by Debra Kayn
Several seconds passed without either one of them saying anything, or maybe their conversation was muffled by the door. Katie wondered what money her dad left her and why.
"Since you care about her wellbeing and think you know my daughter better than I do, you should find no fault in continuing your counseling with her while she's in school. You can go ahead and take care of Katie," said her mom.
She pressed her cheek to the door. What did that mean?
"You need to go in there and talk to Katie and be honest. She's smarter than you give her credit for. She's going to see what you're doing as abandonment and neglect. By all rights, I could turn you into CPS," said Dr. Conner.
"That's your job, but money buys my freedom. Katie's taken care of, and she's going to get an education. No civil service organization would see a problem with that." Her mom paused. "Remember, I was married to a lawyer. I'm doing nothing wrong."
"You're a sad excuse for a mother," said Dr. Conner.
Her mother's high laughter penetrated the door. "I have no doubt you'll tell her that eventually after you're done trying to fix her and figure out it's impossible. She might only be twelve years old, but she's been a bitch since the day she's been born."
Katie stepped away from the door, her heart pounding. The name-calling was nothing new. She'd heard her mother call her that many times when she was talking to others and thought Katie was out of earshot.
Bumping into the chair, she sat down. She put her feet flat on the floor and clasped her hands together, placing them on her lap.
Her tears dried on her cheeks. She stared at the door. Would anyone come and check on her?
Her mom was sending her to a new school. She would need to leave home. What would happen to Ms. Gray?
Would she be able to see the sandbar and bridge from her window at the new school?
The door opened, and Dr. Conner filled the doorway. She studied him.
He avoided her gaze until he sat down beside her, then his forehead unwrinkled, and he gave a heavy sigh. She knew how he felt. Dealing with her mother wasn't easy.
She was fierce, cold, and could strike out when a person least expected it. How her father loved her mother remained a mystery to her.
Her gaze locked on Dr. Conner. She wanted him to...she had no idea what she wanted, only knew that Dr. Conner would make her feel better.
Her stomach clenched. She really wanted to feel better.
The shock of mother's news wore off, she needed someone to tell her she'd be okay. That going to a new school, away from home, wouldn't kill her.
"One thing in life that we can never prepare ourselves for is when others take the control out of our hands, and we're at their mercy." Dr. Conner leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees. "Katie, you've been handed more than your fair share of heartache, and I know you've been hit with a lot of information that has made you feel as if everything is changing. But I promise you, I will be there for you. I'm not going to let you handle the new changes on your own. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Will you change her mind so I can stay home?" she said.
His gaze remained on her. "I can't do that, but I will drive to your new school and see you every Tuesday and Friday, or whatever days they allow me to come. I won't let you go through the changes alone."
"Is the new school far away?" she whispered.
"Two and a half hours."
She came out of the chair, riddled with worry. "Do you have to go over the Megler Bridge to see me?"
He tilted his head. "Yes. Your new school is in Washington."
"You can't come." She grabbed his hand, panic gripping her whole body. "I don't want you there."
"Katie?" He guided her back to the chair and leaned toward her, squeezing her hands together in his. "Why don't you want me crossing the bridge?"
She pressed her lips together and shook her head. The thought of losing Dr. Conner, who had quickly become the only person who had shown any sign of wanting to be around her, scared her.
Dr. Conner studied her. Frustrated that she couldn't warn him about what would happen in the chance that saying it out loud, even thinking it, would make her fear come true, she held his hand to her chest, refusing to let him go.
She was losing everyone and everything.
He inhaled deeply and looked down at her hold on him before meeting her gaze again. "If I could go to you without crossing the bridge in town, would you want to continue our appointments?"
Her throat muscles spasmed, and she nodded.
"Then, I will go out of my way and cross the Columbia River in Longview," he said.
The air in her lungs escaped. "You will?"
"For you." He lowered her hands and patted them, letting go. "But first, you need to prepare for a new environment."
She sat down and sagged against the chair. "I don't want to go."
"I'm afraid, because of your age, you must." He shifted on the seat and took out his wallet. "Take this, and don't lose it."
She held out her hand and accepted the small white card, reading the front. It had Dr. Conner's name, address, and phone number printed on the front.
"I will have to check with your school to find out which days I can meet with you. Until then, if you need anything, call that number to get ahold of me."
She pressed the card to her chest as if she held on to the one thing that would save her from her nightmare.
Outside, a car door shut, and an engine started. She lifted her gaze and looked out the window. Her mother's vehicle pulled around the circle driveway and headed toward the street. Her throat burned with unspoken anger.
As often happened living on the coast, the winds picked up and rain splattered on the window.
She felt no remorse hoping a storm was coming.
Chapter 6
The small piece of chalk in Mrs. Radcliff's hand repeatedly tapped against the board, echoing in the room, as she worked out the negative number equation.
Katie, lost on the concept of how there could be a negative five, stared out the window. Math was the last class of the day and the end to her official first week at St. Mary's Catholic School for Girls.
