly far from appropriate.” Lyle cleared his throat, his eyes still focused on his watch. “I have no interest in moving my own life to this town and commuting for work.”
“I could commute here though,” I offered pleadingly. I wasn’t sure why I was gripping on to this so tightly. I’d been convinced just an hour ago that I would never go back to my high school, no matter what Lyle said. Yet when he threatened to remove the choice from my hands, all of a sudden, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.
Lyle shook his head. “That’s a two-hour commute, possibly more when you consider traffic. I do not have the time nor the flexibility in my schedule to bring you here every day.”
“I could drive.” I had my license, after all. “Besides, it’s almost summer break,” I pointed out. “It’s just another month or so left in the year.”
“You don’t own a vehicle, and I am unable to supply you with one, especially one that could handle that level of commuting throughout our winters.” Lyle sighed, pushing up from his seat to pace. “As for summer vacation, I have no doubt that, at your currently inadequate academic standard, you will be expected to attend summer classes. The campus at the academy is open for residential students through that time, so you wouldn’t be alone, even should you manage to get your grades up to a respectable level.” He executed what I assumed to be a failed attempt at a parental glare before adding, “Penelope, you do not have other options and you are merely wasting my time and your own with your childish objections. I am your guardian. If Lupine Hollow will accept you, you will begin your enrollment there immediately. If not, you will reside with me for the moment while another suitable option is found.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “And if I’m kicked out of Lupine Hollow?” Being expelled wasn’t exactly on my list of lifetime achievements, but neither was having my life completely uprooted. I’d been through more than enough at this point—I just wish he could understand that. Lyle seemed to think I was a hellion, and maybe that was what I should give him—hell.
Lyle smirked as a knock sounded. “Something tells me that it is much harder, and more painful, to be expelled from there than you would think. Even if you were to manage it, coming back here will not be an option. Military school though...” He trailed off and strode over to answer the door as I stood up, unwilling to face another stranger in my home while sitting. The early morning light put the newcomer in shadow for a moment, and I couldn’t help but swallow a gasp. He had to be nearly seven feet tall, his shoulders wide enough to almost block the frame before he strode inside. “Mr. Temples,” Lyle greeted him, holding out his hand for a handshake.
“Mr. Miller.” His voice was deep, almost a growl as he greeted Lyle, before turning his attention to me. He looked younger than I would have expected from a headmaster of an influential private school, though something about the air he gave off suggested he was older than I was giving him credit for. He was roughly attractive, with thick, dark hair only slightly streaked with gray, and piercingly dark eyes. His skin was deeply tanned, and I wondered why the headmaster of a school would spend so much time outdoors. There was none of the fake, orange hue that usually accompanied a self-tanner. “Penelope,” he greeted me in a rumble.
“It’s Pixie,” I corrected automatically. I squared my shoulders, holding my own hand out for a handshake. I thought I saw the corner of his mouth twitch as his large hand encompassed my own. I came by my nickname almost literally, my height and frame being much smaller than average, so his large hand completely dwarfed my own.
“Penelope,” Lyle scolded softly. “Mr. Temples, thank you for agreeing to meet so early. Unfortunately, I have many meetings today, and couldn’t carve much time from my schedule.”
“I informed you that you didn’t need to be present for this meeting, Mr. Miller.” Mr
. Temples sat on the couch, sliding back into a comfortable pose before finally moving his eyes to Lyle. “You were insistent on it.”
Lyle cleared his throat, perching on a nearby chair rather than the couch again. Probably a wise move, considering how much of the couch this man took up. I couldn’t imagine him as a headmaster of an elite, private academy. A military school, now that I could see. “I figured Penelope would be more comfortable if she had family nearby while we discussed this, rather than just meeting with a stranger.”
“You’re as much a stranger as he is,” I grumbled under my breath, knowing he wouldn’t be able to hear me. Mr. Temples’s sharp eyes found mine and I held my breath. For some reason, it seemed as though he had caught my words, although I knew it wasn’t possible.
