Secret Whispers (Heavenstone 2)

“Our graduate,” Uncle Perry said, smiling.

“Semantha, I’d like to introduce you to Lucille. She was nice enough to want to travel with us to attend your graduation,” Daddy said.

“Nice enough?” Cassie whispered. “ What a sacrifice. She traveled here in a private jet and a limousine. It’s clear what she’s after.”

“Hi,” I said, and she held out her hand very slowly, her eyes scouring my face as if she were looking for some blemish. Of course, I had no idea how much, if anything, Daddy had told her about me and what had happened. Of course, she had to know about my pregnancy, but what details had he told her?

“I’m so happy to meet you, Semantha. Your father has told me so much about you. Congratulations on your graduation.”

“Thank you.”

Because of how hard she was looking at me, I shifted my eyes quickly to Uncle Perry, whose obvious excitement at seeing me warmed my heart and helped me feel more at ease.

“You do look wiser,” he said, smiling.

“I don’t feel wiser.”

“You will,” he insisted.

“You all packed to leave immediately afterward?” Daddy asked.

“I bet she’s been packed for days,” Uncle Perry said.

I laughed and nodded. I didn’t have to say it. He could see in my eyes how true it was. Then I glanced at my watch and looked at the front, hoping to see Ethan drive up. I still felt Lucille’s eyes on me, studying every movement in my face. She was making me feel very self-conscious.

“Look right back at her,” Cassie whispered. “Don’t let her intimidate you.”

I looked at her, trying to be as hard as Cassie would be, hardly blinking.

But that didn’t drive her eyes from me. She had almond-shaped grayish blue eyes that telegraphed self-confidence reinforced with her firm but feminine lips. She was not as pretty as Mother was, but she was very attractive and had a beautiful, stately figure. I hated to admit it, and Cassie certainly never would, but she looked as if she complemented Daddy well. It was easy to believe that people would see them as a power couple. Everything about her said, “I take charge, and I support the man I’m with.”

“I’ll never forget my college graduation ceremony,” she said. “I had partied so much the night before that I nearly fell asleep on the stage.”

“Then how can you say you’ll never forget it? How do you remember anything about it?” Cassie urged me to ask.

“Well, I hope we have time for some lunch,” Daddy said, looking at his watch. “What time do you have to be in the auditorium?”

“Three-thirty.”

“That gives us a few hours. Know somewhere nice not too far away?” he asked.

I thought of the coffee and sandwich shop Ethan had taken me to just last week and nodded.

“Wasn’t there someone you wanted us to meet?” Uncle Perry asked with an impish grin.

“I was hoping he’d be here early, but he had an urgent family matter, and I’m not sure if he’s going to make it,” I said.

“Too bad, but you have me,” Uncle Perry added, offering his arm.

“Should we put her things in the limousine now, Teddy?” Lucille asked. “To save time?”

“Good idea. Let’s do that, Semantha,” he said.

I glanced at Lucille and saw how pleased she was to have her suggestion followed. I led them back to my room. Some of the other girls looked with interest at my family. None of them had much to do with me after Ellie and the others were expelled, so I didn’t introduce anyone to my father. They turned away quickly anyway, showing me their backs and acting more interested in themselves. Actually, they weren’t acting.

“Sorry you had such an unpleasant finish to your school years,” Lucille commented, looking toward the other girls. “I can only imagine how difficult it was for you to have a roommate like that.”

“What doesn’t Daddy tell her?” Cassie whispered.