She'd learned three things during the week. One—there were no boys here. Even the teachers were all women. Two—the only private time she had was after dinner when she could escape to a small room where she slept. Three—she wasn't Catholic.
"Using the same formula that I've shown you on the board, I want you to do the twenty-four questions on page thirty-four over the weekend, and have them turned in on Monday." Mrs. Radcliff walked to her desk as the bell rang.
Katie gathered her pack from underneath her chair and shoved her book inside. Standing, she waited for the other girls to rush past her, then she walked to the door.
"Katie? A moment, please." Mrs. Radcliff looked up from her desk.
Unable to avoid talking with the teacher, she slowed her steps and changed directions.
"I would advise you to spend some extra time trying to catch up with the others in the classroom. Going from your transcripts, our school is a year ahead of what you were learning in public school." Mrs. Radcliff handed her a packet of papers. "I'll give you some extra time, but I expect you to be caught up by next quarter. Go through each unit and do the tests at the end of the chapter. When you're done, we'll go through them to see where you'll need extra help. The school does have a tutor who can work with you if you find yourself struggling. Make sure you ask if you need extra help."
"Yes, Mrs. Radcliff," she whispered.
"Also, you're wanted in the office before you head to study hall to do your homework."
She nodded and walked out of the room. School was out. Why would she have to do her homework now and not after she had some time off?
All she wanted to do was take off her uniform, put on regular clothes, and lounge on her bed, and not think of the work that needed to be done or the fact that her mother hadn't stayed at home to see her off or called t
o make sure she arrived at the school okay.
Even Ms. Gray had dropped her off at the head office and left. Not only had her nanny left in a hurry, but Ms. Gray dropped a bombshell of an announcement that she was no longer going to be working for Katie's mom, and it was her final goodbye.
She had to rely on the teachers and Miss Brooke, her dorm supervisor, to figure everything out. And, all they'd done is match her up with Kendrid, another girl at the school who lived in the room next to hers and instructed her to ask questions until she was familiar with her surroundings.
Kendrid was okay. She wasn't mean, just quiet, which made it hard to ask her anything.
She opened the office door and stepped inside. The secretary looked up from the computer screen.
"Katie, you can walk back and knock on Ms. Scott's door," said the secretary.
She walked to the hallway and read the name plaques on the tall, wooden doors. Finding the right one, she knocked softly.
"Come in," said a female voice.
She turned the handle and stepped into the room. Her gaze met familiar dark eyes. Elation filled her. The excitement, so rare, propelled her forward. She threw herself at Dr. Conner, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"You came," she whispered, closing her eyes at the onslaught of emotions. "You really came."
He was the only person she wanted in a world full of strangers. She clung to him, swearing never to let go.
His body shifted, and his hands circled her upper arms as he came down on one knee and looked her in the eyes. Warmth flowed from him, comforting her.
"I think you'll like the news I've come to share," he said.
In her excitement, it never entered her mind to hold her tongue. It'd been ten days since she'd last seen Dr. Conner. She wanted to ask if he'd seen the deer and what happened to her bike and if her mom regretted sending her away.
"I've just finished talking with Ms. Scott, and she's been kind enough to offer a schedule where I can meet with you off-campus twice a week," said Dr. Conner.
"Tuesdays and Fridays?" She leaned forward, anxious to hear.
He dipped his chin once. She bounced on her toes. Today was Friday.
"Are you going to stay today?"
"Immediately." He stood and looked over her head at Ms. Scott. "I will bring her to the door of her dorm at precisely six o'clock."
"Very good, sir," said Ms. Scott.
Dr. Conner held her hand and led her out of the office. She hurried to keep up with his long strides. Once outside, she blurted, "That's two and a half hours. School gets out at three-thirty. You really get to stay that long with me?"
"Yes." He walked to the curb and opened the passenger door to a fancy, black car. "Hop in."
His car only had two seats. She slid on the leather, reaching for the seatbelt. When he got inside, he filled the interior with his body. She gripped her bare thighs below the short skirt of her uniform.
In the small, enclosed area, his cologne tickled her nose. Excitement filled her, and she strained against the belt, trying to look over the dash. "Where are we going?"
"There's a park a few blocks away. The weather is nice, so we can find a bench and enjoy the scenery." He glanced over at her before putting his attention on the road. "When the weather is bad, I'll find somewhere indoors where we can talk."
Wherever he took her was fine with her. She was glad to be away from the school and the other girls, even for a little while.
He pulled to a stop beside the curb. She undid her seatbelt and, following his lead, opened the door when he got out. She ran around the car and walked with him across the grass.
Tall trees peppered the landscaping, reminding her of home. She searched the area, ignoring the people walking, and tried to find a river or stream. There was no water, only a tall concrete statue of a man on a horse dressed in old-time clothes like soldiers in a history book who went to war.
"We can sit here." Dr. Conner stopped and pointed to the bench.
She sat, swinging her feet. He took up the rest of the bench and stretched his legs out in front of him.
"School is going okay?" he asked.
