I climb out the window and grab onto anything I can as I make my way down. It’s the second floor, so it’s not too bad.
My legs hit the ground and I’m about to turn toward the girls’ dorm, when a hand takes hold of my arm, yanking me away.
It’s a guard. Not the one stationed outside the apartment, but another one. Did Mom ask him to keep an eye on my window?
I thrash around to try to free myself. “Let go of me!”
I work out and am pretty strong, but I’m no match for this guard who has muscles twice the size of mine. He drags me to the front door of the apartment. After he rings the bell, Mom opens the door.
The guard throws me into the house. “Caught him trying to sneak out the window.”
“I’ll take care of this, thank you.” She shuts the door and turns to me, “Get up, Damian.”
I stay on the floor, glaring up at her. “Why do you care who I date or what I do? You’ve never taken an interest in me.”
“I said, get up.”
I force myself to my feet. “Do whatever you want to me, but leave Sophie out of it.”
She steps closer to me. “Behave and there will be no reason to punish her. Now, follow me to your room.”
My hands fist at my sides as we climb the stairs to my room. She unlocks the door and gestures for me to enter.
When I’m standing in the middle of my room, she closes it, but before it completely shuts she says, “Don’t try to sneak out again.” And then she closes the door and locks it.
I pace around, running my hand through my hair. Why does she care who I date? We hardly talk and she thinks she can control me?
And why would she threaten Sophie? Sophie is her favorite student. She was always so nice to her.
I always knew my mom was the biggest jerk in the world, but now I see she’s even ten times worse than I thought.
Heading to the window, I peer out. I can see the girls’ dorm from here. Is Sophie okay? I hope she’s not scared.
How do I tell her everything will be okay if I’m not even sure it will be? Would Mom really take away her scholarship just because of me?
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Sophie
I’ve been a nervous wreck and couldn’t sleep at night.
After I came back from Damian’s apartment, I slid under the covers and tried to disappear from the world. I didn’t talk to Raven or any of my friends. I just couldn’t stop worrying about Damian and what will happen to him. I sent him a few texts, but he hasn’t responded. I’m guessing his mom took his phone away.
It really hurts that she kicked me out of the apartment. Like I was some low-life criminal. What did I do wrong? Liking her son? Doesn’t she see what a wonderful person he is? A person who deserves all the good things in the world. Not someone who needs to be controlled all the time.
It’s early and I’m surprised to get a message on the school app. It’s the secretary asking me to go to the principal’s office immediately. I don’t have to be a genius to figure out what she wants from me. And she’s probably asking me to come early so no one will be around and overhear. I don’t get it. What’s wrong if Damian and I date? Does she have a problem with him dating at all or am I the problem?
Raven is still asleep, so I’m careful not to wake her as I get ready and leave the dorm room. It’s so cold out, but it’s not the weather that has me shivering and hugging myself. There’s a gloomy atmosphere, one probably only I feel.
Some kids stroll about, a few going for a morning jog. No one sees the worry and pain swirling around inside me. I can’t stop thinking about Damian and what he must be feeling right now.
How can I know if he’s okay?
I reach the building and make my way to Principal Harrington’s office. The secretary gives me a smile as sheinstructs me to go ahead inside. I take a few deep breaths before knocking on the door.
“You may come in,” Harrington says.
Opening the door a crack, I peek in, “You wanted to see me?”
