Chapter 3

Dad did not show up on the day of the math competition.

He said his truck had broken down on the highway, and there was no way he could get back in time.

However, when I came out after the test, I spotted his old car across the street. They were standing next to it.

Ruby was clutching a brand-new teddy bear.

Dad leaned down to speak gently to her. There was a cake box in his hand.

“Don’t be mad, honey. I didn’t mean to forget we were celebrating your first month at school.”

Ruby huffed.

“Then I get you all to myself today.”

“Of course. The whole day.”

Dad did not hesitate.

When he turned, he saw me.

His smile faltered.

“Charlotte?”

He instinctively moved the cake box behind his back.

“I thought you weren’t done till this afternoon.”

“I turned mine in early.”

“How’d it go?”

“Not bad.”

Dad looked relieved and took a couple of steps toward me.

Ruby immediately called out, “Dad, my foot hurts.”

He stopped and went back to her.

“Go ahead and take the bus home. I’ll make something special for dinner tonight. We’ll celebrate then.”

I glanced at the message on the cake.

[Happy first month at school, Ruby!]

Apparently, even something like that was worth celebrating.

“Okay.”

I turned and left.

The results were announced three days later.

I got first in the state. An $8,000 prize.

Starforge Academy handed me an acceptance letter on the spot.

Mrs. Grant was so thrilled she looked close to tears.

“Charlotte, your dad must be over the moon!”

I tucked the prize check into the innermost pocket of my backpack.

“I haven’t told him yet.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? This is huge. Call him!”

I dialed Dad’s number.

It rang and rang. He did not pick up.

Half an hour later, he sent me a voice message.

I could hear Ruby crying in the background.

“Charlotte, Ruby got into an argument with a kid at school. I’ve got my hands full here. Whatever it is, it’ll have to wait till tonight.”

I did not reply.

After school, I went straight to the bus station.

“One ticket to Ashford, please. The 4 p.m. bus tomorrow.”

The ticket clerk held out my ticket.

“Traveling alone?”

“Yeah.”

“Does your family know?”

I took the ticket with a small smile.

“They will soon.”

That evening, Dad came home with Ruby.

She was clutching a brand-new tablet. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying.

When Dad saw me, he seemed to finally remember my call.

“What did you call about earlier?”

I kept the acceptance letter hidden behind my back.

“There’s an awards ceremony at school tomorrow.”

Dad slapped his forehead.

“Right, of course. Is your mom coming too?”

“No.”

He looked relieved.

“Then I’ll be there. I’ll take the day off. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Ruby suddenly said, “Tomorrow’s parent visiting day at my school too.”

Dad blinked. “I thought you didn’t want me to come.”

She looked down and fiddled with her tablet.

“Whatever. Charlotte comes first anyway.”

Dad said nothing.

I studied his face, then asked, “Dad, which one are you actually going to?”

“Yours, of course.”

He answered immediately, but could not bring himself to look at Ruby.

I nodded. “Okay.”

This was his last chance.

If he showed up, I would show him my acceptance letter.

If he did not…

I touched the bus ticket in my pocket.

4 p.m..

After that, Dad would never have to choose between Ruby and me again.