Chapter 7

If I could have remained in AHG, that would have been nice. I learn new things from them.

Once more, I had to force myself to relax and control my emotions. This was the first time I had admitted that I did not have friends, and now that I did, even to me, it sounded pathetic. I could tell that I was sorry for myself.

I'm fine now. Can we return? I gave Mrs. Chambers and Mrs. Ivers one last look as Momma and Daddy began to leave.

I am grateful to you for your kindness and for providing me with a wonderful learning environment. I said my goodbyes and left.

Mrs. Chambers coughed out, "Goodbye Shirley," appearing to have a sudden dry throat. She appeared to be unable to say anything else.

Even the proper principal heard Mrs. Ivers say, "Good luck at your new school."

I spent the afternoon reading a book I had purchased at the native center, enjoying the illustrations as much as the content. After that, primarily as a means of occupying myself, I went online and read a little more about the material. I was asked nothing about my confession at school by Mama and Papa. They must have assumed that it was over now.

I made it a point to spend time with Ben that afternoon when he returned home. Momma and Daddy joined us for a round of board games and video games. I wanted to make the most of it because it would be our last time as a family for a while. Ben included. We all did. We even mostly got along.

I returned the Alaskan native culture book to my room that evening. Since there were errors in the book, I went back to the internet to find additional information after reading it multiple times. I was in a daze the rest of the time before bed, and I had trouble falling asleep.

Momma and Daddy woke me up very early the next morning and prepared breakfast for me. I ate breakfast with Momma and Daddy because Ben hadn't yet gotten up, and we enjoyed our last time together. I went to my room after breakfast to get ready for the trip.

Momma entered and sat with me inside. She took her time brushing my hair. Momma cried a lot and told me how much she loved me during our many hugs. Naturally, I told her how much I loved her as well, but I was done crying, and I had cried more than I should have.

I will always value Daddy highly, but Momma taught me how to be a girl. Momma probably went back to the kitchen to sit with Daddy after their time together.

The doorbell rang a short while later, while I was still seated at my vanity doing nothing. I guess I wasn't totally sold on going, but I had made up my mind and would stick to it.

It was similar to waking up on Christmas morning and looking forward to opening that one special package that Santa had sent. Obviously, I already knew Santa wasn't real, but Ben and I still played the game. It may have also pleased Daddy and Mommy. They were still able to experience the "magic" of Christmas. I had heard many adults lament the pagan origins of Santa and the Christmas tree, but neither Momma nor Daddy had been harmed in any way. I might learn more about it as I get older and wiser.

Obviously, I had mixed and muddled feelings about this present. I was excited about the prospect of learning, but I was nervous about returning to a boarding school. I had finally come to terms with the bad things that had transpired at All Saints Academy after several years of therapy, and I was now transferring to another boarding school.

When I thought about that, I realized that for the first time in my life, I wouldn't get to open presents on Christmas morning with my parents watching my face. Even at the other boarding school, I didn't stay long enough to miss Christmas, even though that Christmas was very strange because I was so bad.

I had to go through a lot of therapy and a few years to finally allow my parents to get close to me again. I still wish I hadn't told Mr. Radnick at times. I missed him back then because I always thought of him as Gary rather than Mr. Radnick.

I stomped on my feelings before they could get the better of me when I started to cry once more. I had to control myself and never let anyone see me cry again!

I walked as slowly as I could to the front of the house, trying to keep my cool. When I got to the foyer, Daddy was answering the door, and I finally tightly reined in my feelings. Mrs. Trulin and Mr. Michael were smiling as they stood at the door.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Trulin and Headmaster. Will you enter?” They were greeted by dad. Knowing that this was my last chance to back out, I felt a knot in my stomach.

"I'm grateful. The Headmaster spoke with calm certainty, "I don't mean to be blunt, but I trust you have reached a decision," he added.

After taking a long pause, Daddy stated, "We have agreed to allow her to attend Oakmont."

“Excellent. It truly is beneficial. Because of the time she spends with us, your daughter will do well in life. Headmaster Michael stated, "We will likely make a similar offer for your son if she does as well as we anticipate."

"Just give my little girl some attention. I will withdraw her from the school regardless of how good it is if, after the first year, she is unhappy or there are any issues. Ben will come up another time, "Dad replied.

We strive to maintain their solid emotional state. Mrs. Trulin stated, "A student cannot succeed if they are depressed or in emotional distress."

Daddy replied, "That's good to hear."

My anxiety got worse when Ben was mentioned. I had to do a really good job so that I didn't mess it up for Ben if he was going to have a chance at this. He was still my brother, despite his usual annoyance, and I wished him well. I began to shake, both from the prospect of attending a different boarding school and now from the additional pressure to perform well so that my brother could have a chance.

“How soon does she need to leave?” he asked them while still turning to me. He drew me close to him and held me, giving me strength and allowing me to settle down. He gave me the impression that he was just giving me a nice hug, but we both knew better.

Mr. Michael smiled like a lion that had just lined up its prey for the kill. Certainly, that's how I perceived it. The flight is prepared and waiting for us. Headmaster Michael responded, "We will need to leave as soon as we finish the paperwork."

Daddy stated, "I suspected it would be quick."

Daddy said in a voice that sounded sad, "Sweetheart, go get your things while the headmaster and I sign the papers." I turned around and went to my room to get my backpack, my carry-on bag, and my suitcase. Another thing for which I was frequently teased was that, in contrast to most teenage girls, my backpack was not girly.

They'd say, "She wants to be a boy," which was the furthest thing from the truth.

I sat on my bed in my room and surveyed my possessions and memories. After that, I got up and walked over to my bedpost, where my Explorer vest was hanging. As I moved my fingers over the various badges, I considered everything I had actually learned in AHG. Although I didn't learn much in school, AHG had been teaching me skills that I could never have learned in school. That would be missed by me. Additionally, the girls were much nicer. They never made fun of me or attempted to make me weep. They actually tried to include me in the group because they cared.

I turned to pick up my suitcase, knowing that everything must come to an end, and I saw Daddy standing in the doorway. He paused and said, "Sweetheart, I know things have been hard for you," with a catch in his voice. I just didn't know how hard it would be. My princess will always be you. He looked at me with such tenderness and said, "I love you more than life itself."

I ran a few steps to him, dropped my bag, and wrapped my arms around him. This time, I didn't cry, but he did. I felt much better as I stood there holding my dad, and it gave me the strength to do what I knew I had to do. I knew he would be there for me as I boarded my flight to return to the big world, something I hadn't realized before.

Dad wiped his face as we finally parted ways. He was about to wipe mine when he turned to look at me, but there was nothing to wipe. With a small grin on his face, he said, "My strong princess, who doesn't cry."

I just said, "I love you Daddy," not wanting to make him feel bad.

He smiled at me when he replied, "And I love you, sweetheart." He pulled something from behind his back, and his suspicious smile got a little bigger. I have an offer for you. Let's call it a gift for the upcoming trip. He handed me a small box and told me, "Maybe it will help remind you of home, keep you from being sad when you get homesick, and let you know that we will always love you, no matter what."

After taking it in my hands and opening it, I discovered the museum's beloved earrings. This time, I was unable to stop shedding a few tears. I said, "Thank you, Daddy," and wrapped my arms around his neck as tightly as I could.