After that, he turned back to his parents. Each semester, the Oakmont program costs approximately $15,000 per student, in addition to $12,000 for room and board.

Given that I ranked among the top 1% of people in the nation, what he said had me almost vibrating. That was superior to I would've at any point thought, taking into account I generally got scores contrasted exclusively with understudies in The Frozen North, yet this was the whole country!

Then I heard how much the school would cost, which made any contention in me disappear. I wouldn't be able to go. For just one semester, that's more than a car would cost. I didn't know anyone who could afford that, and neither could we.

As the Headmaster said that, Daddy almost spit out his coffee, but the Headmaster carried on as if nothing had happened. However, to be honest, your daughter's extremely high scores... Her score on this test was the highest ever. We would be willing to provide your family with a full scholarship to help them enroll your daughter at the school because of her FICAT scores and my assumption of her outstanding academic performance.

That is an extremely generous offer. You mentioned room and board, which clearly indicates that it is a boarding school,” Daddy said, sounding more like a question than anything else.

That struck me in the head like a baseball bat. Physically and mentally frozen, I returned to the images I had managed to suppress just moments earlier.

I heard someone ask, "Shirley, are you okay?" as the thoughts and feelings kept coming back to me. As I had done previously, I was able to return to the real world and reduce my anxiety.

"It is a boarding school, yes. She would be required to travel to the upstate New York school. We would take care of the transportation, as we do for each student. She would attend school for the entire academic year before returning home for the summer. The first weekend of June is summer break, and it ends the first week of August is summer break,” he replied, staring at me with concern but not asking how I felt.

"That is so far away, and she wouldn't be able to come home for Christmas or any other holiday?" Mom inquired.

Sadly, the Headmaster shook his head. At the school's inception, it was decided that this was a small price to pay to ensure the success of the students because of our stringent requirements. We likewise require an everyday routine of actual preparation. We do not want amazing minds on bodies that are out of shape. We also offer a variety of extracurricular activities to provide them with entertainment and a change of pace. We want to make sure they are happy, in addition to ensuring their physical fitness and education."

"I'm not sure. There is so much to consider here. With a very serious expression on his face, Daddy asked Momma, "Can you give us some literature to look over?"

"Is there an AHG troop? I really like it,” I decided to inquire, not knowing why but wanting something to encourage me. Even though I didn't like the idea of going to a boarding school, I would actually learn again because it was for the smartest kids. Furthermore, there is no way that this one would replicate the previous one.

AHG is unfamiliar to me. He inquired, "What is it?"

I replied, "It's a troop for girls to do fun outdoor activities, learn about God, and be good people."

"We would take care of everything for you. But no, the school does not have an AHG troop. I wasn't really surprised, but I was disappointed. It would have been a school where I could learn something new again, but it would have been a lifeline of hope for me and would have made the decision easier for me.

I also brought some school literature and financial paperwork, both of which are irrelevant to you. Please review the material, and keep in mind that we will cover all costs. Sadly, you need to make a decision quickly. This term has already begun, and new students must apply by next week. This deadline is not for enrollment but rather for their arrival at the school. We hoped to arrive in time to provide her with this one-of-a-kind opportunity, but we barely did. I'll give you some information about our school if it will help you make a decision. All of our students graduate at or near the top of their classes and are accepted to any university they choose, typically with full scholarships. If one of our students decides to pursue a career in the military, they will always be accepted into the appropriate academies and will always graduate near the top of their class. “At this point, there have been no exceptions,” the Headmaster informed us.

To me, what he just said sounded like heaven. Except that it was a boarding school, I thought I might actually be able to learn again. But maybe the kids wouldn't make fun of me or hurt me, and I could learn. Dreams of being at a magnificent school were going through my head, despite what occurred at the last live-in school.

"I'm grateful. Tuesday is today. We'll make a decision for you Thursday morning if you give us until tomorrow to decide. If we accept your offer, that still leaves enough time to travel from Anchorage to New York before your deadline,” Daddy replied.

The Headmaster gave a nod and got up. I appreciate your time and hope you will accept this offer in her best interest.

"It was a delight to meet you, Shirley . He then addressed me, "I hope you will be joining us soon, but it is a pleasure regardless."

"Much thanks to you Mr. Raughlin. It was a delight to meet you, as well," I answered, attempting to be quiet, yet completely screwed up inside with a ton of clashing feelings.

As they left the house, Daddy saw them at the door and waved them good-bye. When he came back, I was still seated in my chair and staring into deep space. Daddy inquired, "Shirley, what do you think, sweetheart?"

I said, "Daddy, I know it’s a long way away and I won't get to come home until summer, but I think I should go," after a long pause as I attempted to overcome my emotional qualms. I would attend a school where I wouldn't always be bored. Even if there are kids like me, I might be able to make friends with them. I had never admitted to them that I had friends. I hoped they hadn't made that tiny error.

For a brief moment, they both gave each other a look. Dear, it will most likely be the most important choice we ever make for her future. Clearly concluding that there was nothing to be concerned about, Daddy asked Momma, "I know how you feel, but what do you think?"

Momma stared at her hands in her lap for a long time before lifting her eyes to me and shedding tears. I hate to say it, but I think she would benefit from attending this school. I put stock in my heart that All Holy people Foundation wasn't the standard, and we both know she's worn here out. She said, pausing to consider her words, "She’s probably ahead of her teacher in some areas, and we never promoted her up early out of fear of losing her social education, which is why we put her back in public school in the first place." I believe she requires this, but only if she feels at ease doing it. I simply don't have any desire to let my child go once more," she got done, through her tears.

As she was saying that, Daddy leaned over to Momma and tightened his grip on her. He also had tears in his eyes. Indeed, we should get on the web and check whether we can figure out what others need to say regarding this spot before we pursue a choice."

Daddy and Momma called me into their room to talk that evening after dinner. Knowing they wanted to talk about Oakmont, I was nervous. I was extremely nervous, excited, and jumbled with a number of other emotions. I wanted to go, even though I didn't want to leave my home, especially for a boarding school, so I could learn again. In my opinion, the possibility of learning was prevailing.

When I entered, they were lying on their big bed with their backs against the wall of pillows against the headboard, making me nervous. Momma investigated at Daddy and there were tears in her eyes once more, letting me know what they'd chose. " She confirmed my suspicions and informed me, "We've decided to let you go, baby, but only if you're sure you're alright with it." She let me hug and cuddle her by extending her arms.

I stood motionless in the bedroom doorway for a brief moment, even though I had assumed they would release me. At long last breaking the daze, I raced to them both and embraced them firmly.

I felt like a dam had broken in me. Fortunately, this time the feelings I had when I was in the previous boarding school did not take over. I gave them a closer hug and thanked them for letting me go.

We really couldn't say no, Angel. It's a fantastic opportunity for you, and parents want their children to have every opportunity to live better lives than they do. In addition, we are aware that you are bored in regular school. Princess, this is your chance to improve. He stated to me, "We couldn't take that away from you."

He assured me, knowing that was how I had felt when they sent me to All Saints Academy, "And I promise, we don't want to let you go." Momma was holding us both as I firmly grasped him.

After we embraced just a tad longer, essentially they cried, Momma sat up. " We must pack. With a task to complete, she said, "It’s a long way from Eagle River to New York." She looked at all the business.

Keep this in mind, sweetheart: keep the voices to yourself. As Momma and I stood up, Daddy told me, "Never tell them what you do." In all the excitement, I hadn't considered that, but Daddy was correct.

I won't, Daddy, so don't worry. I swear by that,” I reassured him.