“Your uncle has informed you about your place at Lupine Hollow Academy?” Mr. Temples asked.
“He mentioned my mom had put me up for a scholarship.” It was easier to look at my hands now, rather than him.
“Your mother didn’t mention it to you?” he pressed, sounding slightly surprised. “She never spoke of the academy?”
I shook my head. “If she did, I don’t remember it,” I replied. “She drove me past your location before though.”
Mr. Temples cleared his throat. “I was sorry to hear about her passing.” I nodded my acknowledgment around the lump that filled my throat. “She and I had spoken about the possibility of you attending the academy at some point, although she was reluctant to have you leave your friends. Lupine Hollow is unique in the fact that while we do have traditional high school classes, we also offer the ability to receive college credits.”
“Like AP courses?” I questioned in confusion. Our school had them, although I hadn’t opted to take any this year. I knew you could potentially earn college credit with AP courses if you passed the end of the year exam at a certain level, though I also knew not all colleges accepted them.
“Something like that. Many of our students have graduated from traditional high school work to college work, and we have agreements with certain colleges that allow for them to take what are considered dual courses—the same course that is offered at the college but presented by our teachers. Some of our students are older than eighteen, and are working on extra credit hours before transitioning to a traditional university setting.”
“Huh.” Okay, not exactly an elegant or witty response, but his words were too interesting for me to really care about how my own intelligence was being evaluated. I wasn’t sure college was the path I was going to take, but even I was smart enough to realize that receiving extra credit hours would be a cheaper path and could open more doors for me. “So, what else do I need to do in order to complete this scholarship?” I asked, as I studied the tan weave of the carpet below my feet.
“Nothing,” Mr. Temples stated, shifting slightly in his seat. “You have a place at Lupine Hollow. You only need to pack and I will accompany you to our campus immediately.”
I nearly tumbled out of my chair as I whipped my head up, my eyes wide as they met his. “Now?” I glanced between him and Lyle. “You said you weren’t sure they would take me!” I accused Lyle.
He shrugged a shoulder, although he didn’t meet Mr. Temples’s curious gaze. “I had no way of knowing if your current absence from school would have a negative impact on your acceptance. From what your teachers have said, you have been slow to turn in the assignments they have sent you. Not to mention your recent change to your appearance.”
Mr. Temples’s voice was rough when he challenged, “It is understandable, under her current circumstances, that she would have fallen a bit behind. You and I spoke about that at length.” A note of censure filled his voice as he addressed Lyle. “As for her appearance, while it is obviously not traditional, Lupine Hollow’s dress code does not forbid their students to color their hair if that’s what they choose.”
“You want me to go now?” A shiver racked me, and I wrapped my arms around my waist as I considered him. “What about my records? Or finishing this school year? It’s the middle of the semester.”
Mr. Temples arched a dark brow. “Yes, and it will take you time to catch up. Candice assured me that you are a talented student and up to facing the challenge. Once your bag is packed, we’ll be on our way. There is no point in delaying it.”
“Penelope, gather what you need. You shouldn’t make him wait for you,” Lyle demanded.
I pushed from my seat, my heart beating so quickly it felt like it would pound out of my chest. “I don’t understand any of this.” The words fell from my lips without my permission as panic rose in a wave, crashing over me. “First, you tell me you’re selling my house, now you’re telling me I’m leaving today with only what I can pack? Any other surprises you’d like to throw at me?” The last word was nearly a scream as I glared at the two men gathered across from me who seemed to have no problem uprooting my entire life.
“Enough of that,” Lyle hissed as he grabbed my arm, tugging me from the room under Mr. Temples’s watchful gaze. “You do not need to air our family matters in public, and certainly not at that volume.” I jerked my arm from his grasp, striding down the hall and waiting for him to follow me.
I whirled on him when he entered my bedroom, shutting the door behind us. “You can’t be serious. How would I even know what I need at a private school? And why does it have to be today?”
