Ward's Castle

LILA

“I betyou’re ready to go home.” I look up from my book to see Wendy. She’s leaning up against the doorframe. As much as I want to get back to Beau and maybe Mr. Mason, too, it's going to be weird not having her and Carole in my life every day.

“When are you heading out?” I close my book, slipping it into my bag.

Yes, I’m avoiding her question. I’m ready to go, but the reality is I don’t actually have a home in a true sense of the word. This place has been my home for the last two years, and although I’m excited to leave, I’ll miss the security of it. It’s one of the only steady things I can remember having in my life.

“I was actually coming to say goodbye to you now.” I stand from my bed, meeting her halfway for a hug.

“I’m going to miss you,” I whisper. I wasn’t some social butterfly. Carole and Wendy are the only friends I’ve made in my two years here. I never really felt like I belonged. I should be good with blending in with other kids. I’ve done it my whole life, hopping from home to home, but it was so different here. I never fit in.

“We’ll text,” she reminds me. “You could also meet me at college next year. That is still an option.” She gives me another push. Both she and Carole were pissed when I told them I was taking a year off.

“I don’t know.” I release my hold on her. She rolls her eyes.

“You gotta do something.”

“Right now, I just want to see Beau.” Maybe someone else too, but I’m not ready to allow my mind to go there.

“Think he’ll take the phone if he finds out you have it?”

“I’m an adult,” I huff, sounding like a child. Wendy laughs.

She’d gotten me the cell phone. It was one of the rare times I pulled money from my account to get something for myself. Usually, I would spend that money on bribes. The student body had to suffer because of me. Well, not because of me in particular but because Mr. Mason is overbearing. I don’t understand why he doesn’t think I need a phone.

“Well, I don’t think your Mr. Mason believes that to be true.” I purse my lips. Wendy is right. He treats me as though I’m still a child. It drives me crazy but at the same time fills my stomach with butterflies. No one has ever worried about me the way he does. It’s so different from what I’m used to.

“He’ll deal.” I reach over and grab my bag. A company came a few hours ago to collect my things and take them back to Mr. Mason’s place. Now I’m just waiting for him to pick me up. “I’ll walk you down. My ride should be here soon.”

“You can meet my brother.” Wendy wiggles her eyebrows at me as she locks her arm with mine. I give one last look over my shoulder at my bare bedroom. I wonder what kind of room Mason will have set up for me. It will probably be painted pink with dolls on the bed. He thinks I’m still a child.

“He’s picking you up?”

“Yep.” We take the stairs, avoiding the group of girls by the elevator. They still glare our way as I pass. Wendy flips them all off, making me laugh. She truly doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. I love that about her. “Not going to miss those bitches.”

“You think college is different?” I ask as we make our way down the stairs and out the front main door. For the first time ever, no one tries to stop me and ask where I think I’m going. It’s a small taste of freedom already.

“I think it will be totally different.”

“You’d tell me there were unicorns at college if you thought it would get me to go.”

“True, but it’s always been the three of us. It’s going to be so different without you being there.”

“I think it’s time for you and Carole to have some you time.” She stiffens a fraction, peeking over at me under her lashes. “Going to be great for both of you.”

“You think?” she half whispers.

“I know.” I nudge her shoulder. Wendy’s cheeks pinken. It’s about time the two of them admitted they’re in love, and not the kind of love they have for me.

They’ve had to tiptoe around it for so long. I’m not the only one that’s going to be getting a taste of freedom. The two of them will finally be able to show their affection outwardly without being judged by these narrow-minded people.

“We’re still going to miss you tons. At least promise me that you’ll visit.”

“I’ll visit. Hell, I might even need to escape,” I say with a laugh. I have a feeling that Mason is going to be a bit overbearing with rules when I get to his home, but part of me is excited for that too. For so long I’ve wanted to go to his home with him and Beau. The idea of being locked away there doesn’t sound horrible.

“Is he picking you up?” Wendy asks, glancing around the parking lot.

“I think so.”