Blazing Academy: Semester One (Academy For All Things Scorching #1) - Avery Song Page 0,20

to work, ma'am."

"Yes. Let us. You go first."

There weren't any footsteps to inform me of the man's departure, but my mind began to sink deeper, drifting into a comforting darkness of its own.

Whoever this Alice was, I genuinely hoped she'd live a little longer to see these plans come to fruition.

Hopeful Future

"Alice?"

The familiar voice tugged at my mind. I wanted to sleep a little longer, to bask in the lull of the darkness, but my dad's soft voice called to me.

When did Dad get here? Is he even allowed to be on the property?

"Dad," I mumbled, but kept my eyes closed.

The feeling of his hand cupping my left cheek made me smile, and I lifted my left hand to lay on top of it. "Dad."

"Hey," he whispered. Something crawled on top of my left shoulder and a second later, I was getting assaulted with licks and nudges.

"Hi, Cyrus," I giggled.

"Woof!" she replied happily and snuggled against me. Finally feeling up to it, I opened my eyes. It had to be morning or something for Dad to be here without my grandparents noticing, but when I glanced around, I didn't recognize where I was.

It took a long few seconds for me to determine I wasn't in my bed at home, but rather in the nurse's office at this new school.

"How are you feeling, red velvet?"

"That's still a weird nickname." I grinned, and looked back into his blue eyes. They were filled with worry, and I promptly continued. "I'm okay, Dad."

Pressing my hand against his that was still on my cheek, he slowly nodded and leaned in to give me a kiss on my forehead.

"You know how precious you are to me, Alice. You'd tell me if something was troubling you, right?" His voice was thick with emotion, and as much as I wanted to lie, I couldn't.

"I know," I replied. "It's just...lately it's been hard,"

He leaned back to look into my eyes. "I...don't think I can handle going to another school, Dad."

He gave me a sad smile, but it wasn't because of my confession. I felt it was due to the fact I hadn't told him earlier. That I'd kept my emotions in, thinking they were irrelevant and would bring everyone around me down.

Even my awesome dad, who did his best from afar to be there for me.

"Why didn't you text me?"

"You don't need to worry about my problems. It's not your fault I'm stuck going to these schools," I mumbled, and let out a sigh. "I didn't do anything, Dad. I tried to mind my own business. To look nowhere but the floor and follow every rule to make sure I don't get kicked out,"

"Woof?" Cyrus snuggled against me again, her soft whimpers made me smile. "It's okay, Cyrus. I won't do anything stupid."

Dad stroked my cheek. "Alice."

"I won't, Dad." He didn't need to say the words for me to see it in his eyes. To see his worry and fear. Now that I was more awake, I could recall my previous conversation with Principal Clover.

She must have told him about it.

"I thought about it, but I don't want to give those bullies satisfaction. To give them the joy of getting in my head and pushing me over the edge. It's hard sometimes. You know...seeing Grandma's sad eyes or Grandpa's frustration. Between us, I sometimes feel like Grandma wants me to live the life she wanted for Mom. To correct whatever errors she made, but...I'm not normal, Dad." I peered into his eyes again.

"I really don't think I'm normal. I've tried and tried to fit in. To follow the rules, and not get in anyone's way. But it's like the world is telling me no. You can't be here or there. You don't fit into this puzzle. I'm tired of trying. I’m tired of trying to be that last puzzle piece that isn't molded to fit in the remaining spot to complete the puzzle. At this point, what is school going to accomplish? I can be homeschooled and still get a decent job. I've made a resume and could start applying. Maybe I'd be able to help so we're not so poor? Then we can live in a better house that the town doesn't make fun of. I'm not sure," I sighed.

"You won't be transferred to another school." He said it like it was set in stone.

"Grandma won't agree to it," I voiced.

"Just because your grandma takes care of you, doesn't mean her decision is absolute. I'm still your father