“It has to be today because we told you it does. I am your guardian, and this is what is best for you,” Lyle retorted. “As for what you need, Mr. Temples has assured me that there is a proper uniform at the school, and you will be outfitted once you arrive. Therefore, I would suggest bringing clothing for off hours and any mementos you wish to keep.” Lyle scowled as he faced me. “You will not win this fight, Penelope. Mr. Temples is taking you to the academy today, and that is the end of this. Choose what you wish, the rest will be sold or put into storage.”
I glanced helplessly around my room, taking it all in. How could he make me choose like this? And with only minutes to do so? Everything was a memento. The window seat was where Mom had sat and brushed my hair when I had been dumped by my first boyfriend. The quilts folded in my closet had been handpicked by the two of us on one of our outings together. The pictures that danced across my dresser and my wall in frames of all different sizes and colors held memories of my first music recital, my first school dance, picnics, and events with my friends... With my heart banging hard against my ribs, I stepped over to my closet and pulled out the few suitcases I had resting at the bottom. Even those were mementos, holding memories of the trips Mom and I had taken on a whim, the big events we had planned and saved for. Our last trip with them had been to Maine, a stolen few days away from work and school where we had braved the icy air and stood on the pier while eating lobster rolls and giggling as snowflakes pelted us.
Feeling Lyle’s eyes on my back, I tugged open my dresser drawers, and tossed a few basic tank tops and shirts, some shorts and leggings, and my favorite pjs into a suitcase. I emptied my lingerie and sock drawers, heat stealing across my cheeks as I tried to hide the contents from his perusal. I tugged a few dirty sweaters and pairs of jeans from the pile I had let build up, tucking them in as well. I was sure there’d be a place to wash them on campus.
“Hurry up,” Lyle snapped, shifting restlessly. “I’m already late for my first meeting.”
I bit my tongue, tossing in shoes and sandals before grabbing a few of my favorite pictures from my dresser to place carefully in the bag as well, wrapping the clothing around them to protect them during the trip. What else did I need to take with me? What couldn’t I live without? Mom. The word was a whisper inside me and I felt the tears well up in my eyes. “Can you at least pack up all of the pictures?” I asked hoarsely. “I can’t go through them all today if you want me to leave now.”
“Yes, yes,” Lyle muttered. “No one would buy those anyhow.” I pulled our favorite quilt from the top of the closet, a white one with patterns
in purple and blue, stuffing that into the suitcase as well. I clasped the case closed, hefting it as I turned to face Lyle. His attention was on his phone now and he strode from the room, not bothering to ensure I followed. “Finish quickly,” he called over his shoulder. I took the smaller case into the bathroom, gathering the dyes and other toiletries. I couldn’t resist the crystal bottle in the shape of a howling wolf that held my mom’s favorite perfume, nestling it safely into the bag, wrapped in a towel, to prevent it from breaking. Glancing toward the living room, I ducked across the hall into my mother’s room, a sob breaking from my chest as the smell of her perfume hit me. I had spent little time in here since the accident, and the room was the same as it had been that day.
Her bed was mussed, her Kindle on the covers where she’d left it when she went to look for me. I picked that up, sliding it into the front of my bag. We had shared our love for words, and it felt too important to leave behind. I couldn’t face taking any of her clothes, but I grabbed the small, velvet box from her dressing table. Lyle would be furious, I was sure, but I wouldn’t let him sell off her jewelry as well. I only had his word that he’d gather the pictures, but I hoped he would. Mom had been a fanatic for them, constantly taking pictures and binding them into scrapbooks. She had once said she didn’t want to ever forget a moment of her time with me, that each day was a gift and she would make sure it was treated that way. I brushed aside the tears that slipped down my cheeks, and took a deep breath.
“I love you, Mom. I’m so sorry.” The words echoed a little in the cold silence of her room, and I closed the door softly behind me with a final click. It was time to face my future, though I was far from ready.
Chapter Three
Flower Moon Rising (Lupine Hollow Academy Book 1) Page 2