She shrugged. "It's worse than Langly because I don't get to go home."
"The girls aren't friendly?"
"They're not mean, but..."
"Go on," he said.
"I don't think they like me."
"They don't know you." He paused. "You're quiet when you first meet someone."
She glanced at him to see if he was making fun of her because she wanted to talk to him, but he kept looking out at the people walking by.
"I don't want to talk to them." She stopped swinging her feet.
"You're talking to me. That must mean you've decided to like me."
"I like you," she mumbled.
"That's good to know because it looks like we'll be seeing more of each other."
She looked at him. He hadn't brought his leather folder. How would he teach her how to fit in with other kids her age and become a better person?
Leery about trusting him, she asked, "Is someone from St. Mary's complaining about me, already?"
"No, there were never complaints at your old school, Katie. Only concerns." He turned toward her. "That's what adults are supposed to do when it comes to the welfare of a child. Most adults do care about children."
"Not for me, they don't." She stood and grabbed his hand, pulling his arm. "Let's walk."
"Where do you want to go?" He stood.
She swung his arm, looking around. "Let's follow the path."
"It goes around the perimeter of the park."
"Have you been here before?"
He shook his head. She tugged him forward, let go of his hand, and walked backward in front of him. "Maybe we'll see something neat."
Dr. Conner followed her, letting her lead him. She ran ahead, stopped, and then continued. There was no wind, no rain, no salt in the air. Only office buildings across the street, sheltering the wooded section of the city.
He spent the whole time with her, walking with her, and observing her. Once in awhile, he'd point out something he wanted to show her. Best of all, he never asked her more questions.
Chapter 7
Kendrid sat down at the round table in the cafeteria. "Why don't you like to talk?"
Katie shrugged. "Just don't."
"My cousin is shy. She's younger than me. I think she's nine years old." Kendrid opened her milk carton. "She's going to come to St. Mary's when she's old enough."
Everyone at the school was in seventh grade or higher. It was like a college for kids because they could only go home on the weekends. Though she stayed at the school. Most of the time, it was just her and a girl named Deanna who stayed behind. Deanna couldn't go home often because her parents lived in New Hampshire.
"Where did you get that?" Kendrid pointed to Katie's wrist.
She turned the black rubber bracelet. "A friend."
"From your old school?"
She nodded, not wanting to tell. Dr. Conner had given her the bracelet stamped 'Be Brave' on it. He'd told her he got it at a conference and thought she'd like wearing it.
"I'll trade my chips for your chocolate chip cookie." Kendrid held her bag of plain potato chips toward her.
She made the exchange. It was easier to do what Kendrid wanted than argue about it.
"Kendrid, sit by us," said Tru, motioning her to come over to the next table.
"I'm eating with Katie today." Kendrid took a bite of her sandwich. "I'll sit with you tomorrow at lunch."
"You can go." Katie finished her Jello cup.
No one usually sat at her table. Once in a while, one of the girls in the cafeteria would argue or be too loud, and the Cafeteria Aid would move them to Katie's table for the rest of the lunch period, but those kids never talked much once they sat down by her.
"Did you finish your science homework?" whispered Kendrid.
She nodded, putting her empty containers on the tray. "I like
science."
They were studying the moon's effect on weather changes. It was interesting. She hadn't known the moon was a magnet to the cycles of the ocean tide.
"I had to finish the last three questions during English this morning. I fell asleep after dinner last night." Kendrid laughed and put her hand up to her mouth and whispered, "I totally forgot to do it while we had breakfast this morning and had to sneak my book into class."
"You didn't get caught?"
Kendrid grinned. "It was easy. I sit in the back of the room. Mrs. Lowe never walks back there."
With nothing to do but wait until Lunch was over and she could get up from the table, she looked around the room. The other girls were talking and had barely touched their food. The only way she could tell who was popular or not was by how many people crowded around specific tables.
She glanced over at Kendrid. The other girls liked her, and she was nice to everyone. Even the teachers called on her to answer questions.
At first, she'd thought Kendrid was shy, but she wasn't.
"Where do you live? You know, when you're not here?" asked Katie, her heart pounding.
She'd never tried to get to know any of the other girls. What if Kendrid stopped talking to her?
"Seattle. My dad's an architect, and my mom has a gallery. She sells furniture from Europe. I have a sister in college, too. She's in Paris right now, though. I want to go to Paris so bad when I graduate." Kendrid wiped her mouth off on a napkin. "Where's your home?"
"Astoria."
"Where's that?"
"On the coast in Oregon." Remembering her landmarks, she added, "By Washington, too."
Kendrid gawked. "Do you surf?"
She shook her head. "The water is freezing, all the time."
"Bummer. I'd like to surf."
The bell rang. Katie picked up her tray.
"Hang on. I'll walk to class with you." Kendrid hurried to catch up to her.
Katie slowed. She wondered if Dr. Conner surfed. There were always a few who wore bodysuits in the water on sunny days.
She hoped not, because surfing was dangerous.
Tru walked in front of her and stopped. Katie almost ran into her.