Chapter 13: The Empty Place at Dinner

My relatives began questioning Nate at Northfield without me in the room.

I stayed in my dorm while my aunt took him to a campus meeting room.

The door clicked shut behind them, and my phone stayed silent.

I had put a bowl of apple slices beside my notes. The first one was too tart, but I ate it anyway.

My aunt had promised to text me when Nate answered.

The first message came while I was sorting my scholarship papers into a folder.

He admitted he asked Daniel to keep Dale's plea file from you.

I read it twice.

Nate had already told me that much. The difference was that now the relatives had heard him say it too.

I set the folder down.

My aunt sent another message.

He said he was afraid you'd leave if you learned the truth.

My thumb pressed into the edge of my phone case.

He had chosen his place beside me over my right to know. He had said so in front of everyone.

The next text arrived after a pause.

Your cousin asked how long Nate planned to keep you in the dark.

I looked at the scholarship papers. My name was printed across the top of each one.

Nate had seen me work for this future. He had still decided what I could bear to know.

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