Page 18 of You Said I Was Your Favorite

Without a word, I grab my backpack and sling it over my shoulder, turning my back to Matthews and heading for the door.

“You’re going to be okay, Daisy,” he calls after me, his tone soft and I suppose reassuring. “This suspension won’t hurt your record. Not too badly. You’ll still get into a good college.”

If he really cared, he wouldn’t suspend me at all. He’d fight for me.

Without a word, I exit Matthews’ office and find that no one is around. Not even Vivian and thank God, not Arch either. I make my way out of the admin office and walk down the hall, keeping my head down, grateful it’s empty.

I can’t believe this is happening to me.

The moment I’m outside, I burst into a run, heading for the cottage on the outskirts of campus I share with my father, knowing I should probably seek him out first and let him know what happened.

But I’m sure Matthews will tell him. I doubt I’ll get punished by my father for what I did, but I hate the thought of disappointing him. Because he will be disappointed.

I can guarantee that.

By the time I’m in my tiny bedroom and shedding my uniform, I’m crying again. Mad at myself for losing control. Madder still that Arch can get away with pretty much anything, while I’m over here suffering. Dealing with the aftermath.

There’s no point in working hard and trying to get a better grade point average compared to him. He’s got me beat.

At least he doesn’t have a suspension on his record.

* * *

“Ah, Daisy.”

I glance up from where I’m lying on the couch, my dad standing in the open doorway. I must’ve dozed off or else I would’ve prepared better for him returning home from work.

I can see it in his weather-worn face and his tired eyes. He knows what happened and his disappointment in me is written all over him.

“I’m sorry.” I sit up, tears prick the corners of my eyes, and I’m so sick of crying.

The tears come anyway, streaming down my face.

He slowly shuts the door and makes his way into the living room, settling on the edge of his recliner, so he can study me. “Want to tell me what happened?”

Taking a deep breath, I launch into my story, trying not to leave too many details out. He wants to know the truth and I will give it to him.

Dad winces when I mention the mommy issues’ statement. “How did that boy know about your mother?”

I was dumb enough to tell him, I want to say, but instead, I shrug. “I might’ve mentioned it once.”

“You actually talk to Arch Lancaster?” There’s shock and awe in his voice, like I’m referring to a celebrity.

“Only recently.” Another shrug. I’m uncomfortable talking about him with my father, that’s for sure.

“Mmm hmm.” That simple sound is full of doubt. “I would recommend…staying away from that boy.”

“Why?” I know my father is overprotective of me, but he doesn’t tell me to stay away from anyone. He’s always encouraging me to try and make friends but for whatever reason, no one wants to get close to me.

Well. I know the reason. I’m not on their level financially.

“He’s trouble. Wild. Reckless.” Dad shakes his head. “He’s done some things on campus that I’ve looked the other way about, but no longer. It shouldn’t matter what his last name is. That boy is a terror.”

I almost smile, remembering how I told Matthews that Arch was a menace. “You don’t need to fight my battles for me, Daddy. What happened, happened. I shouldn’t have slapped him.”

“He’s cruel.”

“And I should’ve told him so. I didn’t need to hit him. Resorting to violence isn’t the answer,” I say, hating the shame that rushes over me.

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