Chapter 6 There’s Something About My Mother

I turned back to him, my heart racing with anticipation. My mother? What about her? What could he possibly have to say that would change everything? But before he could say another word, Brielle interrupted him.

"Don't bother, Dad," she said, her voice cold and calculating. "She doesn't deserve to know. Let her go, and let's just be done with her once and for all."

My father's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of uncertainty there. But then, his expression hardened, and he nodded.

"You're right, Brielle. Let her go."

I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized that my father was truly done with me. I wanted to know what he had to say about my mother but of what use was it to me anyways? I turned and walked away, the weight of his words and Brielle's triumph hanging heavy over me. As I reached the door, I heard my father's voice one last time.

"Goodbye, Isla. Don't come back."

I stepped back into my room, getting ready to pack my bags.

I packed my things quietly, trying not to make any noise that would alert anyone in the house to my preparations. I was determined to leave, and I didn't want anything to stop me. As I folded my clothes and stuffed them into my suitcase, my phone rang, shrill in the silence.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, wondering who it could be. "Hello?" I said, my voice low.

"Isla, this is Moonridge Academy's receptionist," a smooth, female voice said. "I'm calling to confirm your arrival tonight."

My heart skipped a beat as I processed her words. "Yes, tonight." I repeated, feeling a sense of rush wash over me. "What time?"

"There's a bus waiting for you at the Oakwood Terminal," she said, her voice efficient. "It will arrive at 11 pm. We recommend you be there on time."

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I processed the information. 11 pm? That was late, especially considering I was supposed to be starting a new school. "Wait, can you confirm that again?" I asked, my voice laced with skepticism. "11 pm at night?"

"Yes, that's correct," the receptionist said, her voice unwavering. "Is there a problem?"

Inside, I was screaming that there was a huge problem. It was too late, and it felt weird. Why wouldn't they want me to come during the daytime, like a normal person? But I pushed aside my doubts and tried to sound calm.

"No, no problem," I said. "I just...I wasn't expecting it to be so late."

The receptionist's voice was firm. "We need you to be on that bus, Isla. And please, don't tell anyone about this arrangement. You should come alone."

I felt a surge of fear at her words. What was going on at Moonridge Academy? Why was everything so secretive and suspicious? But I pushed aside my doubts, reminding myself that I needed a fresh start. "Okay, got it," I said, trying to sound confident.

The receptionist's voice was crisp as she ended the call. "We'll see you at 11 pm, Isla. Don't be late."

I hung up the phone, feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me. What was I getting myself into? But I knew I had to take this chance. I had to leave, and I had to start over. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It was time to go.