While everyone was still processing what Principal Welsh had just said, an intriguing silence hovered over the room.
"My father then protested, "You can't do this."
The principal was firm. "Adam is a scholarship student. He knew the rules. Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do."
Adam stood up. "It's okay, I'll go get my things."
My father stood right after him and blocked his way. "No, you won't."
"Mr. Luck, let him go," the principal said.
My father stared at her. "He won't leave this school, because as of today he's no longer a scholarship student. I will pay for his education here."
Emma and I exchanged happy looks. Mrs. Ruth and Adam, embarrassed, tried to change my father's mind, but no one could make Luke Hollis do that.
The principal sighed. "Either way, he is suspended until Friday, Adam. You may all leave. Mr. Luck, please go to the financial office."
Before leaving, my father looked back at her. "If you show partiality again, I will take my daughter and Adam out of this school and sue you. This is already the second time Miss Ashford and Everett have done something against my daughter and her friends, and you've been lenient. If the issue is money, I have it too, and I will use every bit of it if necessary to make justice happen."
He didn't let her speak again. He walked out, and I followed him until he told me to go back to class. So I did.
Emma was really sad about everything, probably because she had exposed herself.
During lunch break, Chad joined us at our table. We told him everything, and he became furious.
Chad held Emma's hand. "Emma, you have to report that boy."
Emma swallowed hard.
He continued. "Something similar happened once to a girl at my old school. She stayed silent, and the predator found another victim. These guys don't stop. If not for you, then think about other girls."
Emma took a deep breath. "You're right. I'll report him."
I smiled at Chad proudly.
After school, we talked for a bit in the parking lot.
"Why did you talk to my dad, Chad?" I asked.
"Mia, I want things to be serious."
"We can't date now."
I lowered my head.
Chad gently lifted my chin. "I'm not giving up. Promise you'll wait for me? I'll try to convince your father."
He stroked my cheek. I hugged him quickly, but the driver was watching. Then I went home.
Adam and his family were already gone. A familiar emptiness filled the house again: just my dad, Abigail, and me.
I dropped onto the couch. Abigail sat with me, shocked as I told her everything.
"I'm going to check the oven. There's a lasagna baking," she said.
"Yum. I love lasagna. At this rate I'm going to get fat," I laughed.
My father came down the stairs, dressed up and smelling like expensive cologne.
"Honey, you're staying with Abigail. I have a business dinner."
Abigail entered, staring at my father like she was trying to read his soul. He lowered his gaze.
"Dad, thank you for everything you're doing for Adam," I said.
"I just hope he studies," he replied with a smile.
Then the front door opened.
We turned, startled.
It was Emma, crying desperately.
I rushed to her. "What happened, Emma?"
She sobbed. "My parents… they don't want me to report Wender. My dad has business with his parents."
I hugged her tightly.
"My dad said it was my fault. That I should've been careful. That Wender is a man…"
"My God…" my father muttered, furious. "Emma, calm down. Stay with Mia tonight. Tomorrow, I'll call your father and talk to him."
Emma nodded. My dad hurried out, looking tense.
Abigail hugged Emma. "Sit down, I'll bring you some water with sugar."
We sat on the couch.
Emma cried, broken. "I'm useless. My own parents don't care if I got assaulted in that tent. They don't care about me at all."
I couldn't understand how parents could act like that. If I were in her position, my mom or dad would have killed Wender already.
"Emma, you have me and Adam. You saw how he defended you," I reminded her.
Emma gave me a small, sad smile.
Abigail returned with the drink. "Emma, do you go to therapy?"
"No."
"You should. Do you want to tell us how things are with your parents?"
Emma let out a bitter laugh. "There is no relationship. They've never cared."
She wiped her tears aggressively.
"They were never there. Not when I first rode a bike. Not on my first day of school. Not when I got my first period. Never. The few trips we took only happened because I begged… like that lake trip."
She lowered her head. "Worst mistake of my life."
She inhaled shakily. "My mom is twenty years younger than my dad. Obviously she trapped him with a baby. And he's a pathetic old fool who spoils her and forgets he has a daughter. They think money fills the emptiness they leave behind."
She sniffed. "I would rather be poor like Adam and have a mother like his."
Abigail touched her arm gently. "I'm so sorry. But this doesn't define you."
We kept talking until my phone rang. It was Chad.
"I'm taking a shower, I'll be right back, okay?" I told Emma.
She nodded, still crying.
I answered the call in my room. Chad sounded nervous.
"Mia, are you okay?"
I explained everything. He sighed heavily.
"I don't know… I'm anxious. Thinking about you."
"I'm fine, Chad. Don't worry."
Suddenly, a scream tore through the house.
Abigail screamed, "Oh my God!"
I froze.
Then Emma shouted in terror, "Help!"
My heart stopped.
"Mia! What's happening? Talk to me!" Chad yelled through the phone.
"I think something's wrong," I whispered, trembling.
"Mia, lock yourself in your room! I'm going there now!"
But I couldn't. Abigail and Emma needed me.
I forced myself downstairs.
There was a tall man in a hood, pointing a gun at them. They were on the couch, paralyzed with fear.
He saw me.
"Sit down next to them. NOW!"
I obeyed instantly.
He grabbed my phone, hung up on Chad, and threw it away.
Emma cried, "If you want money, take everything! Just leave us alone!"
He laughed darkly.
"Money? I don't need to steal…"
My blood ran cold.
He wasn't there for money.
He was the hooded man who had been watching the house for days.
But… hadn't he been arrested?
Who was he?
What did he want?
Staunton wasn't a violent place. Nothing like this ever happened here. My whole life, people said dangerous things only happened in big cities…
Never had I been this close to death.
A thousand thoughts flashed before my eyes.
Would I see my mom again? My grandparents?
My dad… Chad… Adam…
Even though they were close, it felt like I would never touch them again.