Page 120 of Disobedient Pawn

“Well, I think what we have here is a standard misunderstanding and lack of good communication. Mr. Davies, did you have anything you’d like to add?”

“Only that I’ll be away for Christmas on business, so you’ll need to stay here. I’ve already called Nadia and told her you won’t be visiting.” My mouth fell open as he stood. I didn’t think he could find new lows, and just like that, he kicked me in the teeth when I was already down. “I’ll talk to you soon, Ren, and we’ll discuss your punishment for what you did. I need to think on it. Have a good day Dean Henry,” my father said like he was ending a business meeting.

As quick as he came, he was gone and left the office door open behind him. I stared at it before slowly turning to face Dean Henry, who was watching me closely.

“Am I in trouble?”

“No. I do not police family affairs, only what happens inside my walls. You are free to go.”

I looked around as I stood, and everything suddenly felt more tangible. Reality had finally settled in. My father was worse than I thought, and I was trapped here like an animal tempted to chew off my paw to escape.

Dean Henry called out to me as I reached his office door. “Ms Davies?” I looked over my shoulder at him. “For what it’s worth, I personally feel you used the money on a worthy cause, even if your actions were guided by anger. You may go,” he said, his voice soft and yet still as commanding as ever.

“Thank you,” I said, and slipped out the door.

DECEMBER 16 – FRIDAY 4:10 PM

Ren

Christmas break had officially begun, and even though I was tempted to stay in the art room after class, I was determined to visit my family over Christmas. Well, Lizzy, her mum, and my Aunt were the only family I had left as far as I was concerned.

It didn’t take long before everyone knew about my father’s tantrum or the fallout afterward. Myles didn’t like it, but he agreed to smuggle me off the property to the airport. Vicky couldn’t know anything about my plan, so I couldn’t pack until now. I knew the bitch—who was swinging from my last nerve—would say something to the dean, or worse, hunt down my father. I wouldn’t put anything past her at this point.

I shivered as I walked into the dorm, shaking off the bits of sadness that had clung to me since my conversation with my father. I was going to see my best friend. Nothing could’ve cheered me up more. The elevator seemed super slow as it made its ascent. The door dinged open, and there she was—I just couldn’t escape without seeing Vicky.

“Well, if it isn’t the queen of misfits.” She tapped her chin as I stepped out. “You’re just like that movie where all the misfit toys get discarded into a pile where nobody wants them.” Her lips pulled down in a mocking frown. “So sad, poor little Ren here all alone.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” I said, and Vicky stupidly looked down at her suitcase and then smoothed out her expensive coat. “Your broom…how will you get home without it?” Vicky just glared at me, so I continued.

“Have fun making someone else’s life miserable. I will be happily relaxing without your shrieking voice and bitch scent,” I said, walking away.

“At least my family wants me. I can’t say the same for you,” she called after me.

I didn’t bother to slow down and heard the elevator door close moments later. Normally, a comment like that would bother me, but I knew the truth. My mum had loved me with her whole heart, and even when she was at her worst, she always made Christmas special.

Whatever was going on with my father was bigger than me. He would have hit me if it hadn’t been for Nash, which was so out of character. His entire personality had changed in the last five years. The more I replayed our conversations in my head, the more apparent it was that something was happening with him.

I’d spent those years being the parent and caring for my mum. I couldn’t start that all over again with my father and keep my sanity. Some days it felt like I was clinging desperately to it with my fingertips, and it was still slipping.

“Hey, Ren.”

I turned at Ivy’s cheery voice and watched her waving as she jogged down the hall with Chantry.

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, and any others I missed,” Ivy said, gripping me in a hug. She held me so tight it felt like she would break my ribs, but her joy was infectious, and I found myself happily hugging back.

Releasing Ivy, I hugged Chantry. She’d started to warm up in the last couple of weeks, but getting more than a handful of words out of her was still my mission.

“You two look happy,” I said.

“Yeah, my dad agreed to let me visit my older sister for Christmas since I haven’t seen her in three years. She lives in England, and I’ve never been there before.” The excitement was pouring off of Ivy in waves.

“I’m so happy for you. That’s going to be an amazing trip. What are you doing, Chantry?”

“Going home to visit my family in Japan. My dad is here for business, so he’s picking me up, and we’re flying home together,” she said, her voice still no more than a whisper. I hoped to hell I never had to hear her in a noisy place.

“Wow, Japan and the UK, they both sound wonderful.” I smiled as they stared. “Oh, you want to know what I’m doing?” I waited until the hallway was clear to speak. “I’m flying home to visit my aunt and best friend,” I said softly.

“Does your dad know?” Ivy whispered back, getting in on the conspiracy vibe.