Chapter 17: The Place Beside Me

A Hartwell relative stood during my welcome and accused me of punishing Laurel in front of strangers.

'You could have let her come in beside you,' she said. 'This didn't need to become a public rejection.'

The host paused beside the registration table.

Several students turned toward us.

My aunt stayed at my side.

The relative spoke as though Laurel's place beside me belonged to the family to assign.

I had spent enough years making things easier for them.

'Cassidy,' the host said, 'we can give you a moment.'

'No, thank you. I can answer her.'

I took the spare program from the registration table.

I set it beside my aunt's program.

The two sheets rested together near the edge of the table.

I wanted the room to see my choice before anyone explained it for me.

The relative glanced at the programs.

'You're making a point,' she said.

'I'm standing with my aunt.'

'And Laurel is left outside.'

'Yes.'

My voice stayed level, though my fingers pressed the paper flat.

A student near the front stopped arranging chairs.

The relative faced the people gathered for the welcome.

'Cassidy could have let her mother enter beside her,' she said. 'She chose to make her wait outside.'

My face felt hot.

The accusation had found the part of me that still wanted Laurel to understand.

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