a good thing because if she knew about my nightmares, she’d worry even more.
Kicking off my scuffed white tennis shoes, I switch on the box fan and start to dive headfirst onto the mattress, but my forehead creases when I spot a thick yellow envelope sitting on top of my black comforter. Picking up the envelope, my whole-body tenses. I recognize the sloppy handwriting on the front. It’s from Jenn. She always made the M in my name look like a jagged, lowercase N and she draws a smiley face inside the O.
Jenn’s on the run. She’s not supposed to be contacting me. What the hell is so important that she’d send me mail and risk us both and Carley?
I tear open the envelope to find yet another envelope, though this one is far fancier than the first. It’s white and smooth, and my name and old address in Rayfort are written across the front in flowy black letters. The return address is stamped in the top corner with an elaborate crest of a knight with wings next to it. It’s someplace called Angelview Academy.
In California.
Flipping the envelope over, I’m stunned to find that it’s secured shut with a wax seal. A real seal, with that same winged knight imprinted in the dark green wax. I’m almost afraid to break it, it looks so cool and expensive, but my curiosity is overwhelming.
There are several papers inside, and I unfold the top one first to find a printed letter with my name at the top. As I scan the contents of the letter, my eyes widen and my heart beats faster and faster, until I swear it’s about to burst right out of my chest.
Dear Miss Ellis,
It is our greatest pleasure to extend to you an invitation to attend Angelview Academy beginning this fall semester. Upon review of your transcripts and achievements from your current school, Rayfort High School, in Rayfort, Georgia, we believe your academic and athletic accomplishments meet the level of excellence we look for in all our students. We are excited to offer you the chance to join the AA family.
Angelview Academy is an elite preparatory boarding school beautifully located in Saint Teresa, California, near Malibu. The school has a long, proud history of producing some of the most elite and influential politicians, businessmen and women, and scientific minds this country has ever seen. To be listed among the impressive ranks of Angelview graduates is to be assured success in your life upon leaving our hallowed halls.
We understand, however, that the cost of our institution can prove burdensome to those with limited resources. We do not wish for the burden of cost to deter you from attending our prestigious institution, so in addition to your acceptance, we are also happy to inform you that you have qualified and been approved for a full-ride scholarship, room and board included.
It is our great hope that you view this invitation as a great opportunity and decide to join us for the coming fall semester. We have included the contact information for our Office of Admissions, as well as our Office of Academic Success, should you have any questions.
We look forward to your reply and wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
The Angelview Academy Admissions Committee
I stare at the letter for what feels like hours, certain that this is an epic prank. I mean, how the hell can it not be? Up until five minutes ago, I had never even heard of Angelview Academy, let alone applied to attend. Picking up the crumpled yellow envelope the invitation came in, I study my mom’s shitty handwriting, suspicion narrowing my eyes to thin slits.
This is a Jenn move. Some elaborate scheme Mom has cooked up in her drug-addled brain to try and get in touch with me again to demand money or god knows what else?
But what if it’s real? a hopeful little voice pipes up in the back of my head. What if this is your chance to leave it all behind for good?
I could be rid of the accident and its haunting consequences for good. I could shake off the stain of my mistakes and start fresh.
I’ve always wanted to go to California.
I’ve always wanted to leave Georgia, period.
What if it’s real?
I drop the envelopes and papers back on my comforter and turn for my little desk, where my laptop is sitting. Grabbing the nearly outdated old brick, I fire it up and drop to the floor, my back pressed to my bed. Wisps