Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 13-2

"Are you suggesting that we leaked the answers to your sister?" The professors bristled at the implication-an accusation of academic dishonesty that no self-respecting educator would let slide.

"No, I just meant..." Audrey’s eyes filled with carefully calculated tears.

"Having trouble accepting someone might be more talented?" Danielle’s smile held arctic temperatures.

"I’m sorry, Danielle. Mom, Dad, I didn’t mean it that way. Of course, I’m happy she’s so talented. I just spoke without thinking. It’s my fault for expressing myself poorly." Audrey hung her head as tears rolled down her cheeks, the perfect picture of misunderstood innocence.

"Audrey, the very fact you would think such a thing is wrong," Howard said sternly. "How could you doubt your sister like that? Think before you speak next time."

"Exactly," Vivian added, clearly disappointed.

"Apologize to your sister. And don’t ever say anything like that again."

"I’m sorry, Danielle," Audrey whispered.

Their parents’ sharp reprimand hit her like a physical blow. In all her years as the perfect daughter, they’d never spoken to her so harshly. Because of Danielle, she was being forced to apologize. She realized too late she’d moved too quickly, damaging her image in their eyes.

Danielle just gave Audrey a cold glance. She was getting tired of this act-ever since she’d returned home, it had been nothing but fake apologies. How many times can someone say sorry while clearly not meaning it?’ she thought. There must be something wrong with her.

Ryan smoothly intervened to ease the tension. "Danielle can join the incoming class after summer break."

"Thank you for everything," Howard said, leading his family out.

Trailing behind them, Audrey’s fingers curled into fists. ’I can’t just sit back and take this anymore, she thought, her face twisting with malice when no one was looking.

Dawn had barely broken when Audrey appeared in the kitchen. She retrieved milk from the refrigerator and popped bread in the toaster, her movements mechanical and distracted.

"Miss Darling, you’re up unusually early, Skylar said, watching as Audrey barely touched her breakfast.

"I need to go out. If anyone asks, I’m visiting a sick friend, Audrey replied, drinking her milk in one gulp.

In Room 809 at St. Katherine’s Hospital, David faced the most challenging patient yet.

"This damn antiseptic smell is driving me crazy! I’m outta here!" his grandfather grumbled, for what felt like the tenth time that morning.

"Not until you’re medically cleared," David replied, immune to the dramatics by now.